Notes From Our Journey

Views from a finished home are often a matter of guesswork during the design phase. An architect might study the lot and make educated assumptions about what each room will overlook. Yet, this means the homeowner only truly discovers their views once construction is complete. Occasionally, the result aligns perfectly with their aspirations, but not always.

At Ceci Bates Custom Homes, we’ve found a way to replace such guesswork with precision. Roberth Jordan, our architect, has integrated drone technology into our design process to ensure that clients know precisely what their vistas will be long before ground is broken. On a recent project situated on a hill above the lake, Roberth deployed a drone to capture images from various elevations — twenty feet, thirty-four feet, and forty-six feet — effectively mapping what each level of the future home would see.

These aerial images were instrumental in guiding the home’s design. The house was arranged in three levels, stepping up the hillside to maximize both the views and natural light. The master bedroom was positioned to capture the expansive northern scenery. Common areas were oriented to take advantage of the western light, balancing brightness with comfort. At its pinnacle, the home featured an observation deck complete with a library and powder room, thoughtfully designed so the owners could savor the highest viewpoint without the need for frequent descents.

When Roberth presented the initial sketches, the client already understood the visual experience each room would offer. Such a detailed approach ensures that the design aligns with the clients’ vision, leaving no room for surprises — only certainty.

Designing a home around its views holds true value only when those views have been truly seen and measured. To explore our thoughtful approach to custom home design, we invite you to learn more about Ceci Bates at cecibates.com.