“It All Begins with a Dream.” — Why Sketching Still Matters in Residential Design
Every dream home starts with a vision, and at Residential Designed Solutions, that vision comes to life through a thoughtful, highly personalized design process. While technology plays a role, one of the most meaningful parts of our work begins with something simple, timeless, and deeply human: a hand-drawn sketch.
A Quick Background: Jim’s Lifelong Love of Sketching
For Jim Wright, Founder and Principal Designer of RDS, sketching isn’t a step in the process; it is the process.
His passion began early. While other kids colored inside the lines, Jim was sketching floor plans. And even now, decades later, design still catches his eye everywhere he goes. He’s the person who stops mid-vacation, 35mm camera in hand, to capture a roofline, a window detail, or a perfect façade that sparks inspiration.
Each sketch he creates carries personality. Some lean historic or rustic; others clean, modern, or minimal. But every sketch begins with the same question:
What does this homeowner dream of, and how do we bring that dream to life?
As Jim puts it, “What we do is somewhat akin to solving a puzzle … we’re listening to clients as they describe what is in their mind’s eye.”
Why Sketching Matters in the Design Process
At RDS, hand-sketching isn’t a nostalgic nod to the past. It’s a practical, creative tool that helps uncover the best possible design for your home.
During an initial meeting, clients often see Jim – or another member of our talented home design team - sketching in real time as you explore ideas together. This collaborative stage may include:
Bubble diagrams to organize the main spaces and flow of your home
Studying the property to understand natural views, sun patterns, and ideal room placement
Reviewing inspiration photos to uncover what you truly love—whether it’s a single detail or the overall tone of the space
In follow-up meetings, sketches help explore refinements, alternative layouts, or new ideas that emerge along the way.
And our clients love it.
Jim explains, “Because it feels like an artist has been involved in the process, not just a technician with a keyboard. It feels that the design is still open for additional development, additional ideas.”
Sketching vs. Computer Drafting: Why Both Matter—But One Comes First
Computer drawings (CAD) are essential for accuracy and construction. But starting with a computer can actually limit creativity.
Jim shares, “When you’re trying to do the same thing on the computer everything has to be precise and accurate, which slows down the thought generation process.”
Sketching, on the other hand, is fluid. Fast. Exploratory. It welcomes the “what if?” questions.
Jim puts it simply: “Sketching allows me freedom to explore all kinds of ideas, everything from very cost-effective solutions to ideas that reflect the ‘money is no object’ attitude. I can quickly consider many different options which often leads to a more unique solution.”
And if an idea isn’t working? There’s no pressure.
This flexible approach also makes clients feel comfortable making changes—something that can feel harder once a computer drawing is on the screen.
“Sketching feels a little less final than a computer drawing. It feels like we can still explore other approaches and we’re not ‘locked into’ what is drawn.”
The Real Magic: Feeling Heard and Seen
More than anything, Jim hopes clients walk away knowing that their voice—not his—drives the design.
“I hope they [the homeowners] take away the idea that we’re listening carefully to what they’re sharing with us and that we’re trying to achieve the design for their new home or renovation/addition that they are dreaming of.”
That’s the heart of sketching at RDS:
A design conversation in real time.
A space where ideas evolve freely.
A process centered around you.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact us today.