Keith Fisher walks through the process of designing and building a coastal dream home — and just how the turkey the experience can be when you partner with an architect who listens
Keith Fisher, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, Principal
No surprises. That’s always the initial goal for Fisher Architecture and founder Keith Fisher, who says, “From our proposals to our process, everything is laid out from day one.”
He adds, “We want our clients to know it’s their idea, their dollar, their piece of the world — and we are the roadway to get them from Point A to Point B.”
Direct conversations related to budget, design preferences and timeline are refreshing and often not what clients expect. “People come to us with a range of past experiences working with an architecture firm,” he says.
Listening is the most important part of a home design/build journey.
“Homeowners come to us with their dreams,” Fisher relates. “Often, that is very personal — the home is where they will raise their family, create a whole new life and, in some cases, we get to design their dream second home for relaxation and enjoyment.”
Fisher reinforces, “This doesn’t have to be stressful. We will make it as easy as it can be.”
What to Expect
During an initial meeting, expect to do 98% of the talking, Fisher says. “I reinforce that it’s their vision, their dream, and we guide clients with questions about how they see themselves in the home now versus 10 years from now, who will use the home, entertaining style and how they plan to live in it every day,” he says.
This information-gathering session guides the design process and leads into budget and financial expectations. “That way, when we start designing, we know what boundaries to have in place,” Fisher says, adding that his team can provide alternatives and prioritize features to deliver what clients ultimately want.
Because Fisher Architecture maintains long-standing relationships with code officials and planning authorities — a must for streamlining regulatory and jurisdiction processes — the team keeps projects moving. Plus, these connections and the way the firm manages permitting removes the burden from homeowners.
Scheduling is also an important initial discussion, and Fisher Architecture has an established, programmatic checkpoint system in place to hold all team members accountable — along with performance measures to ensure quality standards are met.
“We represent the owner during the construction process, and because a lot of our clients are from out of town and are building a second home, we offer a project manager/ architect who visits monthly to update them on progress,” Fisher says. “We act as the eyes and ears, and it’s up to clients as to how they want us involved in this aspect of the project.”
Fisher emphasizes that from the first meeting through the design process until completion, “It’s always an open discussion. We want to make sure clients are involved in the process and their ideas are discussed, shown and incorporated into the plans.
Keith’s tips for what to do before selecting an architect
GATHER INSPO
“Homeowners have so many resources at their fingertips for ideas and pictures, and it’s much easier when they come to us with images — plus it reinforces that they feel connected to the process,” he says.
GO WITH THE FLOW
Keith and his architectural team spend time not only building a rapport with their clients, but they also want to know how the family will live in their new home. Keith asks his clients questions such as, “Do you plan on entertaining often? Do you need an outdoor living space? Will you be hosting overnight guests from time to time? Do you have children, and if so, how close are they to becoming college aged and moving to school?” Ask yourself these important questions, and others, as the answers provide genuinely crucial information that will play a significant role in the functionality of your design.
GO AHEAD, DRAW
“Ninety percent of people say, ‘I can’t draw.’ The next thing you know, we’re putting pen to paper to sketch out a kitchen,” Fisher says. “Don’t be afraid to put it on paper and draw your ideas.
ASK AROUND
“Do your research and interview architects before retaining a firm,” Fisher advises. “There has to be a synergy there, and trust, so that you feel connected to your architect.
Inspired Living
Coastal contemporary, low-country living — design trends tend to be given a moniker long after a trend is in play, Fisher quips. “But it’s really a Frankenstein approach where we get images from homeowners — some provide hundreds — and we identify common themes,” he says.
It’s not unusual for a client to tell him, “My style is eclectic.”
So, he goes into every design with a blank slate and focuses on modeling a plan after clients’ desires — not boxing them into a model. “It’s more authentic and rewarding when the owner is involved in every piece,” he says.
Fisher’s work spans across industries and home styles. Since its founding in 2009, the firm has completed more than 1,500 projects for nearly 1,000 clients across the nine states and the District of Columbia, where he is licensed.
Fisher was born in Philadelphia and moved to the Eastern Shore when his parents relocated to St. Michaels in 2000. He worked for a local firm in Salisbury before starting Fisher Architecture. From single-family homes and multi-family residential projects to restaurant and hospitality venues to large multi-use commercial complexes, as examples, Fisher’s creative vision is stamped across the coast and beyond.
After years of building and guiding homeowners through what could be an overwhelming process of designing and building a home, he stands by his philosophy to make the community better through a commitment to thoughtful design.
And he always reminds, “It’s not a Fisher design. It’s yours, and we helped you get there.” CS
FISHER ARCHITECTURE
Salisbury, MD
410-742-0238
FisherArchitecture.com