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Custom homes in New Albany, Granville, Upper Arlington, Dublin and Powell
James Kehl Architects designs new houses, additions and teardown rebuilds in the Columbus suburbs where design is reviewed most closely: New Albany, Granville, Upper Arlington, Dublin and Powell. Each town has its own rules for how a house must look and who approves it, and the design starts from those rules rather than meeting them at the end.
- Franklin
- Delaware
- Licking
What is different about building in each town?
- New Albany. Outside the Village Center, the city's design guidelines ask new houses to follow one of the traditional American styles they describe, without mixing styles. Brick and wood are the preferred exterior materials; other facade materials go to the Architectural Review Board, and exposed concrete foundation walls are not permitted. On lots that existed before 1990, a house may follow a traditional style found within a quarter mile, with a Certificate of Design Appropriateness.
- Granville. Every new building in the village is approved by village staff or the Planning Commission. A new house goes to the Planning Commission, and in the Architectural Review Overlay District new construction and significant exterior changes meet added architectural standards. The Licking County Building Code Department issues the building permit.
- Upper Arlington. Much of the new building here replaces older houses. The city's Residential Design Standards ask a new house to fit its street, planning staff review it against them, and a grading plan is required. In the Historic District, new and replacement houses go to the Board of Zoning and Planning.
- Dublin. In Historic Dublin and on designated historic properties, the Architectural Review Board reviews new construction, additions, exterior changes and demolition. Elsewhere, the subdivision's own standards usually govern the look.
- Powell. In the Downtown Business and Downtown Residential districts, the Historic Downtown Advisory Commission issues Certificates of Appropriateness under the city's architectural guidelines.
Most newer neighborhoods in all five towns also have deed restrictions and a homeowners' association with its own review. Read them before you buy a lot.
How do you design for a review board?
By reading the guidelines first and drawing the house in their language: its style, proportions, materials and details. James meets staff early, prepares the submittal drawings and renderings, and answers the board's questions. A house that is clearly right for its street is approved faster and is better for it.
Do you work with my builder?
Yes. Many clients here already have a builder, and many builders bring the client to JKA. James draws a set the builder can bid and build from, and stays available through construction. See construction documents for builders.
What does a teardown rebuild involve?
A survey, a check of what the zoning and design standards allow on the lot today (which is often different from the house that is there), a demolition review where the town requires one, and a grading and drainage plan that respects the neighbors. Every rebuild at JKA starts with that check, before any design.
How do we start?
With a call and a look at the lot. Tell JKA about the house you have in mind through the inquiry form. See also new custom homes and the wider central Ohio page.