Ideas are where all architecture begins. They come from the vessel of our collective built and social histories, experiences and dreams. At Ashokan, we strive to foster, understand and breathe life into ideas, turning them into physical constructs that succeed in fulfilling essential goals.

The concept and design phase represents the beginnings of an architectural project. Many factors are considered, prioritized and diagramed: what uses will the house contain and enable? How will these spaces be used? What are the site characteristics? What are the homeowner's tastes and preferences? The list goes on, and it is our charge to translate these facts and directions into the creative realm of design. Within the profession, this Schematic Design phase generally produces hand sketches that are loose in nature, refining as the process evolves from a conceptual seed into a preliminary design. Basic functional and spatial relationships are established, site orientation is addressed, and the general "flow" of the house is determined.

During this phase, clear communication between the homeowner and architect is critical. We will want to know everything we can about your dreams and expectations for your home, and work closely with you to assure the initial concepts we develop are based on your needs.