Where do I start?

Whether you’re remodeling, adding a second story, or building your dream home, the process follows similar steps.

It may seem simple, but delays and budget overruns can make it unpredictable.

Talk with an Architect first

Talking with an architect before hiring a contractor ensures a smoother, more efficient, and well-planned project. Here’s why:

CLEAR VISION + FEASIBILITY
  • An architect helps define your goals, needs, and design preferences before construction begins. They assess feasibility, zoning regulations, and potential challenges early on.
BUDGET CONTROL
  • Architects provide a detailed design plan, helping you understand costs upfront and avoid unexpected expenses. Without a clear plan, a contractor may estimate costs based on assumptions, leading to budget overruns.
BETTER CONTRACTOR SELECTION
  • With a finalized design, you can obtain accurate bids from multiple contractors, ensuring competitive pricing and the best fit for your project.
OPTIMIZED DESIGN + FUNCTIONALITY
  • Architects focus on aesthetics, functionality, and long-term value, ensuring your space is both beautiful and practical. Contractors focus on building what’s planned but don’t typically refine the design.
FEWER CHANGES + DELAYS
  • A well-thought-out architectural plan minimizes last-minute changes, reducing costly delays and miscommunications during construction.
PROJECT COORDINATION + OVERSIGHT
  • An architect can oversee the construction process, ensuring the contractor follows the design, maintains quality, and stays on track.
Bottom Line

Speaking with an architect first sets a strong foundation, leading to a more efficient, cost-effective, and successful project. Then, with a solid plan, you can confidently hire the right contractor.

Getting Started

Choosing an architect is a big decision. Our step-by-step process helps us understand your goals and ensure we’re the right fit before moving forward.

Step 1

Fill out our brief survey

Step 2

Schedule a Virtual Consult with Katy

Step 3

Engage in Predesign Services

Predesign research sets the stage for architectural design. Fees range from $750 to $2,000, depending on the project. You’ll receive a Design Brief outlining your requirements, key findings, recommendations, and next steps.

Step 4

Receive you proposal

Architectural services vary based on your project’s size, complexity, budget, and desired involvement. Every project is unique, so we offer flexible options based on our predesign assessment, allowing you to choose the level of service that fits your needs.

Step 5

Engage in Architectural Services

Once we align on your goals, scope, and service needs, we begin a collaborative design process—refining big ideas into a clear concept, adding technical details, and preparing the project for construction.


Learn more about our design process