Architect Uses Psychological Assessments to Design Custom Homes for Clients
Boca Raton architect, Manuel Occhiogrosso, puts his degree in psychology to use by providing clients with a unique design experience. The client, who is seen by Occhiogrosso to be the entire family, is assessed on a variety of different domains to create a custom design for their new home that is specifically suited for their personality and lifestyle.
Boca Raton, FL (PRWEB) August 4, 2006
Modern science confirms what ancient architects have known for millennia; that the design of a building can so emotionally move a person that the architecture seems to embody a spirit of its own that promotes the psychological health and wellbeing of its inhabitant. Gestalt Design Studio, an architectural firm in Boca Raton, fuses architecture and psychology to create not only unique architecture, but also a unique design experience for the homeowners.
The initial step in the process is to assess the family's lifestyle through observation, interviewing, and other more structured psychological exercises. The family's personality, says Occhiogrosso, is comprised of five domains: Social, Functional, Systemic, Economical, and Character, each having an impact on the design of the home. For instance, by understanding the social domain of the family, the architect understands how the family relates to others: Do they entertain small groups of people or large groups? Are guests to the home mostly family, business acquaintances, or friends? How does the family portray itself publicly? Are gatherings usually formal, lavish affairs or quiet, more casual get-togethers? Maybe they don't entertain at all? The sizes, arrangement, and quality of the spaces in the home would vary greatly depending on how the family responds to these questions and how ultimately the family's social life is understood to be.
The resulting design takes into account every variable that would make the home a very functional place for the family to live, that takes into account the family's budget and attitude toward economy, allows for the healthy interaction of family members, and most importantly, embodies the character that reflects the family's personality and expresses that character in a beautiful way. The first of these homes is under construction in Thornhill Estates in Boca Raton and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
About Gestalt Design Studio:
Gestalt Design Studio has extensive experience in designing residential architecture including custom luxury homes for individuals as well as model homes for builders, commercial spaces and large-scale urban design projects for developers. The firm's principal architect, Manuel Occhiogrosso, is registered in the state of Florida, is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and is eligible for reciprocity in all fifty states, U. S. territories and Canada. Manuel Occhiogrosso has been practicing architecture in the South Florida area for the last 13 years. In addition to his independent work, Occhiogrosso has designed and managed major projects for Boca Raton’s finest architectural firms. Occhiogrosso holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in architecture from the University of Miami as well as a master’s degree in psychology from Nova Southeastern University.
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