Our Process:
Building the Foundation for Success
We believe that every successful project begins with a strong foundation. That’s why every project starts with our Needs & Options Review.
Too often, people rush into design without taking the time to understand all the variables—leading to heartache down the road. How many horror stories have you heard about projects that didn’t turn out quite right? I’ve heard too many, and that’s why I refuse to skip this critical first step.
The Needs & Options Review isn’t about jumping straight into design. It’s about slowing down, doing our research, and understanding everything we need to know before moving forward. We dig deep into your priorities and desires, conduct thorough code analysis, and assess the feasibility of your project.
This step isn’t just about gathering information—it’s about ensuring that we’re the right fit for each other. After completing this small but extremely valuable scope of work, you’ll have a clear picture of your project’s potential, and we’ll know if we’re the right team to bring your vision to life.
Why Start with a Needs & Options Review?
01. Research (you’re here!)
In the Research Phase, you’re exploring ideas, gathering inspiration, and considering your options. This is the time to look at different architects, builders, and design approaches. When you’re ready to get serious, we’ll move to the next phase.
02. Analysis
We begin every project with a Needs & Options Review, where we dig deep into your goals, assess site constraints, and eliminate assumptions. This is the foundation for your project, providing a clear picture of feasibility and outlining your best options. You’ll walk away with a document that reduces risk and sets you up for success—whether you continue with us or another architect.
03. Design
Once we’ve laid the groundwork, we move into the creative phase. We’ll develop concept sketches, refine the design, and coordinate with any necessary consultants. This is where your vision begins to take shape, ensuring that every detail aligns with your values and lifestyle.
04. Cost Estimates + Builder Selection
With the design in hand, we’ll work on getting accurate cost estimates and selecting the right builder for your project. By involving builders early, we ensure that your project remains on budget and that there are no surprises down the road.
05. Documentation
In this phase, we create detailed construction documents and handle the necessary permitting. This is where the vision turns into actionable plans that builders can follow to bring your project to life.
06. Build
Finally, we move into construction. Your builder gets to work, while we stay involved to ensure everything runs smoothly. We advise throughout the build, making sure that what’s being created reflects the design intent and your original vision.
The Needs & Options Review provides:
A solid foundation for your project, saving you time and money in the long run.
Clarity on your goals through a structured exploration of your priorities and constraints.
A reality check on project feasibility, including code compliance, potential roadblocks, and cost estimates.
Confidence to move forward—or pause—based on what we discover.
A chance to ensure compatibility, so we know we’re the right fit before diving into the design phase.
How It Works
The Needs & Options Review includes:
Initial Consultation: We start by getting to know each other. I ask questions to understand your goals, constraints, and the scope of your project.
Research & Diagnosis: We conduct thorough research on your site, zoning regulations, and potential solutions. This is the step where we ensure that all the groundwork is in place.
Report & Review: You’ll receive a detailed report outlining your best options, known challenges, and a rough cost estimate. We’ll review this together to decide how to move forward.
This step is critical to ensuring your project is a complete success—both for you and for us. By laying the groundwork upfront, we avoid the costly mistakes that can occur when you rush into design without a solid plan.