 Many years ago I read a book about building custom homes. The author made an interesting suggestion: Live on your property for a full year before building. For most of us, that’s probably not realistic. But the idea behind it has stayed with me. Experience the land through the seasons. Watch where the sun rises in the summer and where it sets in the winter. Notice where the breeze comes from, how the rain drains across the site, and which views naturally draw your eye. Everyone has ideas about the style of home they’d love to build—and that’s where the creative process begins. But the land has a story to tell as well. A house shouldn’t simply be placed on a site. It should respond to it. Good design begins by asking questions such as:Where are the best views?How does the sun move across the property?Where do the prevailing breezes come from?How does the land naturally slope?What is the best approach to the house?Which existing trees or natural features should be preserved?The answers to those questions often shape the design long before the first floor plan is drawn. I like to think of it this way: The land is already telling a story. Good design begins by listening. When a home responds to its site, it often feels comfortable from the moment you arrive. The views feel natural. The outdoor spaces belong where they are. The rooms are filled with the right light. That’s rarely an accident. It’s the result of understanding the land before designing the home. Part of my role is helping homeowners discover those opportunities early through thoughtful design, 3D visualization, and careful planning before construction begins. If you’re considering a custom home or a major remodel, I’d be happy to walk your property with you and explore the possibilities before the design begins. Thanks, Otis Otis Bradley Company, Inc. OtisBradley.com 310-963-7900  Small Building. Big Possibilities – ADUs Thinking about an ADU? Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can create flexible space for family, guests, rental income, or a future home office — but they also involve layers of zoning, utilities, access, parking, grading, and permitting that are not always obvious at first glance. I’ve created simple local ADU reports for both Ojai and Ventura County to help homeowners better understand the opportunities, constraints, and process before getting too far down the road. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON ADU’S Please share this letter ! Kitchens Computer renderings – before building.    |
| Otis Bradley Company, Inc. Residential design for custom homes and major remodels |
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Design for new homes and complex remodels