Do you really need an architect for your custom home?

Have you ever wondered what your custom home will actually feel like before the first wall is framed?In this episode of By Design, hosts Jack Baldwin and Kalyn Kight of Reynard Architectural Designs sit down with Mary Atchley, co-founder of Walk Your Plans Atlanta. We dive into the game-changing technology of life-sized floor plan visualization. Mary shares how they use state-of-the-art projectors in their 6,000-square-foot Roswell warehouse to project architectural plans at a 1:1 scale, allowing clients to physically walk through their future homes.From catching crucial door-swing issues to feeling the true scale of a kitchen island, we discuss how experiential plan walking accelerates decision-making and unlocks real emotional connections to a space. We also tackle the ultimate question of where to start your custom build, the importance of a "vision statement," and the latest timeless design trends—like the rise of the scullery and the evolution of the open floor plan.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment below about what room you'd want to "walk" first!⏱️ Chapter Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction & Welcome Mary Atchley 00:01:42 - The Genesis of Walk Your Plans Atlanta 00:03:29 - What is a Life-Sized Floor Plan Walkthrough? 00:06:47 - Experiencing Flow & Function Over Aesthetics 00:08:34 - Designing for Tomorrow: Aging in Place & Multigenerational Living 00:11:50 - Architect vs. Builder: Where Should You Start? 00:15:02 - Why You Need a Vision Statement for Your Custom Home 00:16:29 - Timeless Home Trends: Sculleries, Neutral Exteriors & Nuanced Floor Plans 00:22:09 - The Emotional Impact of Truly Seeing Your Plans 00:26:12 - Teaser: The Augmented Reality (AR) Visor Experience! 00:27:04 - How to Connect with Walk Your Plans Atlanta🔗 Connect with our Guest:Walk Your Plans Atlanta Website: walkyourplansatlanta.com Email: [email protected] Social Media: Search for @WalkYourPlansAtlanta on your favorite platforms!🏗️ About By Design & Reynard Architectural Designs:By Design is your go-to podcast for navigating the custom home building and architectural process. Hosted by Jack Baldwin and Kalyn Kight of Reynard Architectural Designs, we bring you insights, expert interviews, and practical advice for bringing your dream home to life.⁠💻 Website: Reynard Architectural Designs https://reynard.design 🦊🏡 ⁠📸 Instagram ⁠  / reynard.design  📘 Facebook⁠   / reynarddesign  📌 Pinterest   / reynarddesign  ▶️ YouTube⁠    / @reynarddesign  

In this episode of By Design, the team gets together to take a virtual tour of "Winding Ridge," https://www.reynard.design/winding-ridge-blairsville-gaA breathtaking modern mountain home nestled in the North Georgia mountains. James Knight (lead home designer) and our lead photographer Kalyn break down the design process, the architectural choices, and the creative angles used to capture this custom 5,800+ square foot retreat. From soaring scissor-truss ceilings to dual kitchen islands and epic drone views over Lake Nottely, ride along as we explore how a 2024 design became a stunning 2025 reality!Located in the beautiful Highland Park community of Blairsville, GA, this custom home perfectly balances modern farmhouse aesthetics with the rugged, natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our designer James Knight shares his insights into the structural design—including a clever money-saving trick for massive window walls—while our photographer Kalyn talks about what it takes to capture the perfect drone shot of that incredible lake and mountain view.🏡 House Specs & Highlights: Location: Highland Park, Blairsville, GA (with views of Lake Nottely!) Size: 5,808 heated sq. ft. across three levels Bedrooms: 5+ bedrooms, including a spectacular vaulted in-law suite above the garage Key Features: A massive open-concept living area with 12/12 pitch ceilings, a unique double-island kitchen for entertaining, custom-lit angled dormer bookshelves, and a fully finished walk-out basement.⏱️ Chapter Markers: 0:00 - Welcome & Catching Up with the Team 2:09 - Introducing Winding Ridge & Epic Drone Shots 3:01 - The Grand Foyer, High Ceilings & Scissor Trusses 4:18 - Kitchen Details: Double Islands & Entertaining Setup 5:04 - The Breezeway & The Vaulted In-Law Suite 6:16 - Pro Architect Tip: Window Placements & Saving Money 7:22 - Exploring the Fully Finished Walk-Out Basement 8:05 - Capturing the Perfect View: Lake Nottely & The Mountains 9:37 - Overcoming Design Challenges & Client Collaboration 13:01 - Final Square Footage, Layout Specs & Wrapping Up⁠💻 Website: Reynard Custom Homes⁠ https://reynard.design 🦊🏡 ⁠📸 Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/reynard.design/📘 Facebook⁠ https://www.facebook.com/reynarddesign📌 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/reynarddesign/▶️ YouTube⁠ https://youtube.com/@reynarddesign #CustomHomeTour #MountainHome #BlairsvilleGA #Architecture #HomeDesign #ReynardCustomHomes #ModernMountain #TimberFrame

