Dear Mr. Architect,

I would like to clarify a few things that you may have misunderstood during the design process. Please don’t get me wrong. In general we are very pleased with the house, ummm, I mean… “living-experiment”, (Did I get that right?) We’re just a little concerned about our marriage.

Granted, we said we wanted an “open” and “airy” bathroom, however, my husband and I do not enjoy showering in full view of our neighbors. The guy next door will not stop calling me. He also seems to have purchased a telescope. We would like to install blinds. Could you recommend a manufacturer? Would some kind of curtains work? Please advise.

Also, remind me why we shouldn’t have furniture in the Living Room, (I think it’s the room labeled “contemplation space” on your plans)? My husband has moved the flat screen into the space, and would like somewhere to sit while he’s watching his “stories”. Was there something about an “axis” that we were supposed to be aware of? We want to make sure to locate any furnishings in the proper orientation. Also, would a love seat be appropriate in this space? My husband says it might be too decorative, but it’s on sale at Macy’s. Please advise.

The children really seem to enjoy the connection between inside and outside spaces, particularly, the removable walls in their “sleeping-pods?” But, shouldn’t there be a railing there when the walls retract? I mean it is on the 3rd floor, and Timmy is only 2, and we haven’t seen the cat for a few days, and are those plants down there really spikey? or is that normal? My husband has wrapped bubble wrap around Timmy temporarily, but that’s a short term solution. The bubble wrap is clear, if that’s important. Please advise.

Did we mention that we have a car? We must have… I mean we actually “drove” to your office that first day, right? But, it seems like the only place on the site to park the car is that wide spot with the crushed granite pad, next to the summer cottage by the pond on the adjacent lot? It’s a nice spot, but it’s a few hundred yards away from the kitchen door. My husband likes to buy the 32 oz. cans of San Marzano tomatoes. He makes his own marinara. I think we mentioned that, right? He loves to cook. But, his arms are getting sore. Can we park a little closer? Please advise.

Hold on, My husband is waving a can of tomatoes at me,…

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Ok, right, One last thing… the kitchen?…. where is that again? Please advise.

Your enthusiastic clients,

Mr. & Mrs. J. Brown

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As you were, { Coffee with an Architect }

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photos are from seier + seier’s photostream on Flickr (used under creative commons license)

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