Gary Justiss is one of several approved architects at Kennebec. I recently interviewed him about his first project at Kennebec.

In working with a lake client, Gary’s first question to the owner is why did they choose the site. The owner of this lot loved the point on the lot that has a view of the long water and a cove. With this being a point lot it has setbacks on three sides. So Gary placed the most important parts of the house (living areas and master suite) on that point. Other areas of the house such as the guest bedrooms, garage and bunk room were placed on the cove part of the property.

Q: How do you tailor the house to fit the site?

Gary: In working with a lake client, my first question to the owner is why did they choose the site. The owner of this lot loved the point on the lot that has a view of the long water and a cove. With this being a point lot it has setbacks on three sides. So I placed the most important parts of the house (living areas and master suite) on that point. Other areas of the house such as the guest bedrooms, garage and bunk room were placed on the cove part of the property.

Q: How do you work with setback lines?

Gary: Until the seawall is built the waterfront property lines are really squirrely. I often have to adjust the house site from the early survey.

Q: How is designing a Lake house different from designing a beach house?

Gary: They are very similar but typically with a lake house you’ve got more room – a larger lot.

Q:  What else do you consider and discuss with the client?

Gary: I will find out what types of outdoor activities they will enjoy at the lake so I can design spaces to accommodate items such as fishing poles, canoes, and boogie boards.  I try to create a house where you can actually enjoy yourself and not worry about storage or messing up the living room.

Q: What can a client do to help you design their home?

Gary: Start a Pinterest page and pin things you like and things you don’t like and tell me why.

Click here if you would like more information about Gary Justiss.

If you would like more information about a waterfront lot at Kennebec contact me, John Coley. Call or text me at (334) 221-5862 or email me – [email protected].