Why Hiring an Architect Is Like Choosing the Flagship Phone
Michael Markham Michael Markham

Why Hiring an Architect Is Like Choosing the Flagship Phone

Why Hiring an Architect Is Like Choosing the Flagship Phone

Think about the first time you held a beautifully designed phone — how solid it felt, how naturally it fit your hand, how satisfying it was to use. Now imagine that same feeling every time you walk into your home.

That’s what great architecture does. It doesn’t just look good — it feels right. The way morning light pours through your kitchen window as you make coffee, the way the living room opens to your backyard for easy indoor-outdoor living, the way every inch of space is useful and intentional — it all just clicks.

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The Sweet Spot: Why a Young Architect with the Right Experience is Your Best Choice
Michael Markham Michael Markham

The Sweet Spot: Why a Young Architect with the Right Experience is Your Best Choice

The Sweet Spot: Why a Young Architect with the Right Experience is Your Best Choice

In architecture, experience matters—but so does perspective. Many homeowners feel stuck choosing between two extremes:

The “Old Guard” vs The “Newcomer”

The truth? The sweet spot lies right in the middle. Architects with 5 to 15 years of hands-on experience can offer the ideal blend of technical skill, design creativity, and real-world understanding. At Markham Design Studio, this balance allows us to design custom homes that are inspiring on paper and successful in reality.

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Designing for Real Life — How Functionality Shapes Great Architecture
Michael Markham Michael Markham

Designing for Real Life — How Functionality Shapes Great Architecture

In the world of residential architecture, beauty is only half the story. A well-designed home isn’t just about curb appeal or stylish finishes — it’s about how the space functions in everyday life. The best architecture is a quiet partner in daily routines, intuitively supporting the way people live, move, and connect. At its core, great design begins with understanding how clients truly use their homes.

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Why the Kitchen is the Heart of the Home - And How an Architect Can Help You Get It Right
Michael Markham Michael Markham

Why the Kitchen is the Heart of the Home - And How an Architect Can Help You Get It Right

When people imagine their dream home, the kitchen is usually front and center. It’s more than just a place to prepare meals, it’s where we gather, connect, create, and unwind. The kitchen holds countless moments that make a house feel like home.

A well-designed kitchen is not only essential for daily function but also for enhancing your overall living experience.

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Why BIM is Useful Even If You’re a Sole Practitioner Doing Residential Design
Michael Markham Michael Markham

Why BIM is Useful Even If You’re a Sole Practitioner Doing Residential Design

Many architects assume that Building Information Modeling (BIM) is best suited for large firms working on commercial projects. However, even as a sole practitioner focused on residential design, BIM can streamline your workflow, reduce errors, and improve client satisfaction. If you’re still relying on traditional 2D drafting, adopting BIM could be the key to working more efficiently and delivering better results.

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The Value of Hiring an Architect for High-End Residential Design
Michael Markham Michael Markham

The Value of Hiring an Architect for High-End Residential Design

When investing in a high-end custom home, the expertise of an architect is invaluable. A well-designed luxury residence is more than just an assembly of materials—it’s a carefully orchestrated balance of aesthetics, functionality, and long-term value. Whether you're planning a sleek modern retreat or a timeless estate, hiring an architect ensures that your home is not only beautiful but also thoughtfully planned, structurally sound, and tailored to your lifestyle.

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