Designing a custom home sounds like the dream, right? A blank canvas. No rules. Endless possibilities.
And then… the Pinterest boards start spiraling. The floor plan doodles start clashing. The phrase “flow of the space” gets thrown around with no real definition. Suddenly, you’re staring at a pile of decisions wondering if it would’ve been easier to stay put.
Take a deep breath. We’re here to remind you: designing a custom home can be fun. Really. Especially when you have a team that’s done this before.
Step One: Let’s Talk About That Weird Lot
We’ve seen it all—marshfront corners, skinny infill lots, hilltops that look more like ski slopes. A custom home often starts when your lot doesn’t quite fit the box. And that’s where we thrive. We love a site challenge. Our team doesn’t just design pretty houses—we design homes that respond to their surroundings. So bring on the quirks. We’ll make them work for you.
Step Two: Start With a Vision, Not a Vibe
Forget the idea that you need a full architectural vocabulary before calling us. What you do need is a sense of how you want to live. Morning coffee on a screened porch? Kids within shouting distance (but not shouting range)? Those are the clues that help us shape your space. The rest—the scale, the rooflines, the window groupings—we’ll guide you through that.
Step Three: Collaboration is Kind of Our Thing
This isn’t a solo project. It’s not even a duo project. It’s a team effort, and you’ve got a crew. Our architects will listen, sketch, revise, and sketch again. We’ll pull in our project management team to keep things moving and make sure every detail—big and small—feels just right. Whether your vision is crystal clear or still forming, we’ll walk with you every step of the way.
Step Four: Add Your Flair
This is where it gets fun. Choosing details. Defining spaces. Bringing in finishes that reflect you. Whether you’re a minimalist, a maximalist, or somewhere in between, we’re here for it. Our job is to filter those ideas through a lens of timeless, functional design—so your home still feels fresh 30 years from now.
So… What Does the Custom Home Process Actually Look Like?
Here’s how it works:
- Discovery
We start with a conversation—what you need, what you love, and what your lot demands. We review your ideas, sketches, and inspiration and talk through how you want to live in your home. - Schematic Design
We take everything you’ve shared and begin translating it into floor plans and elevations. You’ll see layouts, massing, and design direction. We collaborate closely here—this is where the magic (and refining) happens. - Design Development
Once the big picture is in place, we get into the details—windows, doors, ceiling heights, finishes, and flow. Your house starts to come to life. - Construction Documents
This is the final, technical phase—fully detailed drawings ready for permitting and construction. - Ongoing Support
Even after the drawings are done, we’re available to your team for questions and coordination. We stay involved and invested—because we want the finished product to feel just right.
The Extras That Make It Even Easier (and Cooler)
Want to really see your home before it’s built? We offer 3D modeling through SketchUp so you see a 360 degree view of the exterior of your home. Not everyone’s a floor plan person, and that’s okay. A 3D model brings clarity and confidence to the process.
And when you’re trying out exterior materials or exploring layout options? Use our Configurator tool to test colors, finishes, and more. It’s visual, intuitive, and seriously fun.
Need help navigating neighborhood architectural review boards? We’ve got you covered. We can provide design boards, color renderings, and colored elevations tailored for community submittals—making approvals smoother and faster.
Bottom Line? A Custom Home Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated.
It just has to be yours.
And with the right team (that’s us), designing it can actually be one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. We bring the experience. You bring the dream. Let’s build something incredible—together.
