Video: How to design your own home
Presenter: Angela Elliss (B.Sc. Architecture)
Developing your home design
The home design process can be a tricky juggling act. The nine steps below will teach you the basics of the process that is followed by architects and building designers in the building industry. Follow this process and you will have a better chance of designing a home that functions well and looks appealing.
Tools you will need
- Sketch paper: you can buy purpose-made 'Butter Paper' from an art supply shop, but baking paper works just as well and can be purchased from your local supermarket for around $1.50 a roll.
- A3 Drafting board: these boards are portable and come with a rule that attaches horizontally to the board. It can be purchased from an art or drafting supply shop for about $150.00.
- Adjustable set square: this item is an adjustable clear plastic triangle that is essential in producing straight, angled, and vertical lines. This can also be purchased at an art supply outlet or drafting supply shop for around $30.00.
- Pencil: you can purchase a specialised drafting pencil (clutch pencil) but a standard lead (graphite) pencil will do fine. If you do purchase a clutch pencil buy one with a very thin lead otherwise. you will then need to buy a clutch pencil sharpener which is different from a regular pencil sharpener.
- Eraser: white Stanley erasers are the easiest to use and you can purchase these from the supermarket.
- Rule: you can use a regular rule for drafting in 1:100 scale but if you want to draw your building at a smaller or larger scale you will need a scale rule from a drafting shop. These typically cost $10.00.
Nine basic steps of home design
The nine new home design steps shown above summarise the design process that is taught to architecture students. If it seems a little "full-on" don't be discouraged, it just takes practice. At the very least we hope we have provided you with enough knowledge of the home design process to enhance your ability to communicate with a professional building designer or architect, speeding up the entire process of designing your new home.