1. Pre-Design: Budgeting, Programming, & Site Study:
Our custom home design process starts with a meeting at your site to have a comprehensive discussion about your vision for your new home or remodel project. If you have selected and purchased a site upon which to have your custom home designed then chances are you have a vision of the architecture and style of home that you are drawn to and that you feel fits the lot, as well as the views and/or curb appeal you are looking to capture. We will analysis how to fit your home to the site and achieve the most energy efficient and cost effective layout by considering the slope of the lot and the orientation to the sun. We will also discuss and design a layout that gives every room the Texas Hill Country view that the lot boasts, as well as your outdoor living needs. If you have a lot within the City of Austin we will analyze how to maximize your investment by fitting your custom home or remodel project to Austin's McMansion Ordinances, which set limits to the building size based on the lot size. We will also do a building cost study and write a building program to determine your desired size/cost/quality balance and cost per square foot goals.
2. Conceptual Design:
In this second stage we will continue to collaborate on the design of your custom home or remodel project by drawing floor plans sketches that will develop into computer drawn layouts. These layouts are based on our site analysis and meetings in the pre-design phase. Detail will continue to develop in the floor plan until we have computer drafted floors plans of all levels, and the main level floor plan overlaid onto the site plan.
3. Design Development Phase 1
In the third phase your home begins to take form. Elevations are drawn that shows how the home will look from all four angles on the lot. The material and style of the home are developed based on continued collaboration and your vision of the architectural style. The site plan is further developed so you will completely understand how your home fits to your site. We give you suggestions and guidance based upon your budget and how to fit an efficient open layout to you original design vision.
4. Rendering Phase 1
This is an optional phase where we will create detailed renderings of your home matching the Design Development Phase 1 drawings. These highly detailed photo quality renderings will show realistic views of all interior and exterior spaces fit to your lot and setting. The Mackay Residence in the Projects Section is a good example of this. We can create up to three different material and color options for the exterior of the home
5. Design Development Phase 2
In this phase we will finalize the design of all elements of your home. Many details will be added including the ceiling design, the fireplace details, the complete design of the kitchen & baths. On the exterior of your home we will finalize and add detail to all elements including the outdoor entertaining areas, roofs, and the entry to the home.
6. Rendering Phase 2
This is also an optional phase where we will create detailed renderings of your home matching the Design Development Phase 2 drawings or make any necessary changes to the Design Development Phase 1 renderings. These highly detailed photo quality renderings will show realistic views of all interior and exterior spaces fit to your lot and setting. The Mackay Residence in the Projects Section is a good example of this. We can create up to three different material and color options for the exterior of the home.
7. Construction Document Phase:
We will create detailed technical drawing of your home that will give your contractor all the necessary information to build the home. All floor plans, all exterior elevations, wall sections, cabinet elevations, site plan, electrical plan, floor covering plan, and roof plan. We will work with the engineer to ensure that your home will be structured properly to stand the test of time.
8. Construction Administration Phase:
We will work together to write detailed specifications for your home. This will include all of your interior and exterior finishes, windows, doors, flooring, countertops, appliances, cabinets, plumbing and lighting fixtures, fireplace & mantle selection, and mechanical systems ratings. We help you select a builder and review the bids to build your home. We will advise you on ways to lower your costs as well as resolve any questions you or your builder may have.