What to Expect During the Design Process for New Builds

When a homeowner embarks on the journey of building a new home, the process can feel a bit daunting. The empty lot offers a completely blank canvas to work with, which allows them to customize every single room to fit their lifestyle. While exciting, this too can feel a bit overwhelming.

However, navigating the process doesn’t need to be done alone. When clients come to me to design their new home, we walk through each step of the process together, ensuring their needs and expectations are met and that we take advantage of every square foot of their new home.

1. Assess the Lot

Clients often come to me once they have secured either an empty lot or a home to tear down. At this point, some clients already have a builder they want to work with, while others look to me for a recommendation. 

From there, we assess the lot to determine the size, elevation and options for their new home. This step typically involves some work with the contractor and possibly the city. Depending on the lot, we can determine whether the lower level will be a walkout style, garden level, or perhaps a full basement.

2. Intake Session

Once we have a better understanding of the lot, I meet with clients to understand their needs. This stage of the process is done completely virtually, which allows for additional flexibility.

We talk through how my client’s family functions - whether they love to entertain, prefer to eat their meals in the kitchen or dining room, whether their kids are “living room kids” or “bedroom kids,” and so much more. Part of this conversation even focuses on special elements they may want to include, such as a golf simulator or second primary suite.

Each of these insights helps me build out a design plan for their home that will fit their specific needs and lifestyle.

3. Design Phase

From the intake session, I sit down to design out the home, which includes providing two layout options for the main level and upper level. We typically wait on the lower level plans until after the exterior and roofline plans are confirmed. My clients receive 3D renderings of their home so they can visualize the space and determine which layout they want to move forward with. 

During this phase, we schedule a couple separate meetings to go over the plans. In the first meeting, my clients select their favorite layout for their home and provide feedback on the plans. From there, we meet virtually again to walk through the final plan, which typically incorporates elements of both original layouts.

4. Send Plans Off

Once the plans are cleaned up, they are sent off to the contractor and the architectural engineer. Although my design plans include 3D renderings, elevations, and floor plans, the architectural engineer creates architectural drawings needed for permitting.

5. Contractor Prices Plans

When the contractor has all the necessary plans and documentation, they can move forward with pricing for the home. During this stage, I am available for any questions that may arise from my clients or the builder.

6. Selections & Materials

Once my clients have a plan to move forward, including the construction start date, we can begin on selections and materials. This stage of the process is very collaborative and done with a combination of in-person and virtual meetings.

At this point in the process, I have a fairly good understanding of my client’s style and preferences, which allows me to create mood boards for each room of their home. These mood boards include everything connected to the home - tile, cabinet colors, light fixtures, countertops, paint color, faucets, and more. 

In order for my clients to see the selections and materials in person, we either meet at the job site or visit showrooms together. I assist my clients as they confirm each selection for every part of their home.

7. Installation Meetings

To finalize each selection, we meet at the job site with the trade partners to ensure each design selection will be installed correctly. This list includes meeting with the tile installer, electrician for an electrical walk, and any additional meetings necessary for the selections.

8. Time to Move In

At the end of the project, I walk through the home with my clients for one final meeting to answer any questions and provide any additional information that is helpful to them. Then, my clients get to move into their new home that is customized to their specific style and needs.

If you are interested in building a new home with a trusted interior designer, I’d love to connect with you! Fill out the contact form to get started, and I’ll reach out soon to schedule time with you.