When homeowners dream of expanding their space, the first instinct is often, we need an addition. But is that always the best solution?
In a home rich with curated finds from around the world—once a historic music school—we sat down with Merrie to discuss a different perspective. With a deep understanding of architectural transformation, she challenges the default approach of simply adding more space and instead looks at how existing structures can be reimagined in creative, cost-effective ways.
DCP: What do you think is a perspective you bring to your architectural designs?
Merrie: I’m really good at working with existing spaces to meet their needs. I can visualize and reconfigure a space instead of, for example, making a new addition.
DCP: Tell me more about that. How do you take a space – one that many people may not feel is working for them – and make it work for them?
Merrie: Well, I get clients that come to me after seeing an architect and share what they were proposed and the cost. Like this one time, a client asked for architectural drawings with a significant number of parameters. I submitted them and didn’t hear back for years. Just recently, they contacted me after meeting other architects, saying, You’re the only person we met that thinks outside the box. We want to see your version of this design without any parameters.
DCP: Wow, what a compliment!
Merrie: It is! I think the default is to assume, just add on, start new. That can be very costly for the homeowner and strip away some of the character of the space. But there is so much that can be transformed within an existing space.
DCP: What’s your behind-the-scenes creative process for transforming an existing space?
Merrie: After scanning and documenting the space upon my initial visit, I play with visual concepts in my head. I’ll wake up and think, maybe we could put wooden beams in the stone chimney to break up the monotonous height. For days, I visualize different physical arrangements. I sketch things out and take notes. Sometimes the sketches are decent drawings; sometimes they’re not. And then I share them with TJ, and he assesses it for structural accuracy.
Rethinking the Space You Already Have
Merrie’s approach flips the script on traditional home expansion. Instead of jumping to costly additions, she believes in unlocking the potential of existing spaces—often in ways homeowners hadn’t imagined. By reconfiguring layouts, maximizing architectural features, and adding thoughtful design elements, a home can feel entirely new without extending its footprint.
At Design Concepts Plus, we don’t just add space—we transform it. If you’re considering an addition, let’s talk about what’s already there. You might be surprised at what’s possible.
