The most important way to design is to listen. We do a lot of listening, discovering your unique needs, and hearing how you want your home to change. We also listen to your home, really digging in and understanding its unique challenges and advantages. Only after gaining an understanding of you, your site, and your goals, only then do we begin to merge that information into design solutions. A lot of people want to start with the end, with the solutions. We think it's important to ask the right questions, first. 

Your project starts as an idea. It's just a vision, a feeling that things aren't right in your home, a thought about how make things better. When we meet you'll get a free professional opinion about that idea. We'll get an overview of your goals, hear about some of your needs and wants, and assess the existing conditions of your home. At the end of this consult we'll offer you an estimate for design services based on your unique requirements. You'll have a sense of what's possible, and how to move forward. 

Conceptual Design is the seed of an idea. Design work follows a process of discovery that leads to a solution. Work during this phase may include site analysis, flow diagrams, solar charts, client questionnaires and more. We want a real understanding of how you live in your home, and a thorough understanding of what your home is already. We create a "gold standard" list of your prioritized goals. Then, armed with insight, we can start to generate possible solutions. Armed with insight, we choose the right one for you. 

This is what your builder uses. These documents turn your concept into real plans through design development. Plans, elevations, and section and detail drawings are usually part of this set. Drawings may include lighting plumbing and electrical plans, foundation and framing plans, door and window schedules, and notes about general conditions. Some homeowners benefit from having help selecting tile, light fixtures, and other interior finishes, so these drawings may include interior selections. Think of these as the "bucket" that holds all the detailed information about your project. 

One of the most effective ways to make sure a project goes smoothly is to truly collaborate. To build strong working relationships each person needs to value and understand the perspectives of the others. Most projects involve a homeowner, an architectural designer, a builder and perhaps an interior designer, as well as numerous permitting boards, subcontractors, and so on. Each party brings important information and talents, but it's important to really bring them all together as a team. We think it's this positive, collaborative approach that makes our projects go so smoothly. 

Here are some of our strategies to guard your precious time, money, and satisfaction. First, our design method is uniquely thorough, so you don't need to make changes later, during construction. Second, we make sure that plans are vetted by a builder early and often, so the builder doesn't get any surprises. Third, we encourage retaining a contractor early-on, so that your builder is invested in your project and truly understands your goals. Fourth, we create a project budget early on, revise it during design development, and, again, make sure that your builder has approved it well before you get an actual estimate. We find that taking these steps during the design process is well-worth the protection they provide.