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frequently asked questions
Looking to start a new project?
Let us help you determine where to start. This page answers some of the most frequently asked questions we get from potential new clients, along with outlining our services and design process.
I’m planning on building a new home or completing a remodel/addition, What kind of professional should I hire first?
The first professional involved in any project should be an architectural designer or architect. We find that many clients first engage with a contractor/builder, which makes sense since they will be the ones physically completing the work, however, any contractor will tell you that they need plans before they can provide a detailed estimate, timeline, or scope of work. That’s where we come in. We can provide plans for most remodels and small additions. If you are looking to build from the ground up, or create a large addition, we can recommend and partner with an architect to design a plan set for the project.
The first professional involved in any project should be an architectural designer, interior designer, or architect. We find that many clients first engage with a contractor/builder, which makes sense since they will be the ones physically completing the work. However, any contractor will tell you that they need plans before they can provide a detailed estimate, timeline, or scope of work. That's where we come in! We can provide plans for most remodels and small additions. If you are looking to build from the ground up, or create a large addition, we prefer to recommend and partner with an architect to design a plan set for the project.
What other benefits come with completing plans prior to hiring a contractor?
The first professional involved in any project should be an architectural designer or architect. We find that many clients first engage with a contractor/builder, which makes sense since they will be the ones physically completing the work, however, any contractor will tell you that they need plans before they can provide a detailed estimate, timeline, or scope of work. That’s where we come in. We can provide plans for most remodels and small additions. If you are looking to build from the ground up, or create a large addition, we can recommend and partner with an architect to design a plan set for the project.
When we come to a contractor with a set of plans, we are able to clearly articulate the overall scope of the project. This allows the contractor to give more detailed information regarding timeline and budget. Not only that, it also allows us have productive conversations with potential builders regarding experience with projects of similar scope, style and trades required to execute the overall design.
Why do I need to hire a designer and an architect?
The first professional involved in any project should be an architectural designer or architect. We find that many clients first engage with a contractor/builder, which makes sense since they will be the ones physically completing the work, however, any contractor will tell you that they need plans before they can provide a detailed estimate, timeline, or scope of work. That’s where we come in. We can provide plans for most remodels and small additions. If you are looking to build from the ground up, or create a large addition, we can recommend and partner with an architect to design a plan set for the project.
For larger projects, we partner with architects to create a functional floor plan and exterior elevations. While the architect works out the nuts and bolts of the building details, we are there to establish a comprehensive design that marries the exterior with the interior, as well as plan for all of the interior details such as lighting, ceiling design, cabinetry, built-ins, and furniture placement--just to name a few!
I’ve never worked with a designer before, How do I know I will like the end result?
The first professional involved in any project should be an architectural designer or architect. We find that many clients first engage with a contractor/builder, which makes sense since they will be the ones physically completing the work, however, any contractor will tell you that they need plans before they can provide a detailed estimate, timeline, or scope of work. That’s where we come in. We can provide plans for most remodels and small additions. If you are looking to build from the ground up, or create a large addition, we can recommend and partner with an architect to design a plan set for the project.
The basis of any successful partnership requires clear communication, a common goal and a bit of trust. We start the conversations about design concept in broad form - looking at inspiration pictures, talking color schemes, required seating, special pieces we want to incorporate, storage requirements and overall mood. From there, we work through details to pull specific samples, colors and materials.
What kind of questions does a designer answer throughout the building process?
The first professional involved in any project should be an architectural designer or architect. We find that many clients first engage with a contractor/builder, which makes sense since they will be the ones physically completing the work, however, any contractor will tell you that they need plans before they can provide a detailed estimate, timeline, or scope of work. That’s where we come in. We can provide plans for most remodels and small additions. If you are looking to build from the ground up, or create a large addition, we can recommend and partner with an architect to design a plan set for the project.
The job of the designer is more than just creating a pretty space or fluffing pillows. Along with working to execute an overall vision we get into the nitty gritty. Much of the building process on our end involves drilling down on the minute details. Along with selecting finishes, fixtures and furniture, we determine placement, trim out/transition details, finishing touches such as grout color or hardware…and the list goes on! With the myriad of decisions that have to be made on a project, it’s not uncommon for a client to experience decision fatigue, and that's where we come in.
How do we get started?
The first professional involved in any project should be an architectural designer or architect. We find that many clients first engage with a contractor/builder, which makes sense since they will be the ones physically completing the work, however, any contractor will tell you that they need plans before they can provide a detailed estimate, timeline, or scope of work. That’s where we come in. We can provide plans for most remodels and small additions. If you are looking to build from the ground up, or create a large addition, we can recommend and partner with an architect to design a plan set for the project.
Step one is to fill out the potential new client form on our contact page. After that we will send you a style quiz so we can get a sense of your tastes and overall aesthetic. Once we engage in a working partnership, we break down the process into phases to start with the big picture, and refine design and details along the way.
