“Things are pretty, graceful,
Rich, elegant, handsome; but
until they speak to the
imagination not yet beautiful.” - Emerson
For 15 years, David James has been developing home designs and a philosophy that has led to the establishing of Once Upon a Cottage. His vision stems from his childhood years of backwoods forts and visiting premier architectural landmarks; to a both academic and hands-on education - designing in university architecture courses and building personally designed remodeling projects. His insightful observations of the world around him are expressed in the artistic style and creativity of each design. The historical reference in most of our designs come from David James’s passion for history, architecture, gardening and the study of great design throughout history. Many of our designs draw inspiration from the ideas of architects, and the style books of the 19th century. In all of our work, David James strives to create genuine designs, right down to the intricate details, not just “cottage” details grafted into cookie cutter homes; we believe there is a better way.
“A house is usually more than just a house – for many Americans it is an embodiment of dreams. The settings we imagine for ourselves convey not only our tastes in matters of design, but also our values, the way we are and the way we wish ourselves to be perceived.” Unknown
David James is a building designer - a member of the American Institute of Building Designers and is in process of becoming certified by the National Council of Building Designer Certification. Your planning department should accept the construction documents from Once Upon a Cottage after you have an architect or structural engineer review and stamp the design for appropriate regional concerns.
Within this website, we are providing you with an opportunity to take a glimpse of our work by viewing excerpts from or ordering copies of our portfolio, and to order study plans, or construction documents of some of our most popular designs.
While taking advantage of this opportunity it is important to remember that Once Upon a Cottage plans are protected by United States Copyright Law and International Treaties. The designs, or specific portions thereof, may not be copied or used in any way without our written release. It is illegal to create derivative works or have plans, renderings, or sketches drawn based on our home plans, renderings, catalogs, internet site, or other marketing materials. Willful infringement of copyrighted architectural designs and plans could result in damage awards of statutory damages up to, but not limited to, $150,000 or more, plus attorneys’ fees.
When you purchase a set of construction documents, ownership of that home design in no way transfers to the buyer, and you are granted the right to use the documents within a limited license to construct a single home only, assuming that you will comply with all local building codes and ordinances. The plans may not be resold, leased, transferred, or used by any other person. You must purchase an additional license for each home you construct.
Technically, making copies from Once Upon a Cottage “blueprints” at any time is a copyright violation. However, when you purchase a set of plans drawn on reproducible media, you may make up to ten sets of blueprints from that reproducible set.
While David James takes great care and effort in the production of our designs and drawings, we are unable to provide on-site supervision or control over the construction of your home. Additionally, building codes, regulations, and building practices vary widely through out the United States as well as around the world. Therefore Once Upon a Cottage’s home designs are not expected to be a final draft of construction documents without review a local, certified design professional (building designer, architect or structural engineer. As such, we do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the use of our plans, their content (omissions, typographical errors, or other inaccuracies), or the fitness of our plans for your unique construction project. Once Upon a Cottage cannot assume any responsibility or liability for errors or omissions during construction and any incidental, indirect or consequential damages whatsoever arising from the use of our home plans or the information provided therein.
Once Upon a Cottage