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Welcome
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How we work
Designing a home is work. Here's the path we'll walk together — and what to expect at each step. It's an iterative process: we start general and refine to the very specific, and we arrive at the design together, based on your situation and needs.
- Phase 1
Predesign
I gather everything the design will stand on — your site (climate, sun, topography, zoning setbacks), the program (your list of rooms), an early budget check against size, code review, and the survey you just filled out. For renovations and additions, this includes drawings of the existing home.
- Phase 2
Schematic design
The rough shape and the ideas take form. I draft a guiding narrative — a parti — then bring you at least two design options as loose sketches and models. We meet, react, and narrow to one direction worth developing.
- Phase 3
Design development
We make it real: precise plans, elevations, and sections; the framework of the material palette inside and out; and the building's systems. We meet several times, each pass sharper than the last. Structural and other consultants join here.
- Phase 4
Construction documents
Everything is fixed into a detailed set of drawings and specifications — the instruction manual a builder prices and builds from. This phase asks the least of you; most decisions are already made.
- Phase 5
Construction observation
Once building begins, I'm your agent on site — weekly visits, answering questions, and holding the work to the drawings we made together, through to a final punch list and move-in.
A few honest notes
Design fees are billed hourly. The cost of construction doesn't set the fee, but it's a useful guide to how much design time a project needs — so early on we align your budget with the size of the home. For custom residential work in North Texas, I plan around $400–600 per square foot to build. Design alone can take a few months to a year; construction usually runs 12 to 16 months. The clearest way to control fees: be candid about what you love and don't, and match the size of the house to the budget early.
Your proposal is being prepared
Once your designer has reviewed your survey, your proposal will appear right here to read and sign. We'll let you know the moment it's ready.
Your design proposal
Please read the proposal below, including Attachment A, Terms & Conditions. When it reads right, sign at the bottom and we'll begin.
Sign and initial
Signed. Thank you — your designer will be in touch to begin. The signed copy stays here for your records.
