The Value of Design [Paperback]

Marianne Cusato (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Why is it that certain streets and neighborhoods are alluring while others are entirely forgettable? Many times something doesn't feel quite right, yet you can't articulate exactly what is wrong.

This clear and convincingly argued book explains the principles of design that make houses feel instantly more inviting, streets feel welcoming, and cities and towns more livable. It is essential reading for planners, builders, city officials, architects, real estate professionals and developers. Homeowners and designers will also gain a new appreciation of how the application of design principles can profoundly improve the way a place feels. Written by Marianne Cusato with contributions from visionaries Andrés Duany, Sarah Susanka, Richard Moe, Geoffrey Mouen and more, The Value of Design illustrates how design affects not only the monetary value of our homes and communities but also how it can increase our quality of life and reduce our impact on the environment.

About the Author

Marianne Cusato is an expert in the field of architectural design. Her work focuses on the elements of good design in homes and communities, and how design effects the quality of our lives and the sustainability of the earth's resources.

Ranked the No. 4 most influential person in the home-building industry in Buildermagazine's annual "Power On 50" list, Cusato and her design principles are changing the landscape of the housing industry. This book was written in partnership with James Hardie, Inc., the world s leading manufacturer of fiber-cement building materials and creator of educational resources that help builders, developers and city officials build better, more sustainable communities.

Product Details

• Paperback: 52 pages
• Publisher: Plain Paper Press; James Hardie edition (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976025086
• ISBN-13: 978-0976025085
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #672,214 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent foundational design reference. A must for any Real Estate related designer!, March 7, 2010

By	D. Ellison (Calgary, AB, Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Value of Design (Paperback)

This book is a must for any designer that designs spaces, homes, commercial buildings - development of any kind! The authors have a very simple and effective way of laying the foundation for good design, and then providing examples of how to apply this design in real life. They hit the nail on the head with this one. I am a real estate agent doing 3D design on the side. I will be using this as a pre-meeting "homework" reading handout for any of my clients as it will help set the stage for a successful and efficient process through the design stage.

I wish every designer would be forced to read this before they get a job in this industry. The world would be a much better place for everyone!

Congratulations Marianne Cusato on another winning book about design and architecture!

5.0 out of 5 stars You will be very glad you bought this $15.00 book, November 23, 2008

By	Benjamin A. Dupuy "Ben Dupuy" (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Value of Design (Paperback)

For developers and planners seeking enlightened yet practical advice on building communities and homes in ways that maximize design, function, and savings, Marianne Cusato's "The Value of Design" is truly a must-have.

Don't make the mistake of passing up the opportunity to benefit from Ms. Cusato's valuable insight.

As a developer or planner, you and your clients will be very glad you bought this $15.00 book!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very slim volume, June 13, 2009

By	M. Harrington (Syracuse NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Value of Design (Paperback)

I bought this book hoping it would give me more concrete design ideas than it did. I almost sent it back when I realized that it was published by a building products manufacturer whose products were highlighted in the text. Although a bit of a shill for JamesHardie, Cusato relates a few good basic principles that a novice might learn from. And there are examples of laugh-out-loud-awful McMansions in styles that can be found in suburbs across the nation that made it worth keeping.