Emotional Power.
When it comes to home design, we often think about practical elements—layout, flow, and functionality. But at the heart of every design decision is something much more profound: emotion. As architects, we don’t just create buildings; we create spaces that people connect with on a personal level. And that connection is often driven by emotion.
I’ve seen it time and time again with clients. They come to me with ideas, sometimes vague, sometimes specific. But when we start to dig deeper, what I uncover isn’t just a list of wants and needs. It’s a vision for their lives, a desire for a space that truly reflects who they are. They want a home that makes them feel comfortable, safe, and inspired. They want a place where they can live their best lives.
Take, for example, a project I worked on a few years ago. A couple, both working professionals, wanted to extend their home. On the surface, it seemed simple—a larger kitchen, a more open-plan living space. But as we talked more, I realised that what they really wanted wasn’t just a bigger space. They wanted a place where they could come together as a family, share meals, and create memories. The kitchen wasn’t just about cooking—it was about connection. That emotional need became the foundation of the design. And when the project was complete, they told me it was more than they had ever imagined, not just because the space was larger, but because it was a place that truly felt like home.
This is where the emotional side of architecture comes in. People don’t just hire an architect to create a functional space—they hire us to help them craft a space where they’ll feel at peace, inspired, and connected. And as an architect, that’s one of the most powerful parts of the job.
And as I read that back, I think I’ve described why you would appoint an architect rather than a builder or an architectural technologist to design your extension. The emotional side of home design isn’t their domain. It’s ours. Spending a bit more time and money up front to work with an architect will add value to your life for many years to come.
But how do we, as architects, tap into these emotions? More than making things look good, it requires understanding the people who will inhabit the space. What are their needs, and what are their values? What makes them feel at ease? What emotions do they want to experience when they wake up in the morning, sit down to dinner, or entertain friends? These are the questions I ask when working on a project because they unlock the potential to create a space that resonates emotionally.
The emotional power of home design doesn’t just stop with the clients. It extends to us as designers, too. There’s something deeply fulfilling about creating spaces that affect people’s lives in such a meaningful way. I remember the countless hours spent sketching, brainstorming, and problem-solving. These moments remind me that architecture, even a small remodel, isn’t merely building—it’s connecting with people on a deeper level, creating something that truly reflects the human experience.
I’m always eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions on the topics discussed. You will always find me at carl@carlarchitect.co.uk.
All the best
Main Image credit: Running toward clarity: a path to fresh beginnings.