Design Process
Architecture is a conversation. We sketch, test, revise, and dream together. You bring your stories and the rhythms of your daily life. I translate them into space, form, and detail. Collaboration, not transaction - I listen first, then work side by side with clients, families, and communities to shape spaces that reflect your needs and aspirations.
Every project is unique–Whether we are honoring the history of the space and preserving the integrity of the time period it was built, imagining something entirely new built with sustainable materials or dancing between the two we build the vision together.
Connect & Discover
Imagine & Iterate
Develop & Document
Build & Support
We start simple with a conversation - what are you hoping to do? Why are you hoping to do it? We’ll talk about your site, your goals, your timeline, and your budget. This is where we decide if we’re the right fit for each other. If we are not the right fit, I’m happy to make a referral.
Discovery / Feasibility
Next we’ll understandthe capabilities of the property, zoning rules, and any building restrictions. I will review existing conditions, take measurements, and set a realistic framework for design, schedule, and cost. Sometimes we uncover opportunities you didn’t know you had—and occasionally, challenges that are better to know now than later. Good design thrives with constraints.
Concept Iteration
In a fun, creative sprint. We explore design directions - thinklayouts, forms, materials, light, flow…and we’ll start to test what feels right. It’s collaborative, visual, and fast-moving. You’ll see ideas take shape and help steer the design toward one that resonates deeply with how you want to live, work, or gather.
Schematic Design + Pricing
This is where imagination meets reality. Here, we refine the concept into a coordinated architectural plan—big-picture design, scale, and key materials. We often bring in a contractor or cost estimator to price the design so we can calibrate scope and budget before diving deeper. Smart, strategic adjustments keep the project grounded in reality and within your budget
Design Development + Consultants
Now we zoom in. The structure, systems, and details come into focus. We coordinate with structural, mechanical, electrical, and other consultants as needed. The design gains technical backbone while keeping its spirit intact. By the end of this phase, the project is fully defined and ready for the technical documentation that follows.
Construction / Contract Documents
This is the nuts and bolts phase—literally. We translate the design into detailed drawings and specifications that contractors can price, permit, and build from. Clarity here saves time, money, and headaches later. These documents are the bridge between design intent and the physical reality on site.
Construction (Observation)
Once construction starts, I stay involved to help ensure the design is built as intended. That means site visits, answering contractor questions, reviewing material submittals, and troubleshooting when real-world conditions throw surprises our way. My role shifts from creator to advocate—protecting the design, your interests, and the integrity of the finished work.
FAQs
Curious how it all works—from first sketches to final build? Head to the FAQ for straight answers and a few hard-earned lessons.