As a family architect, I often encounter clients who are at different stages in their family-building journey. Some are looking to renovate their existing family structure, while others are ready to tear down old patterns and start anew. Let's explore how getting the foundations right is crucial, whether you're renovating or building from scratch.

Just as with a physical home, the foundation of your family is critical. It's what everything else is built upon. Before you can design the family you want, you need to assess your current foundation:

- What values were you raised with?

- Which of these values do you want to keep, and which no longer serve you?

- What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current family dynamics?

For many, completely starting over isn't necessary or desirable. Instead, a thoughtful renovation can breathe new life into your family. Begin by identifying what's working well, address any cracks in your family structure, and modernise outdated systems. Sometimes, however, the old structure is beyond repair. In these cases, it's time to tear down and start fresh by clearing the rubble of past experiences, laying a new foundation based on your core values, and choosing new elements that align with your vision for the future.

Remember, building or renovating a family is not a one-time event. It's an ongoing process that requires patience, flexibility, and commitment. There will be setbacks and unexpected challenges, just as there are in any construction project. The key is to stay focused on your vision and be willing to adapt as needed.