Dean Hatjioannou

Dean Hatjioannou - Residential Architect
It was several years ago on a construction site when a client learned of Dean Hatjioannou's tenacity. With the client listening, Dean was instructing the contractor that a particular window had not been installed in accordance with the plans (7" in the wrong direction) and that the brick would have to be removed and the window re-set. The client responded... "I thought the contractor was going to throw a fit, but to my surprise the contractor agreed with Dean and stated the problem would be rectified. I realized then how much Dean wanted the project to be built per the plans we had spent so much time developing together." 


Dean has been involved in the architectural profession for almost four decades with the residential single-family market being his passion. As a young man, every job Dean held was in the construction industry which gave him valuable knowledge and experience that he relies on as he practices residential architecture.

In 1990, Dean established his professional office, dedicated to working "one-on-one" with clients who had a high standard of excellence. Let Dean explain further... "my desire was to design custom projects that were beautiful buildings, unique environments and enhanced the lifestyles of the owners." Dean's projects vary in style, budget and size; no project is too large or too small. Projects in his portfolio, representing millions of dollars of construction, vary from a remodel of a fireplace mantle to a whole house renovation, from an owner's suite bath addition to custom residences on spectacular pieces of property.


"Now that we've lived with your renovation work for a year we wanted you to know how we've come to appreciate your design. I know I wasn't able to follow every detail in the blueprints but now that I've experienced the finish product - I wanted to express to how well the rooms work for us and how they meet every one of our needs. You did a super job!"

- Rich Morrow


As a sole practitioner, Dean is intimately involved in all aspects of a new house or addition project. He completes the programming, performs all design work, drafts the documents used for construction, handles the bidding process and physically inspects the construction site to check progress.


Design and Innovation


Innovation is the key to good design. On countless occasions Dean has excelled in using innovative design approaches to meet client's requirements. A few include:

  • Concealed natural light sources 
  • Children's rooms with secret spaces & passages 
  • Tower and sunken shower configurations 
  • Unique stairwell shapes 
  • Built-in work and storage spaces 
  • Wheelchair accessible environments 
  • Functional kitchens without wall cabinets 
  • Dramatic lighting layouts 
  • Geometric shaped decks and outdoor spaces

Construction observation is also a very important piece of a successful project. Dean explains... "building is a very complex endeavor. It requires excellent coordination between the trades and installation of a myriad number of elements and materials. As an observer, I'm able to ascertain if the contractor is following the plans and building in a quality, productive manner. I also assist the contractor in answering questions and addressing upcoming work issues."

Dean also adds... "construction site visits sometimes yield surprise problems and as a result you can take remedial action before the work proceeds any further." To site a few examples: 

  • Insulation installed backwards (will lead to mold growth) 
  • Plumbing drain lines running up hill (pipes will constantly clog) 
  • Floor joists badly cut to accommodate duct work (will lead to structural problems)

"We are so enjoying our addition... everything has just fallen into place and we are so grateful for your design and our enjoyment of our 'new' home. It was great working with you..."

- Joan Marshen


On numerous occasions Dean has improved upon the plans that clients found in plan books. Countless times contractors have sought out Dean's ability to lend some style, beauty and uniqueness to their projects. During design reviews it is not uncommon to have clients exclaim... "I've never seen anything like that before". But in truth, that is exactly the reason they hired Dean. No matter what type of project you are contemplating, if deep down you desire a unique environment, want highly functional spaces, architecture that invigorates you when you enter a room, then start with Architect Dean Hatjioannou to turn your dreams into reality!

Architectural design fees vary in accordance with the level of desired services, project scope and project complexity. Fees can be based on an hourly rate, a percentage of the construction cost or a fixed fee for the services requested. Clients can choose which method they prefer but it has been Dean's experience that the fixed fee agreement for the entire project works best. This is because the owner is then aware of the total costs involved for a full and complete architectural level of service. A method which also allows the owner to accurately budget for the overall costs of the project.


Dean's ambition today follows the mission statement set forth on the day he started his practice...

"furnish the owner top caliber design services
and creative solutions leading to sustaining
value and great comfort."


 

 

Dean Hatjioannou, AlA
Residential Architecture
Office: 704 - 321 - 2394
Fax: 704 - 321 - 2395
dean@housedean.com