Thank you for your interest in working with me to transform your home. I can’t wait to help you define your needs and create a truly inspiring and welcoming space—a place you are proud to call home.
First, I’ll come to your home to review your goals and wish list as we walk through your space. We’ll discuss what’s possible and the changes you want.
Once our meeting is complete, I’ll do some research and provide a written proposal for design services. This includes construction documents and any revisions or responses required by the city to get permits. (It does not include permit paperwork and filing; full-service permitting is available at an hourly fee not included in the design proposal.) I also estimate engineering fees for you.
The charge for this initial consultation is $125. You are under no obligation to continue until you approve the proposal. Your proposal is good for 60 days after our meeting.
Once you’ve hired me as your designer, I’ll return to your home to measure and take photos of the existing space. At this meeting, we’ll dive more deeply into your goals for your home. We may review photos that you like, review your wish list, and go through a questionnaire.
Afterward, I will consult with the city in a feasibility study to learn what is possible for your project. I’ll also look into what will be required for permitting.
In the Concept and Design phase, I create the core idea for your renovation, addition, or new home. I use sketches, floor plans, and 3D rendering to clearly express the intent of the design. We may explore multiple options to ensure that you get a design that meets your goals and needs. We’ll have an in-person or remote meeting to discuss the initial concept and determine any necessary adjustments.
After finalizing the design, I produce final CAD drawings of the proposed floor plans and elevations, complete with a visual representation of appliances, finishes, and fixtures. These construction documents will be used to get construction bids and permits.
Details are extremely important here. If your plans aren’t specific enough, or if something is left out, you’ll end up paying more than you’d planned. Avoid misunderstandings and mistakes by hiring a designer who will be incredibly specific and accurate in the construction documents.
I provide all the construction documents that are necessary for permitting. You can use the construction documents to apply for your permits yourself or use my add-on permitting service. When the city responds, I’ll answer their questions and make any necessary corrections to the plans. Once the city accepts the construction documents, they will issue the permits to build your project.
Once all your construction documents and permits are finalized, you can get bids from general contractors for construction. I will support you in this process by providing the names of contractors who have successfully built my projects. I will also answer your questions about bidding and construction. I will be available for consultation during the construction process as needed.
Contractors love working with my designs because I go into great detail, including all the necessary specifications and dimensions. My detailed, thorough construction documents mean you get a more accurate bid, and your contractor is less likely to run into problems.
Construction documentation is the process of communicating architectural designs to builders, fabricators, cabinet makers, and others that will execute the design. Construction documents represent a legal agreement between owner and contractor. In most cases, 40–50% of the project design fee will be allocated to preparing these documents. My experience as a graphic designer allows me to present clear, concise drawings to the contractor and city officials.
