Architectural Design Course | Designing a Luxury Home

Lesson 1 – Introduction, context & analysis (18:59). Discover the process of designing a luxury home, starting with site analysis, context, and constraints. This lesson explores balancing design freedom with practical challenges, selecting materials, and leveraging sustainability. Gain insights into creating deliberate, site-specific architecture while preparing for layout and massing strategies in the next steps.

Lesson 2 – Setting up drawings (26:24). Learn the essential steps for setting up project drawings, including sourcing Ordinance Survey maps and commissioning topographic surveys. This lesson covers key considerations like documenting existing conditions, creating site plans, and preparing elevation and street scene drawings. These foundational tools ensure your design aligns with planning requirements and accurately reflects the site’s context.

Lesson 3 – Site planning (20:50). This lesson focuses on creating a proposed site plan using the base drawings and site data. Learn how to identify key planning moves, incorporate demolition layers, and document site changes. These steps form the foundation for developing a thoughtful and context-sensitive design while preparing for more detailed evaluations later in the process.

Lesson 4 – Space planning (31:59). This lesson tackles the complexities of space planning in one-off homes. Explore strategies for balancing diverse client preferences, navigating conflicting tastes, and creating layouts that meet functional and aesthetic goals. Using a practical, experience-driven approach, this lesson provides tools to address these challenges and refine your design process.

Lesson 5 – Precedents (16:13). Take a step back to explore design precedents and draw inspiration for refining your plans. Learn how to select key examples to influence layout and aesthetics, balancing practical needs with creative ideas. This lesson emphasizes using a focused approach to precedents, keeping them concise and relevant to strengthen your design vision.

Lesson 6 – Developing the floor plans (56:17). Building on inspiration from precedents, this lesson focuses on refining the floor plan with practical considerations. Learn the importance of working with standard dimensions, especially in brick construction, to ensure efficiency and precision. Explore techniques for aligning design concepts with construction realities while maintaining a clear and cohesive layout.

Lesson 7 – 3D Massing & design progression (37:18). Delve into 3D massing to test and refine your design. This lesson discusses completing the floor plans, emphasizing practical considerations like circulation and safety regulations. Explore how spatial elements, such as a feature landing and gantry, enhance the design’s visual impact while ensuring functionality in preparation for 3D exploration.

Lesson 8 – Developing the 3D model (01:04:24). Develop your 3D model with greater detail, adding windows, doors, and key features to test design elements. Learn how to evaluate views, lighting, and spatial rhythms using real-time rendering tools like Enscape. This lesson focuses on refining the design while ensuring functionality and aesthetic harmony.

Lesson 9 – Exterior visual testing (29:32). This lesson focuses on using real-time rendering to test the exterior design. Learn how tools like Enscape integrate with modelling software to refine visuals, evaluate material choices, and enhance the overall composition. Gain insights into leveraging visual testing for informed design adjustments and improved project outcomes.

Lesson 10 – Interior visual testing (42:04). This lesson focuses on evaluating natural light and spatial quality within the design. Learn how to assess glazing orientation, ensure habitable spaces receive adequate daylight, and refine interiors for comfort and functionality. Gain insights into balancing natural lighting with spatial arrangements to create inviting and effective interiors.

Lesson 11 – Drawing pack (01:06:27). Conclude your high-end home design journey by reviewing key considerations like form, materiality, lighting, and spatial quality. This lesson outlines next steps, including refining 3D models, adding furnishings, and preparing detailed drawings for planning applications. Learn how to align your design with context and regulations for a successful outcome.

Lesson 12 – Showing off the design (19:36). This final lesson focuses on showcasing your design in the best light. Learn how to select perspectives that reflect the client’s experience, such as entry views and key focal points. Gain insights into creating impactful visuals to communicate the essence of your design effectively.