How are We Different?

We believe that we are the tools to get YOUR project completed. This means every project should take on the personality appropriate to YOUR needs. To do that the design team must LISTEN. A good designer should be able to create whatever design style is appropriate to meet the Owner's goals. A rustic design, may be appropriate for one client and a modern design for another. We have a wide range of design examples that show our diversity. In the early programming work-session, we determine what should be an appropriate style or image and what elements may best support that concept. Then we use that concept as our guiding principle for every design decision to follow. This ensures a cohesive end product and helps the Owner filter out and prioritize the sometimes conflicting approaches or ideas that may come up during the design process.

Balanced Approach

Function, Aesthetics, and Cost, are all important for a project to be successful. That means considering cost from the very start in concept design. We believe working with a contractor as early in design as possible will provide the best value to the Owner because costs and constructibility are addressed early preventing rework due to unknowns later in the project. The Owner decides where they want to spend the money and we help the Owner understand the cost impact of their decisions. The Owner / Contractor / Architect are a team that needs to work together to provide the highest quality and most efficient built product.

Collaborative Design

Collaborative design should take a holistic approach. The Design Team must listen to the client's aesthetic, functional and financial needs to accurately diagnose and recommend a project design approach. The approach should be based on tested design concepts (or "patterns" as described in Alexander's A Pattern Language). By integrating the project context, user needs, environmental/green issues, and long term operations/value we document your goals and priorities and develop a road map to guide you through the building process.

Design Process

Using the collaborative design process, we develop milestones and checkpoints for owner approval of AESTHETICS, FUNCTION and COST, so the process does not go too far without the Owner's opportunity to change or adjust. Regular communication through face to face meetings or web meetings, email, 3D design images, cost estimates and updated schedules help the team be proactive about design and construction, saving the Owner time and money.

3D Design

Our Team works with the Owner and Contractor in design work sessions where we use a powerful 3d design program to build and modify the design in 3d. This communication is invaluable in moving the decision making process forward and verifying everyone is on the same page. During the work sessions, changes are made in real time so the owner can easily visualize the design with different siding options, finishes, roof styles, and windows. The team can virtually walk around and through the building before it is ever built. The model does not lie and shows all, so there are no surprises or costly changes during construction.