1. Initial Conversation

We begin with an initial meeting to understand your project goals, priorities, timeline, and budget comfort level. This is also a chance to see if we’re a good fit for one another. Honest alignment early on sets the tone for a successful project.

2. Project Questionnaire & Background

After our initial conversation, you’ll receive a short questionnaire and project prompts to help clarify how you live, what matters most to you, and what success looks like for your project. This helps us move from ideas to actionable design direction.

3. Existing Conditions & Measurement (renovations & additions)

We document existing conditions through site visits, measurements, and available surveys. Accurate information at this stage is critical—good design depends on understanding what already exists.

4. Site Research (new construction)

For new construction, we begin with thorough site research. This typically includes a full topographical survey, site visits, and initial consultation with civil engineers to understand grading, drainage, and stormwater requirements.

We also study how water, sun, wind, and other environmental factors interact with the site, along with the surrounding context—including neighboring buildings, setbacks, and the architectural character of the area. This groundwork informs smart siting, orientation, and long-term performance from the start.

5. Schematic Design

This is where ideas take shape. We develop the design iteratively, testing options against budget, zoning, and constructability.

We typically have between 2-3 initial design meetings where we look at preliminary layouts, sketches and digital models that get steadily refined into more detailed drawings and renderings to help convey the look and feel of the space.

Throughout this phase, budget is always part of the conversation, not something addressed at the end.

6. Neighborhood Review (when required)

If your project is located within a historic district or a municipality that requires Architectural Review Board (ARB) approval, we prepare and submit the agreed-upon schematic design drawings and renderings for local review.

This process ensures the project aligns with neighborhood context, historic guidelines, and municipal design standards. Approval at this stage is often required before permit drawings can be submitted. Because this process is unique to each project we tend to track our time and bill on an hourly basis.

7. Zoning Variance or Regulatory Approvals (when Required)

Some sites are constrained by lot geometry, existing conditions, or zoning limitations. When a project cannot comply with zoning or other regulatory requirements as written, a variance or special approval may be required.

When this occurs, we help determine feasibility, coordinate required documentation, and support the approval process with drawings and narratives. Variance timelines and outcomes are determined by the municipality and may impact overall project schedule. Because this process is unique to each project we tend to track our time and bill on an hourly basis.

8. Engineering Coordination

When required, we coordinate with licensed structural, civil and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) engineers. Engineering services are contracted separately, but we manage coordination to ensure solutions align with the design intent and permitting requirements.

9. Builder Involvement

We strongly encourage identifying a builder early in the process. Early contractor input helps with cost clarity, constructability, and smoother transitions into construction. We’re happy to help connect you with trusted builders if needed.

10. Budget Checkpoints

We incorporate budget “gut checks” at key moments in the process with the General Contractor for the project. These informal checkpoints help keep expectations realistic and allow for adjustments before costs escalate.

11. Permit & Construction Documents

Using the approved schematic design and coordinated engineering input, we prepare a comprehensive set of drawings for permit review and construction. This phase includes further coordination with structural (and civil, when applicable) engineers and incorporates municipal requirements needed for approval.

These documents are intended to clearly communicate the design intent to building officials, contractors, and trades, supporting a smooth permitting process and an efficient build.

12. Construction Administration (Optional but Recommended)

During construction, we can remain involved through Construction Administration (CA). This includes site visits, answering design-related questions, reviewing submittals, and helping resolve issues as they arise—ensuring the design is carried through thoughtfully and accurately.