Custom Home Design
Feasibility & Pre-Design
We take the time to understand you, your goals, and how you want to live in your space. Through a series of initial meetings, provided at no cost.
We evaluate feasibility, budget, scope, and project sequencing, reviewing zoning, site constraints, and overall possibilities. This upfront process ensures we’re a good fit and allows us to dial in the scope of work before providing a formal estimate.
Once approved, our projects are structured with two installments; one to begin design and one upon finalization of the plans.
Concept & Design Development
With a clear direction established, we develop your floor plans and overall layout, translating your vision into a functional, buildable design. We collaborate closely with you to refine the details—balancing aesthetics, budget, and construction efficiency—while ensuring the design aligns with your goals and site conditions.
Preliminary plans are typically delivered within 6 weeks for custom homes and commercial projects, giving you an early, tangible vision of your project.
Plans, Review & Next Steps
We work closely with you to finalize the design through two in-person design review meetings, along with ongoing communication, ensuring every detail is aligned with your vision while confirming the design is practical and buildable.
Once approved, we develop a complete, permit-ready set of plans that includes foundation, floor framing, and roof framing layouts, giving your builder and engineer a clear path forward.
All of our plans include a 3D walkthrough, helping you visualize the design and understand how the space will feel before construction begins. We also provide CAD files, ensuring all professionals involved are working from the same information, helping avoid delays, miscommunication, and unnecessary costs. Optional renderings are available for clients looking for a more detailed visual representation.
We can also connect you with trusted professionals, including structural engineers and builders, and support you through the permitting process. This includes responding to review comments, covered within our flat fee, to help keep your project moving forward efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does custom home design take?
Preliminary plans are typically delivered within 4 weeks for remodels, additions, and ADUs, and approximately 6 weeks for custom homes and commercial projects. Preliminary plans are the first set of drawings developed after we’ve aligned on scope of work and completed the project kickoff meeting. Final plans and permitting timelines can vary based on revisions and jurisdiction requirements.
How much does custom home design cost?
Costs vary based on the size and complexity of the home, but most projects are priced using a flat fee based on square footage, providing clarity and predictability upfront. We typically price based on square footage, with projects starting around $2.50/sqft, providing clarity and predictability upfront
Do I need an architect for a custom home?
No. Many custom homes are designed by experienced residential designers who provide permit-ready plans and coordination with engineers, often at a more efficient cost.
What is included in your plans?
Our plans include floor plans, elevations, 3D Vectors, foundation, roof and framing layouts, along with the details needed for permitting and construction coordination.
Can you design around my specific lifestyle and how we use our home?
Absolutely. A big part of our process is understanding how you live day-to-day. What’s important, what’s not, and where you want to invest. We work with you to create a design that reflects your lifestyle while also balancing budget, functionality, and buildability to ensure the final product works in the real world.
Do you design barndominiums or shop homes?
Yes, we do. We work with clients to design barndominiums and shop homes that balance structural efficiency with thoughtful, livable design. These projects can be deceptively complex, so we focus on creating layouts that work with the structure, avoid unnecessary costs, and ultimately feel like a home, not just a shop with living space.
We’re happy to walk through your ideas during a free feasibility consultation
Are barndominiums more affordable to build than traditional homes?
They can be, but it depends on the design and how the space is planned. While the structure can be more efficient, costs like plumbing, layout complexity, and interior build-out can add up quickly. We help design barndominiums in a way that maximizes efficiency while keeping construction practical and aligned with your budget.
Can you help connect me with builders and engineers?
Absolutely. We can connect you with trusted structural engineers and builders who are a good fit for your project, helping streamline the process from design to construction.
Will you help with permitting?
Yes, we support you through the permitting process, including responding to review comments (included in our flat fee), helping ensure your project continues moving forward.
Still have questions?
Schedule a free consultation and we’ll walk through your project, feasibility, and next steps.
