Ask about our Custom Design Services

Architects help transform a homeowner's vision into reality through proper planning and design. The role of the architect is to design and document the blueprints for construction, collaborate with engineering consultants, coordinate with city development services, and communicate with the contractor — from the beginning to the end of the design, planning, and construction process.

Pre-Design and Feasibility Study

In our initial consultation with homeowners, we discuss project goals, budgets, and schedule. This phase focuses on evaluating project constraints and opportunities and confirming project feasibility with building code, zoning regulations, and HOA guidelines, if applicable. Items we request at this stage include:

• Property surveys provided by a professional land surveyor (boundary and as-built, topography, tree survey, and specialty surveys where applicable)
• Zoning code research — height restrictions, setbacks, land use restrictions, floor area ratio (FAR), and impervious/building coverage restrictions
• Flood plain analysis (FEMA) for structures in floodplains
• As-built drawings for remodels and additions

Schematic Design

This phase focuses on transforming your project concept into a defined architectural design. Using the information gathered during pre-design, we develop the layout, form, and character while addressing functionality, style, and alignment with your goals.

• Architectural site plan showing the proposed footprint of new construction and existing site features
• Floor plan layout — room arrangements, dimensions, and general flow of spaces
• Exterior elevations and roof design; window and door placements
• Architectural visualization and photo-realistic renderings to showcase the overall vision

Design Development & Permit Approval

This phase refines the schematic design into a complete set of architectural drawings that incorporate the level of detail needed for engineering coordination, vendor estimating, and client finish selections. Design Development concludes with a detailed plan set to submit for construction pricing and permitting.

• Reflected ceiling plan (tray, vaulted, stepped ceiling treatments)
• Plumbing fixture schedules and specifications
• Interior finish selections and specification (tile locations, flooring, accent walls)
• Lighting and electrical layout — fixtures, switches, outlets, data and communication
• Quantity takeoffs and schedules for windows, doors, plumbing, and lighting fixtures with manufacturer and model information for accurate pricing

Construction Documentation

Construction documents are coordinated with involved design consultants — interior designer, structural engineer, MEP engineer, civil engineer, and landscape architect — and issued for construction as a complete plan set compliant with local zoning and building codes, signed and sealed by the appropriate professionals.

• Construction assemblies — roof, wall, and floor details with material specifications, insulation R-values, and window/door U-factors to meet city energy codes
• Building cross-section details illustrating key structural relationships and connections from foundation to roof

Construction Administration

Our firm prioritizes maintaining the design intent throughout the construction process — between architectural aesthetics, interior specifications, and structural coordination — with a philosophy of Complete Design. Custom residential construction is dynamic, and it's common for clients to request changes or seek additional guidance during the construction process. We provide guidelines in a separate document regarding our services, inquiry process, and how design adjustments are managed after Construction Documents are issued.

Additional Services

The following are not included in our basic scope of work and are contracted directly with the appropriate consultant, coordinated by our office: property surveyor, geotechnical engineer / soils report, civil engineer, structural engineer, MEP engineer, interior designer, landscape architecture, and TDLR/ADA accessibility consulting. Permitting fees and construction costs are not included in our proposals.