In this episode of By Design, the team from Reynard Custom Homes—Jack Baldwin, James Knight, and Kalyn Kight—takes you behind the scenes of their recent Bronze Award win from Design Skills magazine. We provide a real-time reaction to the drone footage and interior walkthrough of one of our most challenging and meaningful projects to date: a stunning retreat in Talking Rock, Georgia.In this episode, we discuss: Engineering the Impossible: How we anchored a four-level home onto a near-vertical 45-degree slope. Why this home looks like a modest one-story cabin from the driveway but opens into a massive, luxurious forest retreat on the creek side. Moody Mountain Interiors: A look at the "treehouse vibe," featuring dark forest greens, gold hardware, and creative "getaway" nooks. The Last-Minute Loft: The architectural "gymnastics" required to add an entire loft level while the home was already being framed. Outdoor Living Reimagined: From live-edge viewing counters to high-altitude deck hammocks and "storm-chasing" photography. A Personal Tribute: The emotional backstory of how this home became a place of healing and togetherness for the family.Whether you are an aspiring architect, a fan of Mountain Modern design, or curious about the logistics of building on steep terrain in North Georgia, this episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of art, engineering, and emotion. 0:00 — Introduction & Greetings The team catches up and introduces the project location: Talking Rock, Georgia. 0:45 — The Bronze Award Winner Discussing the Design Skills magazine award and the international competition they faced. 1:35 — Site Overview: The Creek & The Drone Shot A look at the property’s natural boundary and the initial aerial perspective. 2:20 — Photography Strategy & Interior Vibe Kalyn explains the "moody treehouse" aesthetic and how the interior design complements the architecture. 3:45 — Small Moments: Nooks & Getaway Spaces A look at the reading benches and quiet corners designed for reflection. 4:38 — Engineering a 45-Degree Slope James dives into the structural challenges of building on a steep mountainside and the massive foundation required. 6:42 — The Lower Levels & Elegant Bunk Rooms Touring the basement guest suites and ensuring natural light reaches the bottom floors. 7:17 — The Last-Minute Loft The story of how the loft was added during the framing stage and the engineering gymnastics required to make it fit. 8:17 — Outdoor Living & The Storm Squall Capturing the outdoor fireplace, live-edge counters, and a lucky weather event that added to the ambiance. 9:04 — The Black Exterior Debate Why they chose a dark palette to blend into the landscape. 10:04 — "The Mullet House" Reveal The origin of the nickname: Business in the front (one story), party in the back (four levels). 10:45 — Defining "Mountain Modern" Style Breaking down the architectural style—balancing elegance with rustic mountain elements. 13:11 — A Personal Tribute The emotional backstory of the build and how it became a place of togetherness for the family. 13:50 — Unique Features: Hammocks & Corrugated Wood A look at the high-altitude deck netting and the specific paneling used in the hallways. 15:55 — Challenges of Shooting in the Trees Kaylin discusses the difficulty of drone flight in a dense forest and lighting a black house. 17:31 — The Stair Myth Explaining the entry-level layout and why the house is more accessible than it looks from the back. 18:41 — Final Thoughts & Future Projects Closing remarks on the award and a teaser for upcoming shoots in Savannah.⁠💻 Website: Reynard Custom Homes⁠ https://reynard.design 🦊🏡 ⁠📸 Instagram ⁠https://instagram.com/reynardcustomhomes ⁠ 📘 Facebook⁠ https://facebook.com/reynardcustomhomes ⁠ 📌 Pinterest https://pinterest.com/reynardarchitect/ ⁠ ▶️ YouTube⁠ https://youtube.com/@reynarddesign

