Our Process

Programming

The first phase, Programming, is a pre-design meeting with the client where we explore basic design concepts based on the client’s needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Most of this process requires us to listen and understand what the client’s project goal is.  We then ask questions and explore possible ideas based on the information we gather.  It is very important to understand the client’s ideas and taste.  This can be done by providing us with pictures, clippings from magazines or books, or a list of wants and needs.  We provide a questionnaire that covers some general design criteria.  Some questions may seem obvious while others you may not have thought of.  The goal isn’t only to list ideas or features that are appealing, but to understand why they were chosen and how they best suit your needs.  Each project is clearly different.  One client may require a formal dining room while the other may not, especially if the space is used infrequently.  That extra space and money may be used elsewhere or saved altogether.  Do you have a family pet?  Often times small details like providing a permanent built-in cabinet in the laundry or mud room for an animal bed and food area can be overlooked.  How many times have you kicked the water dish or tripped over the dog bed in the kitchen?  Providing a description of your family’s daily habits can better help us give you an efficient and well thought out design.  You might enjoy walking through your existing home noting your likes and dislikes, which areas you use frequently and which areas you use infrequently.  The more you can tell us about what you would like and need, the better we can come to providing you with the home of your dreams.  That information does not take a significant amount of time and the more there is, the more likely that your new home will live up to, or better yet, exceed your expectations. 

There are other tasks that need to be addressed before the start of design.  Providing us with a site survey is very important.  If you’re building a new home, we can use this to establish the best possible position on the site for the home to be built taking into account many criteria including sun location, views, and access.  If you’re planning on an addition, it’s important to clearly document and measure the existing house.  Using the survey we’ll be able to determine locations to setbacks which may restrict the design considerably.  Occasionally an owner’s idea of where they are located and actual position are different.  Understanding this at the beginning will ensure no hidden surprises down the design process.  Our job is not limited to design… if you’re searching for a suitable property to build on, we can be help in performing a site analysis to determine which would be most beneficial.  You may find a less expensive lot accomplishes as much or more than a higher costing site.  We can help you throughout this process by listening to your needs and offering solutions you may not have though of.  Our goal is to create a home that you are proud of and enjoy living in.