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In today’s world, architectural drawings have become synonymous with computer screens. The tactile experience of pencil meeting paper, of architectural ideas first taking shape through hand-drawn lines, has largely slipped away from the profession. Yet, at Ceci Bates Custom Homes, this traditional approach lives on through the hands of Roberth Jordan, our resident architect.

Roberth begins each project much like architects did in decades past — with hand sketches. Before any digital tools come into play, he immerses himself in the tactile process of sketching on paper. This practice is not merely a nod to nostalgia but an essential step in his design philosophy. With pencil in hand, he explores, refines, and discovers the potential of each home, giving room for instinctual creativity that often eludes digital interfaces.

A cherished story within Ceci Bates highlights this dedication to the art of sketching. During one pivotal project at Rock Creek, a client on the verge of departing was presented with a new design overnight. Roberth created it entirely by hand on transferring paper. The wife of the client, recalling her own days working as a secretary in an architect’s office, recognized the authenticity in Roberth’s approach. “This is a real architect,” she remarked, and with that realization, the client chose to stay. The home was built, embodying the very soul Roberth had envisioned on paper.

For Roberth, this process is seamless; the pencil working faster than any cursor allows for a dance between precision and spontaneity. Each line becomes a narrative in the larger story of a home coming to life at Ceci Bates.

The discipline of starting by hand signifies a quiet but significant difference in how our homes are crafted. To learn more about the team that champions this approach, we invite you to explore further at cecibates.com.