Olivia Jordan

Our Home Project: My First Architecture Design

I have been working on my first architecture project for some time now, and it has been an ongoing journey of learning and experimentation. The project began with a simple idea: exploring how to design our family’s home on an unusually shaped lot. Over time, I created multiple versions of the design, each one teaching me something new about space, light, and function. (Floorplans)

Our lot is a right trapezoid, which made designing a house both challenging and exciting. Each iteration of the floor plan helped me understand how to make spaces feel cohesive despite the irregular shape. I experimented with circulation, room placement, and natural light, learning how small changes can make a big difference in how a space is experienced.

In the earliest versions, I focused on fitting the house into the lot and understanding basic room layouts. Later iterations focused more on improving the flow between spaces, maximizing daylight, and creating a more intentional sense of movement through the home. I also explored how dividing or reorganizing certain areas, such as the garage or bedrooms, could improve balance and livability.

While the house has not been built yet, this project has already taught me a lot about architectural thinking. I know that a professional architect will review and refine the design, and I am looking forward to learning from their experience. I hope to understand how professionals approach real-world constraints, construction feasibility, and design solutions that I might not have considered.

This project has shown me that architecture is more than drawing attractive buildings. It is about understanding constraints, thinking about how people will live in a space, experimenting with ideas, and learning from each version. Each iteration of my design has made me more curious about how architecture can blend creativity with function, and it has inspired me to continue learning from both my own work and the expertise of professionals.