Most of the hard work happens before anything is built.

Before either of us commits to anything, we need to figure out if we're a good fit. I'll ask about your land, your family, your goals, and your timeline. You'll get a sense of how I work and whether my approach feels right for your project.

I'm not the right designer for every project, and I'd rather tell you that early than waste your time or mine. If I think someone else would serve you better, I'll say so.

If the first conversation goes well and you want to move forward, we go deep. This is where the real design thinking starts. We'll talk through your land in detail — orientation, topography, access, views, drainage. We'll sketch a rough layout of the home together: room count, approximate size, how your family moves through space day to day.

We'll look at architectural styles — what draws you in, what doesn't, and why. We'll talk construction types and what makes sense for your climate and budget. And we'll work through a realistic budget picture together so there are no surprises when you take the plans to a contractor.

This phase takes more than one conversation for most projects. I'd rather go slowly here than rush into drawing.

Once I understand your project well enough, I'll give you a flat-fee quote for the drawing package. The price is based on what your project actually requires — square footage, complexity, systems involved — not an arbitrary number.

If you want to move forward, we sign a straightforward engagement contract that defines what I'm delivering, the revision process, the payment schedule, and both of our responsibilities. Discovery fees paid to this point are credited to your project total.

I don't start drawing until we both feel confident about the direction. Rushing into CAD before the big decisions are made is one of the most common and expensive mistakes in the design process.

This is where I produce your drawing package in CAD. I'll share progress at defined checkpoints so you're never waiting long to see where things stand. We go back and forth until the drawings reflect exactly what you want.

Your flat fee includes a defined number of revision rounds. Additional rounds beyond that are billed at an hourly rate — this protects us both. It's rare that a client who has been thorough in discovery needs many revision rounds, but the provision is there if needed.

I pay particular attention to the details that general contractors most often get wrong: air sealing continuity, thermal bridges, HVAC routing, and cabinet layout. These aren't afterthoughts in my drawings — they're the reason the drawings exist.

You receive a complete, numbered drawing set formatted for AHJ submission. Depending on your jurisdiction, this will go to a structural engineer for review and stamp before being submitted to the county building department. I produce the drawings; the engineer reviews the structural elements and stamps the package for permit.

Many locations — particularly rural ones — do not require a licensed architect for single-family residential construction. I'll help you understand what your specific county requires before we begin.