In isolation, architects are putting their own designs to the test

They are finding flaws in their designs and dreaming up ways to get through quarantine

William Duff, founder of San Francisco firm WDA
William Duff, founder of San Francisco firm WDA

Architects are spending a lot more time at home and it’s giving them a new perspective on design.

For architects who designed their own homes, stay-at-home orders mean they’re putting their own designs to the test. Some are thinking of making changes, according to the Wall Street Journal.

William Duff, founder of San Francisco firm WDA, designed his own home around large open communal spaces. It wasn’t until he was forced to work from home beside his wife and two children that he realized the open floor plan allowed sound to bounce across the house, making phone calls and video conferences difficult.

He’s forced to take calls and work in his isolated basement. Cooking at home more often has him thinking of expanding his kitchen and food storage.

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Architect Marlon Blackwell wants to build a separate structure on his Arkansas property for family members to use when they need some space from the rest of their clan.

The realities of pandemic living have inspired others to dream up new amenities for future projects. Tucson, Arizona-based architect Rick Joy is exploring a no-contact delivery system, something like a mailbox with two open ends for food delivery drivers and the like to drop deliveries without having to come into contact with residents.

“I know my clients are going to ask for that in the future,” he said. [WSJ]Dennis Lynch