Revolution Design and Build | Minneapolis Saint Paul Twin Cities

My personal favorite aspect of this whole topic - let's not build more space than we need, okay? And, when we decide to do so, let's think about how we use the space, who will use it, when we'll use it, and how we might combine uses. I'm a big fan of quality of space versus quantity of space. I like gorgeous, effective, useful spaces that are a pleasure to be in - they don't have to be big - just effective. If we decide to add a family room, what are we going to do with the now dormant living room you already have? I may ask you this very question - and hopefully, we'll have the answer; because if we don't, we're likely doing the wrong thing.

Just because your house has unique issues, it doesn't mean they are a problem - rather, they are a challenge - if we can truly utilize the good parts of your house, we can likely make them elements of the solution instead of the problem - that means less demolition, less waste, and more investment dollars put into practical use. Our design process examines these issues and holds efficiency as one of its greatest goals.

And finally, there are smart and informed decisions we can make.

When we choose our finishes for cabinets, floors, walls, counters for example, there are many things to consider. Are any materials considered more renewable than others, is there significant cost (both labor and environmental) to fabricating them, is there anything that we can reuse from the house before we throw it away, are there any similar local products that can be obtained at less fuel/transportation costs, what surfaces have a greater longevity and will require less maintenance or replacement, what materials or products can we use to produce less harmful off-gases? If we ask these questions, we are likely to make an informed decision that takes use, beauty, function, as well as the enviromental impact all into account. In the end, your decision, whatever it may be, will be the right decision for you, and we will support you in it.

Sid Levin, Principal

Rob Aldecocea, Partner