Our architect and his wife, Dana work as a team. Dana is an interior designer with a great eye for colors and textures. Right now Dana is busily pulling together suggestions for appliances, fixtures, counter tops, flooring and paint.

Walt and I have spent a lot of time looking at flooring, cabinetry and plumbing fixtures. Environmental Building Supply in southeast Portland, is a great place to look for hard surface flooring. There are many plumbing fixture stores such as Chown and A-Ball which have all the latest and greatest along with the tried and true. Some lighting fixtures and cabinet choices can be viewed at Home Depot.

Many manufacturers will send you sample kits of flooring and carpet for a small fee. This is really worth it because then you can see your floor or color in your light. We have looked in magazines, stores, open houses -- anywhere we can to get an idea of what textures and shapes are available.

Dana is going to be invaluable in this area because she is a full-time explorer. Try to think outside the box. Walt has been pondering the idea of having John Cook, a Gearhart glass blower, create a bathroom sink for him. Also, think locally. We have many talented craftsmen in the area www.manzanitarealestate.com Click Artisan's Gallery.

It takes time with your plans for them to begin to "speak" to you. Just "sit" with them for several weeks before making commitments. Share your plans with your friends and take note of any pearls of wisdom dropped at your feet. Some of our friends have built before and have offered lots of valuable "dos" and "don'ts."

When Walt and I come to an impasse about the nature of something in the house, we defer to the partner who seems to care the most about that issue. Again, if your partner makes a suggestion, let it develop in your mind before you yea/nay the idea. Even houses need time to grow!

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