Realistic Redesign of Residential Building Exterior

PROJECT OVERVIEW

I have an existing, fully constructed multi-storey residential building in Lebanon and need an architect/architectural designer to develop a realistic exterior + site redesign based strictly on the building as it currently exists.

This is NOT a new-build project and I am NOT looking for attractive renders alone.

The objective is to accurately understand the existing building/site first, then improve the façade, entrance, parking, boundary, landscaping and overall exterior experience while avoiding unnecessary structural changes and costs.

I will provide:

* Architectural plans with dimensions
* Plot/site information
* Photos from multiple angles
* Videos
* Google Maps/satellite imagery
* Previous exterior renders
* Additional measurements/photos if required

MILESTONE 1 – EXISTING-CONDITION 3D MODEL

This must be completed and approved BEFORE redesign begins.

Create an accurate 3D model of the existing building and immediate site using the provided drawings, photos, videos and measurements.

It must correctly represent:

* Existing floors, geometry and proportions
* Existing projections/recesses
* Windows/openings
* Balconies/terraces
* Enclosed upper-floor glazed areas
* External staircase/main entrance
* Existing entrance canopy
* First-floor projecting balcony/terrace and parking beneath it
* Existing covered/lower parking
* Rear façade and rear parking
* Site/land configuration
* Relationship with road/boundaries
* Relevant neighboring buildings
* Existing electricity pole and visible overhead wires

Important: Some upper-floor areas may look like balconies but are actually enclosed with large glazing/windows. Do not assume every floor is identical.

Provide 4–6 basic verification views.

Do NOT redesign or beautify the building before I approve this model.

Previous designers misunderstood the existing geometry. If drawings/photos appear inconsistent or something is unclear, ask me for clarification/additional measurements instead of assuming.

Accuracy is more important than rendering quality at this stage.

MILESTONE 2 – 3 EXTERIOR + SITE CONCEPTS

After Milestone 1 approval, develop 3 genuinely different architectural concepts, not simply the same façade with different colors.

Possible directions:

1. Timeless Contemporary Lebanese
2. Clean/Warm Contemporary
3. Contemporary Mediterranean

I am open to other directions if architecturally justified.

Each concept should address:

FAÇADE

* Overall composition
* Paint/render colors
* Existing/proposed stone treatment
* Aluminum/window colors and finishes
* Glazing appearance
* Balcony/terrace treatment
* Architectural details
* Exterior lighting integration

I prefer a restrained palette of approximately 2–3 main materials/colors.

Applicable façade/permit requirements, including stone percentage requirements, should be considered based on documentation provided.

MAIN ENTRANCE

The existing staircase and entrance canopy already exist and should be integrated into the design.

Study:

* Stair treatment
* Canopy treatment/integration
* Main entrance/door
* Lighting
* Landscaping
* Pedestrian arrival

The entrance should become an intentional architectural focal point.

PARKING + VEHICLE CIRCULATION

This is a functional requirement, not simply cars added to renders.

Study:

* Existing covered parking
* Parking beneath the first-floor projection
* Rear parking
* Vehicle access/gate
* Turning/maneuvering
* Realistic parking positions

I specifically want to know how many cars can realistically be accommodated, particularly at the rear.

Use realistic vehicle dimensions and circulation.

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

Create a practical pedestrian path connecting parking to the main entrance/staircase, coordinated with landscaping, lighting and vehicle circulation.

BOUNDARY + GATES + PRIVACY

Develop:

* Boundary/dividing wall
* Vehicle gate
* Rear vehicle access where appropriate
* Pedestrian entrance if useful
* Privacy from neighbors

I want privacy without making the property feel like a fortress.

LANDSCAPING

Develop a realistic, low/moderate-maintenance strategy using:

* Strategic trees/greenery
* Privacy screening
* Entrance planting
* Boundary planting
* Small green areas where practical

Neighboring houses are close and the surroundings are visually busy, so greenery should also improve privacy and soften surrounding views.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Develop lighting for:

* Façade
* Entrance/stairs
* Pedestrian path
* Parking/gate
* Landscaping

Night appearance should feel warm and elegant, not theatrical.

ELECTRICITY POLE + WIRES

There is an existing electricity pole and overhead wiring near the property.

Do NOT simply remove them from the renders.

Use landscaping, entrance composition, boundary treatment or other realistic methods to reduce their visual dominance where possible.

Any physical relocation/modification of utility infrastructure must be identified separately and not assumed feasible.

MILESTONE 3 – SELECTED CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

After I select one direction, refine it based on feedback.

Expected views:

* Front/street
* Front 3/4
* Opposite side
* Rear
* Main entrance
* Parking/gate
* Elevated/site view if useful
* Day views
* Evening/night views

The approved Milestone 1 geometry must remain the basis of the design.

Any change to existing physical geometry must be clearly identified as:

PROPOSED PHYSICAL MODIFICATION

I need to clearly distinguish cosmetic/finish improvements from interventions requiring construction/demolition.

MILESTONE 4 – FINAL PACKAGE

Provide:

* Final high-resolution day/night renders
* Exterior color/material palette
* Paint references where possible
* Stone treatment recommendation
* Aluminum/window finish recommendation
* Entrance treatment
* Boundary wall/gate concept
* Landscaping concept
* Exterior lighting concept
* Basic dimensioned parking/site layout
* Realistic parking capacity/vehicle positions
* Pedestrian pathway
* Simplified façade elevations showing proposed treatments
* Existing vs proposed interventions
* Editable/source 3D model and relevant editable files

The package should communicate the design sufficiently for review/implementation with a local architect/contractor.

Full structural/engineering design is not required unless separately agreed.

DESIGN OBJECTIVE

I want the property to feel:

Timeless, elegant, warm, clean, calm, contemporary, practical and cost-conscious.

Avoid:

* Excessive ornamentation
* Too many materials/colors
* Flashy/trendy design
* Unnecessary façade features
* Excessive decorative stone/LED lighting
* Major structural changes purely for appearance
* Unrealistic landscaping
* Designs that only look good from one angle
* Ignoring neighbors/site conditions
* Hiding inconvenient existing elements
* Expensive interventions with limited benefit

Prioritize maximum visual improvement through realistic, cost-conscious interventions before proposing structural modifications.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please answer ALL:

1. Share 3–5 examples of existing residential buildings you redesigned, preferably before/after.

2. Explain briefly how you would reconstruct/verify my existing building from drawings, photos and videos.

3. Confirm that NO redesign starts before I approve the existing-condition model.

4. Quote separately for Milestones 1, 2, 3 and 4.

5. Provide timeline for each milestone.

6. State revisions included per milestone.

7. State software used.

8. Confirm delivery of editable/source 3D model at completion.

9. Confirm you can work remotely using plans, dimensions, photos, videos and satellite/site information.

10. Answer:

If photographs and architectural drawings appear inconsistent, or existing geometry is unclear, what would you do before continuing?

SELECTION

Please do NOT submit only a generic rendering portfolio.

I need someone who can understand an existing constructed building/site, solve it architecturally and then visualize the solution accurately.

Selection will prioritize:

1. Existing-building architectural experience
2. Accuracy/site understanding
3. Architectural design quality
4. Relevant before/after work
5. Communication
6. Price

The successful applicant will initially be hired for MILESTONE 1 ONLY.

Continuation to Milestones 2–4 depends on successful completion and approval of the existing-condition model.