Why do I need you?

Sometimes you don’t. Much of what I provide you can do yourself with enough time, research, and dedication. What I offer is the partnership of a guide to help you explore your needs, your options, and the understanding of how these critical choices will impact the enjoyment of your home and complexity of your build.

Why shouldn’t I just use an architect?

In some cases, you should. It all depends upon the scope and complexity of your project. I will be clear when engaging an architect is the right choice for your project, and can make recommendations when needed.

Will you help us to hire contractors or tradespeople?

In some cases I can make recommendations, but my value is the front-end planning. I wish to prepare you with the knowledge and clarity of what you’re seeking to accomplish combined with a clear and actionable set of plans and goals so that your interactions with building professionals is clear, concise, and informative.

Will you do the construction?

I do not provide labor for the construction. Finding the right contractor for your job is up to you, but after our interactions you will feel confident in your project and will know what to look for. I’ll help you to ask the right questions so that you find a good fit for your project. I’m also available for phone consultations to help navigate challenges that you may encounter along the way. The objective is that through our upfront planning and detailed scope of work development, that you can confidently partner with a contractor who understands your needs and goals and is well suited to address any issues you may encounter during the build.

Can’t a builder or contractor do the same thing?

Yes, and often they do. But many builders prefer to simply build things - not design things. It is not their profession to intuit your needs and transform those into a plan. And honestly many builders don’t enjoy the interactive process of working through the fuzzy front-end to help explore various options and tradeoffs. I consider my role as serving both the homeowner and the building professional by providing clarity and a solid basis for the start of your project.

What do I get at the end of our consultation?

You will know what’s possible within your space, what options that you can consider, and a package of materials that help to communicate these opportunities to trade professionals. In addition you will have a good understanding of the tradeoffs that come to bear in each of these design options so that you can make the right decision for your needs. I also help teach you a bit about important elements of your project so that you are more informed and aware during construction to be sure that your project is done right and that you have the right talent on the job.

In what specific areas can you help?

I bring creative thinking and problem solving to any area of your home - kitchens, bathrooms, lighting, pantries, storage spaces, etc. All rooms.

In addition, I bring attention to often overlooked areas like lighting, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC to help anticipate future needs and create a space that is fully considered and aligns with how you use your home.