The architectural style of a building should be determined by carefully weighing a number of factors. For example, what is the median income of your target market? What is the prominent material used for the entry signs flanking their gated community? How many architectural “features” will your budget allow? Is there a simple beloved historic building which could be copied in order to facilitate planning department approvals? But these are just a few examples. You must do your research to effectively determine the architectural styling for your new development.

Consider which styles have been used successfully and profitably on other similar projects or better yet, consider some of your own successful past projects. Wasn’t that simple mission style garden apartment project outside of Santa Fe successful? Perhaps elements of that design could be applied to the mid-rise condo project you’re working on in downtown Atlanta.

Talk with your designer about style options. Have them draw up at least 5 different options to consider. Don’t let them change the plans though! Those have been carefully crafted over several years to maximize marketability and profit. Under no circumstance should those be modified. I don’t care if one style calls for corner towers, and another calls for bay windows. Figure it out. That’s why we hire designers.

Style can also be determined by consulting the magazines. “House and Garden” is always a good resource, or “Garden and Gun”, or even “Cooking Light”. Look primarily at the ads. If those magazines are not available, you could always google it. Here are some excellent search keywords: Georgian, Federal, Mansard, Traditional, Transitional, Oprah, Decorative, Brackets, not modern, definitely not contemporary, Pretty houses, Ticky-Tacky, Villanova. These should get your search started.

Remember, style is not always important. You can certainly design a successful development without considering style at all. Grocery stores and elementary schools are almost always designed this way. But considering the appropriate architectural style for your project can set you apart from your competition. It can result in a portfolio building project you can be proud of, and use again and again for countless future developments.

A great style choice will also help with naming the project. Federal Park Hills, Plantation View Condos, Kevin Kostner Flats; These are evocative names that suggest specific aesthetic imagery. Hopefully, this can distract from the shitty rendering that the architect provided on the “coming soon” sign beside the construction site.

Remember, style. is the clothing the building is wearing. Choose your outfits well.