Episode 119: Jeffrey Dungan Architects: The Passion & Inspiration for Creating Timeless Houses with Author & Architect Jeffrey Dungan
Today Brad speaks with Jeffrey Dungan of Jeffrey Dungan Architects.
From a strong devotion to using only real materials (ex. stone) to adhering to tried-and-true proportions in a design (ex. the Golden Section, the Rule of Thirds, etc.), Jeff is a staunch believer in timeless design.
Along the same line, his ideal customers are those who focus on value over cost—those who are focused on the timelessness of what may just be their forever home.
Asked his opinion on the future of home design, particularly in a post-COVID world, Jeff says that “we need to get more distance between ourselves and these events to truly, fully comprehend what they are really doing—and have done—to our psyches.”
People now truly look at their home as a sanctuary, and the market has changed to reflect these developing tastes, which include an explosion in demand for pools and home offices.
An artist at his core, Jeff believes that “inspiration is the fuel for a creative spirit,” and points to nature as his ultimate source of that inspiration.
Topics Discussed:
[03:27] Defining “timeless design”
[06:50] The “Golden Section” and the “Rule of Thirds” in art
[13:43] Setting expectations with clients
[18:26] Knowing when a client is the right fit
[25:21] The future of home design
[34:30] How growing up on a farm impacted Jeff creativity and work ethic
[40:19] When and why Jeff decided to go into architecture and grew his passion for art
[50:22] Jeff’s early career
[55:34] Jeff’s advice to young architects who want to start their own company
[01:02:07] Jeff’s exciting upcoming projects
Connect with Guest:
Website: https://www.jeffreydungan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreydungan/
Connect with Brad Leavitt:
Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/
Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_construction
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/
Key Quotes by Jeff:
Especially in America, where we’ve got a fake version of everything, if there’s anything we shouldn’t be faking, it’s stone.
I’ve got more ideas than you’ve got money. [...] I want to make a place that’s going to basically change your life. To me, you can’t put a price on that. Let’s talk about something infinitate and way more meaningful than costs.
I want to have a conversation not about the cost of the thing, but the value of it.
There is something about nature that refurbishes our spirit.
Inspiration is the fuel for a creative spirit. [...] Where do we get that inspiration from? There are many sources, but I think that nature is supreme.
If you don’t say “no” to the wrong things, you can’t say “yes” to the right things.
