From project intake to the agreed handoff
Residential Design Process
Every project has different constraints, but a defined sequence keeps decisions, responsibilities, revisions, and deliverables clear. The signed agreement sets the project-specific meetings, milestones, fees, schedule, and exclusions.
The five-step process
Project conversation
We review the address, project type, goals, current stage, approximate scope, available information, budget context, permit expectations, and decisions that need design support.
Existing information
We confirm the usable plans, measurements, photos, survey, inspiration, selections, builder files, or compatible LiDAR. Missing existing-condition work is identified in the proposal.
Interactive planning
During the contracted meetings, we work through layouts and modeled decisions together. Cameras can be placed in useful spaces, while fixed render views remain proposal-defined.
Revisions and approvals
Revised plans follow each included meeting. Approval points, added scope, consultant needs, and any additional $250 meeting with its revised set are documented before work continues.
Agreed handoff
We issue the schematic, construction-document, permit-plan, render, or project-team package defined in the agreement and coordinate the stated next steps.
What keeps the process controlled
Fixed fee with defined meetings
Home and remodel planning uses a fixed design fee with a stated number of interactive meetings. Additional meetings are $250 each and include the revised plan set issued afterward.
Project-specific timing
A limited planning scope may take about two weeks; more involved work can take several months and, for some complex projects, roughly six months. The proposal states the expected schedule for the current scope and workload.
Milestone payments
A deposit is due at the start. Remaining draws follow the meetings, stages, or handoffs named in the contract, with the final draw normally due at final-plan delivery unless the agreement says otherwise.
Scope and professional boundaries
New components, material area growth, major redesign, or added deliverables may require written additional scope. Engineering, surveying, energy/HVAC, civil, trade, and other separately licensed work remain project-specific.
Start with the project information you already have
Send the location, project type, current stage, approximate size, available plans or measurements, and the decisions you need help making. We normally reply to an initial inquiry within two business days.
More about interactive planning
Use these reviewed archive articles to understand meeting flow, 3D views, and the limits of any single visualization tool.