What makes a home absolutely perfect? For every homeowner, the answer is unique. Functionality, aesthetics and budget drive most decisions when building a custom home. But a custom home, no matter how beautiful or expensive, is not a perfect work of art unless it enhances the surrounding property and embraces the lifestyle of the owners. Artist and home designer, Rick Davis is the owner of Shoreline Designs, Inc, a firm with 22 years experience creating custom homes for clients here and abroad. He took a few minutes recently to share his perspective on design considerations before building or remodeling.

What is one of the first considerations when designing a home?

There are a million ways to build or remodel a house and it all starts with design. A good designer considers the style of home desired and how best to interpret that style to compliment and take advantage of the home's surroundings. The overall form should be thought of as a silhouette against the backdrop of the surrounding property. Every detail of the elevation affects the silhouette-roof outlines, fascia, overhangs, window and door placement, columns, balconies-and must be carefully thought through. A property survey typically doesn't show the graceful bend in a river or a beautiful tree that could block or enhance a view. A great designer visits the site first and considers every detail.

What are today's custom home clients looking for?

Open floor plans are very big right now. The design challenge is creating these open spaces within the constraints of older style exteriors such as the "Old Florida" style that's making a comeback. With an inspired design, it's possible to have the best of both worlds. "Green" design is also coming on strong. A designer should take the time to listen and understand their client and make design recommendations to enhance their lives. Health issues, energy efficiency and simply raising the level of enjoyment you get from your home can all be addressed through design.

What are some popular eco-friendly design practices?

There are so many more" green" options today-solar energy, cisterns for collecting water, radiant barriers in the attic to reflect heat back to the roof-the list grows almost daily. Some of the simplest "green" practices include the use of recycled materials and making sure the new space or home is constructed with non-toxic materials. Toxins can be found in everything from carpet padding to paint to the glue on kitchen cabinetry, so it's important to hire someone who is familiar with all of the options available and can make recommendations for an eco-friendly home.

Shoreline Designs, Inc. (561-744-4973)... is an award-winning home design firm serving clients specializing in both conceptual design and construction drawings for clients throughout the Americas and the Caribbean. Owner, Rick Davis is a Certified Professional Building Designer, the highest level of certification available from American Institute of Building Design (AIBD). Shoreline Designs, Inc. is a member of www.ReferredHomeServices.com, a website of respected, experienced, dependable businesses who meet or exceed RHS's rigorous review process which requires proof of proper licensing, certifications, insurance and ten verified customer references. Referred Home Services, 561-401-4004, www.ReferredHomeServices.com.