We sat down with architect Dean Ricci to talk about his career, his advice and insights into the current market of home and building design. West + Main has had the pleasure of representing multiple properties that Dean has designed, including the recent Coach Homes at Jefferson Park and Condor Townhomes projects.
Q: How long have you been an architect...and what motivated or inspired you to pursue a career in building + development?
I have been practicing for about 25 years.
I was first drawn to architecture because of the creative nature of the profession. I think It also appealed to me that the process was not absolute and there is not a single answer to any question so you could always keep learning. The fact that something that you’ve designed can be realised and influence the way people live was also a pretty enticing.
Q: It sounds like one of those dream jobs where you get to be so creative and make people's dreams come true, but we know that there must be a down + dirty side, too...along with all of the pretty, exciting stuff, what's the reality of your day-to-day?
The best way to describe the day to day is varied, and no two days are alike. Most days involve some effort on design and design development and some time dealing with the "down + dirty" side, the percentage of each depends on the project type and scale.
On smaller projects, such as a single family house, the effort is much more focused on assisting the client develop their program and the design and less on the administration side.
On the larger multi-Family projects it's the reverse. The methods of construction are more complex and require more detailing.
Securing municipal approvals can take well over a year and construction, with weekly job site meetings and relentless paperwork, can go on for at least another year.
Q: We're familiar with several completed projects in your portfolio, including some of your personal residences as well as bigger multi-family projects, which West + Main has had the pleasure of marketing for sale. Can you share some of your favorites?
My favorites tend to be mixed-use urban projects. These typically have a commercial component on the ground floor and residential above. I like the variety in scale and the way these buildings engage the street. I currently have a few of these in the office now, one under construction in Jefferson Park and another we're just starting design on Tennyson Street.
Also, a few years ago I built a new home for myself and having free rein over the entire process was unnerving but also satisfying so that one has a special place.
Q: As we're all navigating the pandemic and everything that 2020 has brought into our lives, we're definitely seeing people's needs change and evolve...whether they are working/learning from home, needing more amenities, or are just unhappy with how their space is living now that they have spent much more time than usual in their homes. What kinds of changes + requests are you seeing from your clients?
I haven't really seen any specific trend in what people are looking for, just an enormous increase in people wanting to improve the quality of their space and maybe add a bit more.
Q: If you had one piece of advice to leave our readers with, especially when considering a major remodel or a custom home project, what would that be?
Assemble a team that you trust. These are the people that will help you navigate the cost, schedule and quality of the project. There's a near limitless amount of information available with design web sites and television and so much of that information is inaccurate or misleading. It's also important to realize that every project will have its share issues and if you're confident that everyone involved has your best interest at heart you'll be able to take these bumps in stride.
To get in touch with Dean or view more of his work, visit his website.
For more remodel inspiration, visit the first edition of the West + Main Home Magazine.
