Architectural design varies widely from residential to industrial builds — get to know the design diversity.  

Architecture is a beautiful profession that marries stunning visuals with practical solutions that make modern-day living more operable. Each sector of architecture offers its unique benefits to homeowners and business owners alike. But, what is the difference between residential architecture and commercial?  

At Carol Vaughan Designs + Architecture, we provide architectural design in Windsor and all throughout Northern Colorado, serving both residential and commercial architectural sectors. Venture into the different types of architecture in today’s post.

Architecture Throughout the Fields

Great architecture not only solves space issues but it helps communicate a design language that is a work of art in and of itself. Take the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the Guggenheim in New York City, or the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt; these are design feats that usher millions of visitors each year just to stand in their wonder.

Let’s take a closer look at the expanse of the architectural design and how it impacts our various spaces — who knows, you may have a little slice of architectural art in your own backyard!

Residential Architect

If you’re familiar with the Pete Seeger song Little Boxes, he laments about the newly incepted suburbia as this,

“…Little boxes all the same, there’s a pink one, and a green one, and a blue one, and a yellow one. And they’re all made out of ticky tacky, and they all look the same.”

It’s true, much of the homes and neighborhoods designed today are very similar and considered to be cookie-cutter homes.

But this is where residential architects can shine. Many neighborhoods allow for customized homes that boast a unique personal style.

Residential architects work with private homeowners to watch their dream home come to fruition while working within the parameters of local building codes, neighborhood covenants, and HOAs. It’s important to work with the local codes and regulations, and for a homeowner, this may seem restrictive, but this is where the expertise of a residential architect can come through. They’re able to get creative and only see the restrictions as an obstacle to work around — you can still have a chic and personalized home even within the regulations.

While custom homes are more of a rarity than the norm in residential architecture, you’ve probably noticed some. Their interiors and exteriors bring the wonder as they set an aesthetic tone that adorns the surrounding environment.

One of the most renowned architects of our time is Frank Lloyd Wright. He crafted wildly beautiful homes for private clients throughout the unassuming Midwest — and as a homeowner, you have this opportunity with a residential architect.

Elements residential architecture embodies:

  • Safety – These buildings require an architect to not only add a design element, but they have to pay close attention to requirements and safety codes. It’s crucial that the homeowner can live safely within the dwelling and it is stable enough for people to live.

    • Plumbing
    • Electrical
    • Stairs
    • Attics
    • Basements
  • Comfort – Comfort is essential in a home — not only does it have to look amazing, it needs to flow with the needs of the homeowner.

    • Function
    • Aesthetics

Residential architecture is just one area of architectural design, so there is much more to cover! Stay tuned for our second part where we examine commercial and industrial architecture, in addition to green design and interior design.

Partner with the leading Windsor architects at Carol Vaughan Designs + Architecture!

If you’re in the dreaming stage of your new custom home or have a commercial project in the works, connect with us and help bring your ideas to life!