In this episode of the "By Design" podcast, Kalyn, James and Jack take you inside the design process of the Thompson Creek project—a stunning modern, contemporary home located in Hampton, Georgia. We break down how our clients transformed a flat piece of land into a sleek, minimalist sanctuary for a family of four. From the unique "boxy" exterior to the double-height living spaces flooded with natural light, this home challenges traditional styles. In this episode, we cover: The transition from traditional to modern "boxy" architecture. How to achieve a flat-roof look using metal roofing. Designing for natural light with fixed windows vs. sliding doors. The pros and cons of clients acting as owner-builders. Here is the content formatted specifically for Podcast Show Notes and a YouTube Video Description.Best for Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and audio-first platforms. This format prioritizes quick readability on mobile devices.Episode Title: The Thompson Creek Project: Designing a Modern Family Home in GeorgiaEpisode Description:The "By Design" team is back! Join Jack, James, and Kalyn as they break down the Thompson Creek project—a stunning modern, contemporary home located in Hampton, Georgia.The trio reflects on the design journey that began in July 2022, discussing how they collaborated with a family of four to bring a sleek, "boxy," and minimalist vision to life. From navigating cost-saving measures to the unique challenges of owner-managed interior design, this episode covers the nuts and bolts of building a custom modern home.In This Episode, We Cover:🎙️The Aesthetic: Moving away from tradition with flat roofs, mixed materials, and a minimalist silhouette.The Layout: A strategic floor plan featuring a downstairs master suite, three upstairs bedrooms, and a bridge connecting the spaces.Interior Highlights: How double-height ceilings and fixed windows created a light-filled, open sanctuary.The Client's Role: How the homeowners acted as general contractors and interior designers to personalize the build.Timestamps:(0:40) Introduction to the Thompson Creek Project(1:50) Defining the Modern & Contemporary Style(3:23) Floor Plan & Layout Strategy(4:20) Exterior Materials & Roof Design(8:12) Interior Architecture: Light, Height & Bridges(9:37) The Unique Role of the Clients (DIY & Sourcing)(12:20) Smart Cost-Saving Design Choices(13:20) Photography & Capturing the Light💻 Website: Reynard Custom Homes📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook📌 Pinterest▶️ YouTube

Ask An Architect. Presented by Reynard Custom Homes 🦊🏡 Ever wonder how to truly discover your dream home's design aesthetic? 🤔 It's more than just pretty pictures on Pinterest! We're diving deep into how we uncover your unique vision by understanding your story, not just trends. From navigating buzzwords like "mountain modern" to balancing your budget with beautiful materials, and even planning for future upgrades – we'll show you how to avoid homeowner regrets and ensure long-term happiness in your custom home. Get ready to turn abstract dreams into concrete plans! ✨0:07 Introduction to "Ask an Architect"0:41 Discussion begins: What is design aesthetic?1:26 First steps to understand a client's style1:51 The importance of a "narrative" for the home3:29 Defining the home's vision and purpose4:10 How to sift through images and Pinterest boards6:28 Aligning dream designs with budget and square footage7:53 Unpacking big design terms like "contemporary" and "mid-century modern"11:00 The most challenging part of finding a personal style13:35 Why having a specific site is a crucial starting point15:15 Using 3D renderings to visualize the design17:28 Understanding the limitations of renderings19:56 The role of material selection on style and cost23:41 The impact of window choice on design and budget28:43 What homeowners regret not putting in their homes31:28 The value of visiting showrooms for finishes and fixtures33:13 The concept of staged construction and future upgrades37:46 Why it's important to design for the long-term39:11 The benefits of a builder tendering process41:40 Top priorities for long-term happiness in a home45:18 How architects define success in a project47:22 The client's role and accountability in the design process49:57 Closing thoughts and a look ahead

Soulful, one-of-a-kind interior design. Jack Baldwin (Reynard Custom Homes https://reynard.design ) and Seth & Hope Loeb, the dynamic husband-wife duo behind Soulhouse ( https://soulhousebrand.com ) talk about how to create inspired spaces in our interview. In the podcast, we trace Seth and Hope’s journey from DIY house-flippers to sought-after design visionaries, and explore how their hands-on, heart-driven approach is reshaping what it means to truly “live” in your space. Jack dives deep with the Loebs into the art of designing homes that aren’t just beautiful, but deeply personal and functional. Hear stories of transforming everyday rooms into multi-purpose havens, turning Pinterest dreams into reality, and why understanding your family’s vibe and daily rituals matters more than any trend. 🔗 Learn more about Reynard Custom Homes: reynard.design 🔗 Explore Soulhouse: soulhousebrand.com#CustomHomes #HomeDesign #SoulfulSpaces #InteriorInspo #ReynardCustomHomes #Soulhouse #HomePodcast #DesignStories #HomeTransformation #AtlantaDesign #ModernLiving #Collaboration #DesignJourney #PersonalizedDesign #HomeInspiration

