David Wiggins is an architect based in Austin, Texas. Houseplans.com carries many of his designs, so we thought it would be great to check out his office and capture him at work. We also asked him a few questions about inspiration and architecture. See his answers below:
What inspires you?
What inspires you?
"There are two levels. First is the functional level - studying the way people live, family situations, how people use their space. Then there is the aesthetic level - ' Form follows function,' I like to see where the function is going to go.
[Craftsman style Plan 120-184, lanai elevation and layout] That's the way my designs evolve. I adapt to something people can relate to."
[Craftsman style Plan 120-184, lanai elevation and layout] That's the way my designs evolve. I adapt to something people can relate to."
Do you have favorite historical Craftsman style examples that inspire you? In California it might be the work of Greene & Greene -- their Gamble house in Pasadena of 1908 is shown below (courtesy Gamblehouse.org/Alex Vertikoff).
"I actually was inspired in college by Greene & Greene even though it was a Cali product (wink!). Always loved the use of wood rafters and the detailing."
"I actually was inspired in college by Greene & Greene even though it was a Cali product (wink!). Always loved the use of wood rafters and the detailing."
Outdoor living spaces seem an important feature of your work. Can you explain?
(Plan 120-188 showing lanai and pool terrace.)
In Texas there are loads of examples of outdoor living spaces and lots of history in an environment that you had to find ways to make outdoor living or hot temps comfortable. I have designed dog trots for a few custom clients in the past and it’s a great way to multiply the cooling effect of summer breezes to beat the heat and add charm to the design.
(Plan 120-188 showing lanai and pool terrace.)
In Texas there are loads of examples of outdoor living spaces and lots of history in an environment that you had to find ways to make outdoor living or hot temps comfortable. I have designed dog trots for a few custom clients in the past and it’s a great way to multiply the cooling effect of summer breezes to beat the heat and add charm to the design.
Where do you see architecture going in the next 5 years?
"The contemporary trend is nice, but people want their homes to have that warm, fuzzy feeling. The slick, glassy architecture isn't going to last.
[Bungalow style Plan 120-160] People are going to bounce back to a more reasonable size home as well."
[Bungalow style Plan 120-160] People are going to bounce back to a more reasonable size home as well."
Where do you see architecture in Austin going in the next 5 years?
"A little on the cutting edge side, but still a lot of Texas tradition.
(Plan 120-188, layout)
Country, with an open mind for cutting edge when it comes to architecture."
David Wiggins is a progressive architect who knows how to design houses that combine contemporary indoor-outdoor living with a strong sense of tradition. To see all of his designs click here. For more Craftsman style plans click here; for more Contemporary designs click here.
Country, with an open mind for cutting edge when it comes to architecture."
David Wiggins is a progressive architect who knows how to design houses that combine contemporary indoor-outdoor living with a strong sense of tradition. To see all of his designs click here. For more Craftsman style plans click here; for more Contemporary designs click here.
