How it works

Our design process.

From first site visit to final punchlist, every project moves through six phases. Here's what to expect.

Existing Measurements

Site Survey

Schematic Design

a. Site + Zoning Analysis

Design Development

a. Engineer On-Boardingb. Finish + Fixture Selections

Cost Estimation

Construction Documentation

Construction Administration

b. Project Kick-Off

What happens during this phase?

Every residential project begins with a thorough understanding of your home. The first phase of our design process is the Existing Measurements phase, during which a member of our team will schedule a time to visit your home and document your space. This process usually takes one and a half to two hours, and will capture every inch of your home, including ceiling heights, facade lengths, window and door dimensions, and even the location of electrical equipment such as HVAC and electrical panels.

We will also work with a trusted land survey team to capture the existing topography around your home, or work with an existing survey, if available. Our design team then translates these measurements and site information into a detailed 3D model, which becomes the basis for all future designs and construction documentation.

a. Site Survey

As part of the design process for new construction or home additions, you'll need to have your property surveyed. This step is separate from the architectural process and is completed by a licensed land surveyor. The survey should include details like topography and tree locations to make sure we have the most accurate information needed to apply for a construction permit.

What happens during this phase?

The Schematic Design phase is where your project begins to take shape. Using a 3D model of your existing space, our design team will start to explore the basic forms, size, and overall appearance of your new build or home addition. Throughout this phase, we will schedule dedicated design meetings between you and our design team to share ideas, gather feedback, and shape a project that balances practicality with creativity.

Together, we'll refine overall floor layouts, discuss construction methods, and work to develop a finalized design option. At the end of this phase, our team will deliver highly-developed floor plans and both interior and exterior elevations.

a. Site Zoning + Analysis

Our team will conduct an in-depth zoning analysis to assess local regulations and their application to your project. This is where a site survey becomes essential; using information on property lines, building setback requirements, and possible easement and storm water considerations, our team will work to create a design that is compliant with your municipality's building and permitting requirements.

What happens during this phase?

We like to think of the Design Development phase as going from "feet to inches." This marks a transition from the big picture of your project to creating the details that make it come to life. After developing the overall site layout and project floor plans, our team will begin to refine these layouts, including material selections, millwork, and project construction methods. Throughout this phase, we typically like to schedule three design meetings, one at the beginning, middle, and end of the design development.

a. Engineer On-Boarding

During this phase, we will also begin to introduce Structural Engineering consultants to the project to assist in developing structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans (if applicable). Our consultant fees are always included in our initial fee proposal, and we always recommend consultants that we know, trust, and have collaborated with in the past.

What happens during this phase?

With design drawings in hand, we partner with a trusted general contractor to produce a detailed cost estimate. This includes itemized pricing for labor, materials, permitting, and GC fees, along with appropriate contingencies for unknowns.

We review the estimate with you line by line so you understand every cost, and we help you make informed decisions about scope, materials, and sequencing if adjustments are needed before construction begins.

What you'll receive

A full contractor proposal, an itemized cost breakdown, and a working budget you can use to make decisions with confidence.

What happens during this phase?

During the Construction Documentation phase, imagination meets instruction. Our team will work to translate the project design into a set of detailed, comprehensive drawings. These documents act as roadmaps that guide contractors through every nuance of your project.

These drawings don't just ensure accuracy; they protect your vision, defining how each element should look, feel, and function, so nothing gets lost along the way.

What happens during this phase?

Finally, we stay with you through the build itself. For the duration of the CA phase, our team will schedule routine, on-site meetings with the contractor to make sure what's being built matches our drawings. When unexpected challenges arise, as they sometimes do, we will be available to resolve them quickly and keep the project moving forward. Some of our other responsibilities during this phase may include revising permit drawings, generating field reports, and reviewing submittals and information requests from the contractor.

Once construction is complete, we will schedule a final walk-through and put together a final punchlist to ensure that the finished space reflects the vision that we created during the previous project phases.

a. Project Kick-Off

For the Project Kick-Off, we will meet on-site with you and your contractor prior to the start of construction. During this meeting, we will discuss the overall project goals, possible challenges, and an estimated construction timeline.

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