1 Minute Plan Doctor: 1 Bed to 2 Bed

It's like magic!

Earlier this week, I posted a video showing how I was able to turn a one bed/one bath into a 2 bed/2 bath unit with a few strokes of the pen. When a project is in the design phases [preferably not too far into construction documents…] making changes like these are much, much easier. That’s why it’s key to make sure your units are really good, and locked in, early in the process.

What could it mean to a project proforma if suddenly this much value could be added, without adding a single square foot??

Or, if you don’t want 2 bed/2 bath units, we can zoom out and rejigger the floorplate to get a few more 1 bed/1 bath units in the same square footage.

The point is…well designed space benefits everyone, from developer to architect to GC to - most importantly - the occupant.

We do this kind of work all the time - when we’re the architect or on a consulting basis - and what I’ve learned is that even some really good architects aren’t that good at laying out units. It’s a unique skill, and one that has a huge impact on bottom line and quality of the occupant’s experience.

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And here is the before and after:

Before

After!

Note that I rotated the entry door. This looks to my eye like the end of a corridor, meaning you could have the door in either location.

Note also that in the final version, the washer/dryer are stacked, and the water heater is next to it. I didn't include an AHU bc the original didn't have one. I don't love U kitchens, but it works pretty well here. You could also fit a double vanity in the primary bath if you wanted.

This isn't currently drawn as a fully accessible unit, but could be with some minor modifications!

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