Jack Baldwin and James Knight of Reynard Custom Homes (http://reynarddesign.com) discuss the journey from inspiration to design in architectural projects. **0:00** - Introduction**1:20** - The Importance of Gathering Inspiration**4:35** - The Process of Turning Inspiration into Design**6:05** - Understanding Client Needs and Preferences**8:10** - Utilizing Pinterest for Inspiration**10:02** - Balancing Aesthetics with Practical Design**13:04** - The Role of Sketching in the Design Process**14:50** - Begin with the End in Mind: Setting Clear Goals**17:38** - Managing Expectations and Realistic Design**19:50** - Why Hiring an Architect Matters**22:04** - Navigating Permitting Challenges**25:02** - Learning from Experience: Adapting to Changing Codes**28:10** - Importance of Deliverables and Professional Expertise**30:45** - Staying Informed and Educated in the Design Process**32:55** - Preview of Next Episode: Creative Design Process and PermittingJoin us as we delve into the intricacies of architectural design and the journey toward creating dream spaces for our clients. This podcast is not just about theory, but about practical insights that can be applied in your own architectural projects. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations in future episodes!#AskAnArchitect #Architecture #DesignProcess #Inspiration #ClientNeeds #PermittingChallenges #ArchitecturalDesign #dreamhome #customhome #designbuild #homedesign #construction #home #architecture #customhomebuilder #customhomedesign #design #architect

Vicky and Jun Bantug of Canton, GA sat down with Jack Baldwin or Reynard Custom Homes (http://reynarddesign.com) to discuss their recent custom home design/build project. Their home has been approved for a building permit and ground has been broken to begin construction. ___________________ Jack Baldwin: Welcome to By Design, the Reynard Custom Homes Podcast. Today, we're joined by Jun and Vicky, who are building their dream home in Canton, Georgia. Welcome, Jun and Vicky! Reynard Custom Homes Podcast: Unveiling the Journey of Jun & Vicky Vicky and Jun Bantug are Reynard Custom Home clients designing and building their dream home in Canton, GA Jun & Vicky: Thank you! Jack Baldwin: It's great to have you here. Let's dive right into it. What inspired you to embark on the journey of building your own dream home? Jun & Vicky: Currently, we live in a townhouse, and the motivation for us was the desire for more space. We didn't want to feel trapped anymore and envisioned a place with a yard. The decision to build stemmed from our wish to create a home tailored to our preferences and the excitement of working with an architect. Jack Baldwin: Interesting. What motivated you to start this project, considering the investment and the time it takes? Jun & Vicky: The motivation came from our current living situation and the anticipation of leaving our townhouse in a few years. We saw it as an opportunity to build a house that truly reflects our tastes and preferences. The investment aspect was also appealing, especially considering the potential return on investment from buying and selling land. Jack Baldwin: That's a unique perspective. Please share your background and what led you to this point. Jun & Vicky: It all began when we attended a land auction without a clear plan. We purchased a piece of land, and as we explored the surrounding lots, we met other builders who encouraged us to pursue our dream. This initial step set the stage for our journey, and here we are, three and a half years later, with the land graded and construction underway. The home was designed by Vicky and Jun in collaboration with Reynard's custom home design team. The home was designed by Vicky and Jun in collaboration with Reynard's custom home design team.

On Wednesday DECEMBER 6, 2023 Jack Baldwin of Reynard Custom Homes sat down with client Paul Jankowski to discuss the home he built in Acworth, GA. Paul and his wife were one of our first clientswho partnered with us to design a contemporary style lake home inAcworth. I'm going to be talking to Paul about what it was like to behis own general contractor during the permitting and build process. Come prepared to hear my interview with Paul at 10am EST and stick around to the end for a Q/A Session with Paul and I. Whether you're thinking about being your ownGeneral Contractor or not, this webinar will provide some valuableinsight into the process of what goes into designing and building your custom home on your own property.