“In Supersizing Bliss [...] the award-winning architect [Toby Witte] takes the reader on a journey to discovering how life-enriching homes are made.”
“He works to counter what he sees as a sea of heartless, uninspired houses provided to North American homeowners, Witte writes in his book Supersizing Bliss.”
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Supersizing Bliss
How we have Betrayed our Homes and the Happiness we Seek
Vignettes of a Search by
Toby Witte
A collection of thoughts and insights into the world of our homes.
How the homes we live in have come to be and ways to design them better.
Mentioned in:
and
In his award-winning book Supersizing Bliss Toby Witte takes us along on a search for the creative spark that will lead to the creation of a home that will promise happiness. He shares his insights into the cultural trappings and market forces that have led to the sea of heartless, uninspired houses provided to North American homeowners as well as ideas on how to create your own home successfully despite of them.
Through examples and anecdotes this book offers an empathetic look at the opportunities we have to create homes that have the chance to be inspiring stages for our lives. If you are planning to create a single-family home for yourself, this book is a must-read.
“An absorbing brief for great architecture as a human necessity. A … captivating argument for the house as the framework for a vibrant life.”
“If you yearn for a place that can truly shape your life story, this book will help you find your way.”
“I’m twenty years into my journey as a residential architect and Supersizing Bliss gave me a new framework for identifying what matters.
Toby is like that great teacher who makes complex ideas simple. Supersizing Bliss is a must-read for future homeowners and their architects!”
“Witte excavates desire with a sincerity that is the sexiest stalwart of design. He doesn’t merely appease. He psychically sketches, etches, and constructs the metaphorical and enveloping chaise lounge where his clients would choose to languish…forever.”
“Architects often write for other architects, but Supersizing Bliss is devoted to architecture’s inhabitants. Witte’s book offers insights into many of the little-known frustrations, desires, and dreams architects have for the built environment. The accessible book is a kind of annotated love letter to architecture, written by an architect, to all occupants of houses.”
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Preview a Chapter
CHAPTER 13 - GOOD DESIGN IS EMPATHETIC
An example of a home that feels for its inhabitants
About TOBY
Over a quarter century of experience in the world of design and construction comes to bear on Toby Witte’s internationally acclaimed work. German by heritage and upbringing, born in Peru, Toby has had the privilege to study and practice architecture, building science, drafting, and construction in Germany and in the USA.
Between various employment with architect, engineering, and construction firms, he graduated cum laude from the David R. Ravin School of Architecture at the University of North Carolina – Charlotte. He ran his previous design/build companies Dialect Design and Qube11 for over a decade until he founded Wittehaus in 2017.
Toby and Wittehaus have been honored with many awards, including the Medal & Henry Adams Certificate of Merit by The American Institute of Architects, the North Carolina Modernist Houses Matsumoto Prize, the Build Magazine’s Design & Build Award for “Most Innovative Architecture and Design Firm, North Carolina”, the Communicator Award of Distinction by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, the BLT award for Architectural Design, as well as the Architecture Masterprize.
Among other publications Toby’s homes have been featured by Dwell, Architectural Digest, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.
Following the success of his book, Toby has been a keynote speaker and frequent podcast guest, sharing his thoughts about the world of modern homes.
In the interest to share his expertise with the next generation of architects, Toby has been called back by his alma mater to occasionally help out as a guest lecturer and part-time adjunct professor.
To learn, grow , and contribute, Toby has been an active member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Organization of Minority Architects, Brick & Wonder, EntreArchitect, and the German American Chamber of Commerce.
When Toby parks his pencil he lets himself be sucked in by a vibrant family life centered around his wife, an early education teacher, their three powerhouse daughters, and four cats. He cooks, reads, travels, plays two chords on the guitar, and loves a good beer.
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“His vivid prose effectively conveys the psychological impact of material structures”
“On a quest to find the true definition of home and how the houses in which we live might contribute directly to the health and happiness of their occupants, Toby Witte explores the individual elements of architectural design and presents an alternative blueprint for changing the way we build single family homes in America.”
“In this beautiful little book Toby Witte passionately expresses the power to improve people’s lives that great design has. He also dispenses antidotes to the cultural illnesses challenging those who pursue design happiness.”
“Supersizing Bliss expanded my understanding and meaning of a home. Toby’s reflections explore the value of the spaces we make ours, the place where our hearts and minds are free, relaxed, and we can be ourselves. As an architect, I found this book inspiring, practical and honest, a guide that reminds us of the potential of how our homes could be.”
“The flight from intimacy in residential design betrays our need to have houses create calm, reduce stress, and insulate us from the outside world. Witte challenges rising expectations and champions what’s possible in reasonably-sized spaces.”
“His houses transform battens, bricks, and beams into homes that are intimate places for creating indelible memories. Through good design, good proportion, and good taste, and through Supersizing Bliss, a Wittehaus primer, Toby Witte’s homes reach bliss.”
“This book is an insightful and insider view of the secrets in getting the most out of the architectural process and the skills of an architect. Potential patrons and clients of architecture will value the tips and hints the author offers. This read is an essential glossary for those wishing to create something truly special and unique for themselves. It is especially cogent for those wanting more in a house than a simple “real estate deal.”
In an era of bespoke practices, this is the ultimate design tool and guide for residential architecture.”
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