Designer Sketch: Jean Dufresne
Jean Dufresne of SPACE Architects + Planners at Chicago knew he wanted to become an architect if he was only a child, begging his mother to go to open houses in his area. A love for building homes has certainly been there since the beginning, but more importantly, he loathed the long-lasting impact his layouts have on customers and the relationships that blossom out of his endeavors.
“We spend so much time with the family, talking about the kids, play places, house offices and in-law suites, that we become a part of their family,” says Dufresne. “I knew we’d hit a home run with a project the day a client sent us an email in the shipping room announcing the arrival of his new baby girl”
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SPACE Architects + Planners
What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on now?
We’re working on a house addition for a customer’s summer house in Michigan. They want to enhance it and enlarge it to make it a 12-month escape.
It will be challenging and also a unique opportunity to operate on a bigger site. We’re utilized to Chicago lots and operate within a more rural vernacular.
When did you know you wanted to design homes?
Once I was a little boy, I’d drag my mother to open homes in our home and choose the brochure plans home to change them redesign the house.
Which iconic architect would you love a opportunity to utilize?
Glenn Murcutt, an Australian architect
SPACE Architects + Planners
What inspires your designs?
Our customers are our inspiration. I feel that being a fantastic architect is all about being a fantastic listener. We never impose our style onto our customers. It is about responding to and solving the issue at hand.
Where is your go-to place for inspiration?
Trips to Europe and walks through Andersonville and the Renegade Art Fair.
Where on earth do you want to go next?
For travel, I Wish to go to Asia. For design, I wish to return to Scandinavia. I really like the combo of warmth and aesthetic.
SPACE Architects + Planners
Can you still draw, or is everything on the computer now?
I draw. All architects need to know how to draw by hand. Several clients won’t be able to comprehend floor plans or alternative architectural drawings. It’s up to us to sketch and also represent to them exactly what we are talking about.
Applications like also help. We can scan for comparable conditions or thoughts and show them to the client for reference. The key is to make sure clients understand the language of drawings and plans. We’re the interpreters of their thoughts. We make certain the client is known and that the contractor understands what to build.
Who’s among the favorite artists?
Mark Ryden. His paintings and drawings are all unique and stunning. They frequently make people uncomfortable. I like that in art.
The most significant thing on your desk is…
The picture of my husband. He’s my biggest fan and most powerful supporter. I would not have gotten so far without his support.
What’s your favorite traditional furniture bit?
The Saarinen Tulip chair and table set in my great-aunt’s home.
SPACE Architects + Planners
If you could change one thing about home layout it would be…
The need for more of what along with the continuous consideration for resale value. So many homes are overbuilt. The McMansion serves no functions but one of ingestion. Several of our customers will talk of resale value as a determining factor in their design choices. It’s a legitimate consideration if they plan on staying at the house for over five decades. But for any family wanting to invest in a house for five-plus decades, all decisions and choices should be created for them, because of their loved ones and the way in which they live. In seven to 10 decades, should they market, someone purchasing the property is going to do the same thing they are doing: They will remodel, alter the dated kitchen and update the baths.
What’s your favorite new website?
Bubble and Squeak
What’s your favorite up-and-coming design firm?
Ted Harris. He also designs the many unique and beautiful lamps.
Your ideal client is…
A client who’s receptive to new thoughts, is willing to explore many different choices and is honest about what they want for and hope. Layout is about emotion and feeling a whole lot more than it is about sizes and specific components. I love a client who can talk about wants and fantasies and with whom I can communicate openly and creatively.
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