As an architectural designer, I am inspired by a statement I once read: “appropriate restraint”. I believe a home should provide a simple living environment – thoughtfully designed using quality materials. My respect for human scale, material selection and function are reflected in detailed drawings that are then shared in a collaborative environment with the homeowner. Four decades of building experience supports me when communicating my design intent with the builder – a proven formula.
– Leonardo Da Vinci
Have you ever wondered why some rooms or homes “feel better” than others? These spaces exist in harmony with their surroundings and seem to “fit in”. They cost no more, but have a much greater value, and are a pleasure to live in. The formula is not complicated. All homes or buildings have a generator. Good architecture can be self-made when existing details and natural factors such as orientation, light and existing amenities are given careful consideration. As the design grows, these features must be recognized and sensitively blended together with quality materials and human scale. Good architecture lives in thoughtful vision and details.
Good architecture requires quality materials. I believe time tested material that endure is synonymous with “natural” material. The correct selection of natural material, timely maintained can age gracefully. While there is an emphasis on “maintenance free” material, my years of experience have taught me nothing in “maintenance free” but some materials are more “rot resistant”. Engineered material have their place and when carefully blended with natural materials you can have the best of both worlds. Properly installed, this blend of material will remain stable and age gracefully in a way that I find pleasing. Built to last; is beauty.
My thoughts on function is simply the correct placement of rooms, cabinets, windows, doors and stairs so they facilitate the flow of everyday living. While this may sound easy, it can be quite challenging and “simple” does not mean plain. Blending the aesthetic details of an architectural design with function, when executed properly should be very harmonious and sometimes anonymous. Living in these spaces should be easy. As a critic once wrote about the 20th century artist, Maynard Dixon, “he distilled or removed completely all nonessential elements”. I believe this concept to be a strong foundation from where to start a design, and then add to that, details reflecting your client’s personal lifestyle.
– Freeman Thomas
David Sutphen, founder of DSD, has been designing and building for many years. It is evident he brings his knowledge of building to his designs. Today, quietly, but with purpose, David continues to provide homeowners with creative, functional designs that are easy to understand and builder-friendly. His trademark is the interpretation of the project site or existing structure guiding his design approach and the use of natural material as a part of the architectural detail.
As DSD has grown and evolved, so has David. His legacy of restoration continues but now includes the importance of “living small”. He draws on this passion to design smaller and unique spaces – including pool houses, studios and barns. His repurposing of existing structures is always an exciting challenge and there is great satisfaction in saving a building from the landfill. “Build what you need and use what you build.”
