Conard Romano Architects | www.conardromano.com
What types of projects do you take on?
We work with clients that are seeking to create something unique and specific to them and who understand how good design can improve their lives. For us, the scale of the project is not as important as the intent of the project, thus we enjoy designing at all scales of architecture from small interior remodels to large new homes.
Has there been a defining experience that has significantly influenced your viewpoint on design?
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I can’t help but be influenced by our climate and natural setting. The range of outdoor experiences, from forested mountains to the ocean shore, inherently influences how we approach design and the architecture we are creating.
You are known for stellar design and technical expertise. What should be considered when creating a custom home?
Careful planning is required, starting with analysis of the site and program, and assembling a strong and experienced team. Open communication within the team allows for the collaboration necessary for an alignment of expectations. And understanding the expectations allows for the planning by the team that is necessary to navigate the countless decisions required in creating a custom home.
Where do you start with your clients?
Our process begins with listening, which continues throughout the project. We don’t put pencil to paper until we have a clear understanding of not only our client’s goals for the project but also the intangibles of how they live now and how we can enhance that through design.
Clients appreciate your ability to offer a balance of innovation and tradition, what does that look like for your team?
We work to ensure that historic principles of scale, proportion, and hierarchy are understood and underpin our designs. Those principles are the guardrails that help create architecture that is authentic, whether the architectural style is traditional or more contemporary.
You prioritize innovative choices about materials, sustainability, and building systems. Are there ideas you think should be front and center in the minds of residential architects?
As architects, we should always work toward using materials and systems that not only minimize impacts on the environment but can work toward enhancing the environment. Understanding the ever-evolving range of sustainable building materials, energy efficient systems and assemblies, and healthier building products allow us to better inform our clients and their choices.
You’ve worked on a variety of residential spaces, what speaks to you about these projects?
I appreciate how unique each project is. We have had the opportunity to work with a wonderful range of clients, each with their own specific vision. I am proud that the design solutions, and thus our body of work, are a creative reflection of our clients without us imposing a firm-identifiable signature style.
What part of the design process do you find most rewarding?
It is the personal relationship with our clients; getting to know them allows us to create designs unique to them.
How do your interests outside of work keep you motivated?
Adventures in the mountains and on the water keep me grounded and inspired.
