ABOUT
Growing up in a military family, I was fortunate to be exposed to a rich variety of cultures, architectures, and histories throughout my childhood. These experiences have deeply influenced and shaped my architectural vision.
After serving as lead designer for a firm in Austin for 5 years, I became a founding member of Cornerstone Architects where I further developed a passion for residential design. Over the past 35 years, I have cultivated a process for creatively collaborating with clients to uncover and define their unique vision of home. After an amazing journey with Cornerstone, I realized that the responsibilities of serving as a principal at a firm of that size did not allow me the time to focus on design and my individual clients as much as I would have liked. I then launched my own architectural studio, which allows me to focus on what matters most—my clients. Thus, the studio of Bob Wetmore Architect was born.
There is something special about designing a home compared to other types of buildings. Homes embody the essence of warmth, cherished memories, and a sanctuary to retreat from the outside world, making them truly unique. There is a profound responsibility and level of care required to create sketches of a house and then make it a home. I take that responsibility seriously. I have had the privilege of designing multiple homes for clients as their families evolve and have designed homes for multiple generations of families.
Over the years, I have collaborated on homes across the country, designing spaces that bring my clients joy as they reflect on their personal involvement in the design process. I do not specialize in a specific style; instead, I tailor my work to match the client’s vision. Throughout my career I have had experience with nearly every style imaginable.
PROCESS
Through experience, I have learned that the concept of "home" varies greatly from client to client. Each property also brings its own unique challenges and opportunities. This combination provides a diverse spectrum of ideas for us to explore together. My design philosophy centers on collaborating with clients to discover what "home" truly means to them. Through a carefully developed process, we move step by step through different phases of creating the architecture of their home, ensuring that it resonates with their vision.
Programming
Designing a home is, and should be, a deeply personal experience shared between the client and the architect. Our journey begins with a basic understanding of the client's likes and dislikes, which form the foundation of the process. We begin this process during our Programming Meetings, where my goal is to uncover your vision of “home” through our discussions. Working through the home, space by space – dream by dream, my primary role is to listen and understand your individual ideas and needs. If you are uncertain, I help guide you through your thoughts and draw out your vision of home.
Schematic Design
During Schematic Design, I create “Head to Hand” drawings. These sketches illustrate my thoughts and interpretations based on our Programming Meetings, allowing us to evaluate initial concepts in relation to your vision for the home. The organic nature of these drawings provides a clear, early visual representation of your project. From there, we refine our ideas and further develop the character of your home.
Design Development and Construction Documents:
My process and our journey together will involve a series of collaborators to bring the project to full development. This team may include Interior Designers, Landscape Architects, Pool Designers, Engineers, Contractors, and others, with whom we'll discuss the best approach for your project. We will explore various approaches during our initial discussions to determine which one best suits you.
There are so many attributes that influence how you and your guests experience your home, and the team will help you focus on what is most important to you. From broad design elements like the home's aesthetics to detailed aspects such as kitchen drawer components, each team member will ensure every detail is considered. This collaborative process will guide us from the Design Development phase through to the Construction Documents from which the builder will bring your home to life.
From the first glimpse of your home to the final farewells at the end of a visit, every detail can be crafted to make your guests' experience memorable. Designing a home that reflects your character not only enhances their enjoyment but also becomes a special joy to live in, a personal sanctuary to wrap your family in.
Let’s begin creating your sanctuary…
PUBLICATIONS
