"Design has always been very subjective," said the architect, glancing at a house that could only be described as eclectic. "Over the years, styles have been watered down," something he finds bothersome.

"I tend to be pretty much a purist," he said, although he likes architecture that .draws upon historic styles. "I like to put them together in a way that makes sense and they have balance and a sense of place. .. they fit in with their neighbors."

The architect said as lifestyles changed, so did house plans—the two in direct correlation. When he works on a renovation or remodeling project with clients, he takes into consideration their wants and needs...