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From Concept to Completion... The Design Process is Simple
Usually, your first contact with our firm is because a friend referred you to us. They either have had experience dealing with us in the past or have had a friend who knows us somehow. Maybe a builder has recommended us to you. Regardless, you came to us because a source has had a positive experience dealing with our firm in the past, otherwise you wouldn't be here.
Either way, we're glad you're here!
Our team will take it from the brilliant idea which you've gone over and over in your head to a final working set of blueprints, a complete set of construction drawings with engineered seals if needed. It could be a luxury dream home plan where we started with a clean sheet of paper and together developed exactly what you wanted it to be—your custom designed home from scratch. Or, if you prefer, we can begin with one of our many existing plans and modify it to create your semi-custom home plan. We can help you decide which approach would be the best course for you during our initial meeting.
The Introductory Meeting
The first meeting is a time when you can begin to learn about us and our company. We know that planning a home can seem to be a daunting challenge. Many times our clients are nervous. That's understandable—after all, buying or designing a new home is a big commitment of time, money, and emotions.
We want you to be relaxed and at ease with us, and for us to be comfortable and at ease with you. We're going to be a team and we have to communicate easily together.
And so, you decided that we'd be a good fit, and you want to hire us...
Initial Concept Drawing
...Ask us questions!
We design a concept plan based on our initial interview. We've learned what your wants and needs are, and so we've come up with a rough draft of what we think you want.
This is the point where architecture begins. This is where words begin to fail. You've heard pictures are worth a thousand words. Well... Architecture is pictures. We draw pictures to communicate to others what we want to achieve.
Site Orientation
...Ask us questions!
Site orientation is something our clients don't often think too much about when they purchase the land they are about to build on. It's a very important facet of our architectural design work. For example, having the back porch on the west side is definitely not a good idea in Texas—especially if you plan on having any outdoor time in the afternoons.
We spend considerable time making sure the orientation of the home and the layout are proper to the property. We make sure the traffic flows inside the home are congruent to the orientation of the property.
CAD Drawings
...Ask more questions!
Now we have made considerable progress developing the floor plans. We will make as many changes to the floor plans as needed to get exactly the floor plan you want.
(Well, as many changes as you want, providing we are making reasonable progress and not going back and forth between two or three relatively similar plans that we've already evaluated.)
Electrical & Lighting Design Planning
...Ask us questions!
At this stage of the design process, we address one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of custom home design: the electrical layout and lighting design. This is where we spend considerable time reviewing and discussing the lighting effects and electrical functionality of your home.
We review the lighting ambiance you want to achieve and determine the appropriate electrical fixtures for each location. Every aspect of the electrical layout is carefully addressed—from the strategic placement of security system annunciator panels and security cameras to night-lighting zones and their activation schedules. We also plan for exterior ground lighting, landscape accent lighting, and dedicated circuits for Christmas-lighting installations.
Our detailed electrical drawings ensure your home has the functionality and ambiance you envision, whether you're relaxing on the porch, entertaining guests, or securing your property. Every detail is considered and documented in your construction drawings, ready for the electrician and building inspector.
Refined CAD Drawings
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Now we have made considerable progress. The floor plans have all the windows, cabinets, plumbing, doors, electrical fixtures, and major furniture pieces placed. We have a roof layout, we've seen concept elevations, and a proposed site plan is completed.
We have finally reached a point which we call the "NO MORE CHANGES" stage of the planning process. Just as the name implies, floor plan changes can no longer be made beyond this point (at least changes at no cost). Now we go away for two to three more weeks to complete the architectural drawings.
Final CAD Drawings
At this point, all the sections and wall details are completed. All the cornice and frieze boards, foundation details, and other construction specifications have been drawn with precision. We give you the opportunity to make one final complete review before we produce the final version of the plans.
Once this review is completed, we produce the final construction drawings ready for permit review and construction. Our fees do not include production costs, but all other aspects of the project are included as shown on our page of what is included in our plans.
Learn More in Our Blog
Explore our Design Insights Blog for detailed articles on energy-efficient homes, green building, and Hill Country design trends. Our commitment to sustainable design aligns with U.S. Green Building Council standards, promoting environmentally responsible building practices. Our designs meet Energy Star standards, which means superior energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and reduced environmental impact.