Our Design & Build Process
We see our design and build process as an expedition. It is a shared journey undertaken by a group of people for a specific purpose. As guides, it is our duty to navigate you through the design and build landscape, educating and informing you along the way. For us, the journey makes the destination great.
Our Design/Build Stages:
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Stage 1: Design Collaboration
Through conversation and meetings we uncover your intentions and goals, sort through your wants and desires, and guide you through the design/build options that will help bring your ultimate dreams to life. This first stage helps us gauge your level of interest in green building, specialized craftsmanship, and other general decisions that allow us to formulate a broad budget. We then survey the scene and provide possible routes on how to incorporate these elements based on personal values and the resources available. Every client comes with many goals for their home. They rarely come with just one goal. Often, goals compete with one another and it is our job as designers to understand what is essential to you and help you get the best combination of goals while respecting limitations like costs.
You are not expected to build with us when stage one is completed. Through this communicative process our relationship will grow, as we show our commitment and dedication to the journey to come. Most importantly, we establish an interdependent relationship. The first deliverable that we present to you, or moment of truth as we like to call it, comes near the end of this stage. This is where schematic designs and a rough budget are given to the client.
Stage 2: Design Deep Dive & Project Planning (Journey Prep)
Through discussion and deliberation, we advise you on the best possible path towards reaching your goal while distilling down your budget to fit your needs. This is an iterative process where we start with a broad scale map, and then dial in to precise “campsites” as the planning unfolds. We have spent years working with a wide array of clients and homes. Our clients tell us, and our experience shows one key thing. Good design does not just happen. It is intentional, deliberate and a step by step process which includes innovation and creativity as well as logic and rigorous methodology. For us, great design involves seeing problems differently or from every angle. We turn problems sideways, upside down and even inside out in order to see what potential exists outside the bounds of “tradional thinking”. For us this leads to outstanding spaces with design that never gets old or goes out of style. During stage two we assemble our team and create an open line of communication with you to mitigate surprises on the journey to come. We take time to prepare you for the physical and mental journey we are both about to undergo.
Stage 3: Embarking & Building
The third stage is where we embark. This is where each stride that we take contributes to your larger goal. We work with precision and expertise to bring you happily and healthily to your ultimate destination. We communicate with you honestly every step of the way, as we work through issues and obstacles. This stage represents the bulk of the building process and is where we put our skills to work!
Stage 4: Completion
A home and personal relationship was forged that will last a lifetime. A dwelling was designed from the personalities of our clients and built with the compassion of our team. The journey comes to a close as we reach our collaborative destination. We hope you leave this adventure inspired and wanting to do it again.