The average new house size has risen almost 1000 sq ft since 1975. And it’s not the case that more people are living in them. The average household size has reduced in the same timeframe, from 3 to around 2.5.

While there are a myriad of reasons that could explain this:unscrupulous builders pushing higher square footage, more efficient building methods, or perhaps a general extension of American culture, there are a few building professionals working towards better homes before making them bigger.

Emily Mottram, founder of Mottram architecture in Maine, frustrated with the current building climate and the current certifications for building energy efficient and highly conscious homes, carved a new path.

Her and three other building professionals gathered over beer and building science, creating the BS + Beer show. Over New England IPAs, I guess, they were detailing out a philosophy for building, not one that simply checks off the boxes of LEED or Passive Home, which often require expensive consultants to get certification, but a philosophy that aims at getting the best home for your budget, a pretty good home.

The homes Emily and other PHG disciplines design are always no bigger than they need to be, energy efficient through well insulated building envelopes, healthy with focus on moisture and air management, low on carbon impact through conscious material sourcing, and sustainable through tested building methods.

I’m currently reading their book, “Pretty Good Home” and I’m inspired by the philosophy. It’s a modern extension of reading “Your Engineered Home” by Rex Roberts (1964). Both boldly step against the grain and ask “Why?” Or “could we do this better?” Or “If I’m really honest with myself, do I really need that dormer in the bedroom or would I rather have my dream kitchen?”

These are builders and designers I’d want to sit down and have a beer with. In Robert’s opening line he states, “let’s say that a man wants to build a good house for his wife. The most important step towards success will have been to select the right wife”

Mottram has no dating advice for me, but the building and design principles will suffice.