Elizabeth A. Dion, Architect
Located in downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida, on Centre Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets. Up the stairs (over Amelia Island Coffee) to the Blue Door Artists. My office/ gallery is the next to last door on the left.
Residential and small commercial design
New construction, additions and renovations.
Design consultations
Florida registered architect: RA0007529
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards certificate #39713
Continuing Education in recent years has been concentrated in hurricane-resistant construction and sustainable "Green" homebuilding.
U.S. Green Building Council North Florida Chapter member
A few words about style: Style has more to do with the client's likes and dislikes, the location, and (for additions) the existing home, than it does about me or what I like. I'm in favor of "form follows function", but also believe that part of the function of a home or work place is to inspire. It should respond to the surrounding environment and, as far as practical, should be friendly to the natural environment.
I use 3d CAD (computer aided design) software so that you can see how the design will look from many angles as the project progresses. Below are before, 3d design and finished construction photos of one project. You can click on them for more details.
Sustainable or "green" design starts with basic principles that have always been good design. Some of these are:
- efficient use of space to limit building more than needed;
- location of the building on site for minimal environmental impact;
- placing the building and arranging the rooms and windows to take advantage of sun light, shade and prevailing breezes;
- arrangement of spaces to make the best use of the structural system to be used, thereby reducing waste and avoiding special (and costly) means of support such as large beams;
- for additions and renovations, reusing existing while giving it new life can be the greenest choice of all.
As you can see, good design in not only "green" but can save money. Once you have an efficient design that makes best use of the site, you can choose sustainable, non-toxic, energy-efficient materials for a home that is truly "green".
Below are just a few pictures of past projects. This part is still under construction. I haven't been very good about taking photos of finished projects but will keep working on it as time permits.
