Some projects begin by rushing off in a barely defined direction, trusting that serendipity will lead to the desired results. Other endeavors—neurosurgery and Voyager missions come to mind—require a bit more upfront planning.

Architect Brian DePriest believes in meticulous upfront planning. “Every detail in this house,” DePriest says of his Placitas, New Mexico, residence, “was resolved before a single rock was moved.”

DePriest’s architectural career began with a degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute followed by practice in North Carolina. After relocating to California, he rose through a series of firms, specializing in educational and medical facilities. He moved to Albuquerque in 1999 but continued to telecommute for two and a half more years.

In August 2002 DePriest closed on the Placitas lot. He began designing in September, and the house was ready for its occupants by October 2003, a relatively rapid timeline for a custom home. DePriest had never worked with residential architecture before, but he relied on a deep familiarity with the elements of design and a trust in the process.

To read the complete story, please find Su Casa at your local newsstand or order it online here or by phone at 505-344-1783 or toll-free 866-256-4925.