We know a building project represents a large commitment and investment in time, energy and money for our clients . The Design Phase represents the opportunity to get the design right and ensure that it meets your needs. From experience we know it is easier (and less expensive) to make changes on paper than when the project is actually being built. We believe the best design solutions are the result of a thorough design approach using our 3-D design tools that help foster a spirit of collaboration with our clients and help make the project be the best version of itself that it can be.
We know from experience that projects can have different beginnings. Sometimes there will be one obvious solution that is apparent from the beginning, or a client will have specific ideas of what they envision and have a lot of inspirational images or perhaps even have done some of their own sketches. For these projects, the design process can consist of taking the basic idea, making sure it conforms to the building codes and local zoning ordinance, and then focusing on details such as door and window location and sizes.
And then there will be projects where our clients will come to us looking for ideas. We will try to show you as many feasible options as possible. You can choose the option you like best, or we can combine ideas from different options into a final design.
For both types of projects, we like to try and show some ideas that you may not have thought of or thought possible. We do make a point of keeping the project scope within your budget. It is important to have a realistic budget from the start and to know what you feel comfortable spending for the project. We also will get cost estimates during the design phase to ensure ensure the project remains affordable for you.
Using sophisticated computer modeling software, we “build” a digital model which allows us to create a total environment that can be used for exploration and discovery. In contrast to simple black and white 2-D drawings, our 3-D color renderings and floor plans can show what the design will realistically look like when constructed. We can show both the interior and exterior of the design and how it fits on your property. We can show realistic accurate daylighting and shadows cast. We can even show how your furniture would fit in the new spaces. We do all our own drawings and are able to show our clients the designs in 3-D throughout the design process, rather than just at the end when all decisions have been made. We find that because our 3-D drawings make it very easy to understand the designs, our clients feel confident to make suggestions and contribute ideas of their own.
Here are design drawings of a freestanding garage in Belmar, New Jersey that was permitted by the local zoning ordinance to have storage loft above the garage space. We presented the owner with drawings showing options for different roof shapes and locations of the garage door and windows. As the as-built photograph shows, the final design was a combination of ideas from the different design drawings.
For this addition and add-a-level to a small house in Edison, New Jersey, we created two ideas for what the exterior could look like, using different siding materials, colors and roof shape.
For this family room addition, the homeowners knew they wanted it to have a gas fireplace, a wall for the television, lots of natural light and a vaulted ceiling. We showed options for different locations for the fireplace, television and windows. As the following comments illustrate, presenting the three options allowed the owners to compare each layout and decide what worked best for them. It also enabled them to see that there were some ideas from the other options which could be incorporated into the chosen option. As a bonus, we modeled an antique clock they owned to show how it could be displayed.
“Donald, we like the drawings a lot. I think we like parts from the different schemes but I would say the main one we like is sketch SK-1 with the fireplace in the back. We like that one overall but would like to add more windows to the right side that faces the patio similar to sketch SK-2. (e-mail from design Phase.)
“It’s so funny how spot on your rendering is even down to the clock! We are so happy we got the project done, we have been able to enjoy it this past year and a half.” (e-mail from after completion of project)
– Jeffrey and Crystina, Woodbridge NJ
In a part of New Jersey with skyrocketing home prices, the owners of this existing small house wanted to see what could be done to accommodate their planned growing family and to create a home with a light filled center hall with a large dining room and kitchen for entertaining family. A second floor has been added for a master bedroom suite, two additional bedrooms and bath, and a laundry room. The clients asked to see renderings of all of the rooms in the design. The following are some of their e-mail comments after seeing our design drawings.
“Donald, I have to start off by saying what a great job you did by hitting all of our key points, everything was beautiful and we are so happy! We love the layouts you chose for the first and second floors. Just a couple changes we would like – rather than having two separate entrances into the living room, can we do just one larger arched entry? And can the dining room windows be even bigger? Thank you so much, we are excited to continue working with you!”
Rob & Amanda, Edison NJ
Home Additions to be constructed in 2024.
For this total house remodeling of an older home in Bayonne, New Jersey, the homeowners wanted a large kitchen with a large island in a recent addition to the house that was being used only as the dining room. The homeowners loved to cook and wanted a kitchen where the entire family and their friends could gather. We designed various options for the kitchen showing different orientations for the island, cabinet and appliance locations, and how the kitchen would be entered from the main house.
Another part of the project involved transforming the large unused attic into a master bedroom suite under the attic roof. Using our 3-D modeling software allowed us to show how the different areas of the suite would fit under the various sloping roofs.
This project is currently under construction with an estimated completion date of February 2024.