Process

How a project unfolds.

From our first conversation to the day construction ends, here is what working with me looks like at every step. Plain language, realistic timelines, no surprises.

01

The first conversation

Free, 30 to 45 minutes

By phone or in person. We talk about your project, your timeline, your budget, and what is possible. There is no obligation. If we both want to move forward, I send you a written proposal within the week.

02

Proposal and kickoff

Within a week

The proposal lays out scope, fees, timeline, and deliverables. Once you sign, I send a kickoff document listing what I will need from you to begin: existing drawings if you have them, site information, and any inspiration you have collected. The first invoice covers the start of preliminary design.

03

Preliminary design

4 to 6 weeks

The design phase, broken into three rounds. In each round I produce a refined scheme based on your feedback, we meet to walk through it, and you tell me what is working and what is not. By the end of Round 3, the scheme is resolved and signed off.

What each round delivers

  • Round 1. First design scheme. Initial plans and elevations.

  • Round 2. Refined scheme with more detail and options where you want them.

  • Round 3. Final scheme with material direction and key decisions resolved.

04

Engineering coordination

4 to 6 weeks

I send the signed-off design to your structural engineer and any other consultants needed (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil). Their work gets integrated into the drawings. You receive engineering invoices directly from them.

05

Permit-ready drawing set

4 to 6 weeks

I produce the full drawing set: floor plans, elevations, sections, site plan, roof plan, and all technical details. This is what the city reviews and what your contractor builds from. The base design work is complete at this point.

06

Permitting

Varies by jurisdiction

Your contractor or you submits the drawings to the city. Review timing varies widely, from a few weeks to several months depending on the city and project type. I am available to answer questions during this period. If you would rather I handle permitting, it is available as an add-on.

07

Construction

Months to over a year

Once permitted, construction begins. Your contractor leads this phase. If you have added construction administration, I stay involved through the build, making site visits, answering questions from the contractor, reviewing change orders, and helping resolve issues as they arise. Without construction administration added, you and your contractor handle the build directly.