The view gets the attention. The floor plan keeps it.

A spectacular outlook can make an unconvincing room seem briefly persuasive. Stand at the glass, admire the city, and then turn around. That is where the rest of the home begins.

Think about arrival, privacy and where an ordinary evening would happen. Does the kitchen belong to daily life or only to entertaining? Can guests find the terrace without touring the private rooms? Is the outdoor space somewhere you would actually sit?

The best brief considers light throughout the day, useful storage and the relationship between quieter rooms and social space. A beautiful dining table is a pleasure. So is not hearing every conversation from the bedroom.

The building deserves equal attention. Ownership documents, shared responsibilities, access and current services need their own review with the appropriate professionals. Up high, as anywhere else, a good home is more than its strongest photograph. We love a skyline. We are also rather fond of a door in the right place.