Thank you for your interest in collaborating with me to transform your home. I look forward to assisting you in defining your needs and creating a truly inspiring and welcoming space—one that you are proud to call home.
First, I will visit your home to discuss your goals and wish list while we walk through your space. We will talk about what changes you’d like to make and what is feasible.
After our meeting, I will conduct research and provide you with a written proposal for design services. This proposal will include construction documents and any necessary revisions or responses required by the city to obtain permits. Please note that permit research paperwork and filing are not included; full-service permitting is available for an additional hourly fee, which is not part of the design proposal.
Once you hire me as your designer, I will return to your home to take measurements and photos of the existing space. During this meeting, we will explore your goals for your home in greater detail. We may review photos that inspire you, discuss your wish list, and go through a questionnaire.
After our meeting, I will conduct a feasibility study by consulting with the city to determine what is possible for your project. I will also look into the requirements for obtaining the necessary permits.
During the Concept and Design phase, I develop the core idea for your renovation, addition, or new home. I utilize sketches, floor plans, and 3D renderings to effectively convey the design’s intent. We may explore multiple options to ensure that the final design meets your goals and needs. We will hold an in-person or remote meeting to discuss the initial concept and identify any necessary adjustments.
Once the design is finalized, I create detailed CAD drawings of the proposed floor plans and elevations. These drawings include visual representations of appliances, finishes, and fixtures. The construction documents generated will be used to obtain bids and secure necessary permits.
Attention to detail is crucial at this stage. If the plans are not specific enough or if any information is omitted, you may end up incurring additional costs. To avoid misunderstandings and mistakes, it is essential to hire a designer who can provide highly accurate and detailed construction documents.
I provide all the necessary construction documents for permitting. You can either use these documents to apply for your permits on your own or take advantage of my add-on permitting service. When the city responds, I will address their questions and make any required corrections to the plans. Once the city approves the construction documents, they will issue the permits needed to proceed with your project.
Once you have finalized all your construction documents and permits, you can begin obtaining bids from general contractors for the construction work. I will assist you in this process by providing the names of contractors who have successfully completed my projects in the past. Additionally, I am available to answer any questions you may have about the bidding process and construction. I will also be available for consultation during the construction phase as needed.
Contractors appreciate working with my designs because I provide detailed plans that include all necessary specifications and dimensions. My thorough construction documents ensure that you receive more accurate bids, reducing the likelihood of problems arising during the construction process.
Construction documentation is the process of communicating architectural designs to builders, fabricators, cabinet makers, and others involved in executing the design. These documents serve as a legal agreement between the owner and the contractor. Typically, 40–50% of the project design fee is allocated to preparing these documents. My background as a graphic designer enables me to present clear and concise drawings to both the contractor and city officials.
