Custom Home Design Services

When the dream is a new home designed and built just for you, I can help you realize that dream and simplify the process.  My approach takes you through the 5 Key Design Stages I've refined over time to create a plan for your home that is tailored to you.  We'll work through the stages and decisions together at the pace that you'd like - whether you want to just do some initial planning to determine what's possible, or whether you're ready to go to be ready for construction.  

As a former general contractor and builder I can provide practical insight and guidance throughout the design process, bringing you the peace of mind and confidence that you're starting the project on the right track. 

Farmhouse, Prairie, Craftsman & Mid-Century Modern Styles

My plans tend to follow these design styles as they provide a great foundation for detail, clean lines, and an efficient use of space.  The plans are also influenced by many of the Not So Big^© design concepts that emphasize quality materials and details over size, as well as building science and a healthy dose of reality for what's cost-effective.  Most of the homes fall into the 1000 - 3000 square foot range and are well thought-out and right-sized for your daily use, providing an inherent comfort when you live in them.   Of course the design style and final size is up to you and driven by your wants and dreams!

Here you'll find a variety of sample custom homes that I've designed for specific clients and site locations.  I've been blessed to have worked with great clients over the years, and am happy to have been able to help them create a home that works for their family!  

More Than Just Drawings

While many design sources give the impression that you just need someone to put together a drawing for your house, that's only one part of a much larger picture.  At Artisan, I work with you through each of the design stages to make sure that your project truly meets your goals and is ready to be built. 

Why is this important?  

• Avoiding the dreaded Change Orders.  Change orders occur during construction when you realize after something is built that it isn't quite right, and are both expensive and a lose-lose situation for you and the builder.  Maybe the dining room is too small to seat the 12 people that you want for family events ... or the living room is too large and feels like an auditorium ... or one of other several details that looked good on paper, but wasn't what you intended or missed some important element.  
  
  
• The perfect plan that costs too much to build.  Everyone has a limit to what they want to invest in a home, whether that's $400,000 or $4,000,000.  Too often the design process ignores the budget and ends up creating the "perfect plan" that costs 25-40% more than you wanted.  This happens for a number of reasons, however at that point the main options are to "give up" features that you've set your heart on, come up with the extra money, or just not build at all (which is often the case).  None of these options are ideal as it starts the entire building process from a negative perspective instead of the exciting undertaking it should be.

The good news is that these situations can often be avoided by designing with a clear understanding of your dreams, wants, and needs - including the budget.  Do you need space to regularly entertain 20 guests?  Or like smaller bedrooms that feel cozy and intimate?  Or perhaps you don't want to see the kitchen from the front door?  Or need a space for that piano or other heirloom?

These are the types of preferences and outcomes that we'll want to uncover during the design process so we can plan for them from the start.  Those discussions will help focus the design on details that are important to you as well as provide the opportunity to review what options are available.  So you can make informed decisions along the way and get the home that you really want and need.  

So while a drawing might be beautiful, it isn't of value if you can't afford to build the home - or worse, if you build it only to find it doesn't really fit your needs.  

Communication is Key.  As with any successful project, the key is to have open and timely communication throughout the process.  As we work through the design I want to make sure that all of your questions get answered and that you're completely comfortable with the end result.  After all, this design is for your house and will be one of the largest investments you'll make - so we want it to get it right on paper before you start building!

Projects can vary greatly based on a number of factors, all of which can impact the amount of time and cost required to complete the design plans.  Here are some typical examples:

• Home Structure ... one vs. two story, total size, engineering, etc.
• Design Style ... unique features, modern simplicity, craftsman details, etc.
• Site Requirements ... local codes, contractor requests, lot features, etc.
• Change Requests (some are expected)

So while different factors affect the pricing, most Custom Home Design Projects tend to be in the $5000 to $8000 range with everything included.  Again, some are less than this and some are more depending on the factors listed above.

Finished plans include PDF copies of the floor plans, foundation, elevations, detailed sections, and other drawings needed for permits and construction.  I will also work with your other building and design professionals as needed to assist in interior design, structural engineering, landscaping, and mechanicals.  The plans will include a license to make printed copies of the plans for building one instance of the home.

Note also that my projects are billed as we go through the design, so progress invoices are generated only after work is done.  And you can pause the project at any time if needed with only work completed to that point billed through.  This accommodates different circumstances that might arise such as pausing between concept design and actual construction, significant changes like getting married or having a baby, or whatever else life might present to you.

Note that while my custom plans generally follow the national building codes at the time of creation, each state and local code application and enforcement varies and changes every few years.  Ideally I will be able to work with your contractor to finalize the specific details they need for obtaining permits in your area, but either way I will make a best effort to reflect your local code requirements in the custom plans.  Examples include foundation and footing details, insulation requirements, and other code-specific details that might affect the drawings as provided.  

Also note that structural specifications will need to be provided by your builder or suppliers (which is typical) and may require engineering approvals based on your local codes as these vary by state and location.  For example, I've yet to meet a truss company that wanted to use someone else's specifications for the floors or roofs, as they're on the hook for making them right.   Also for the few areas that require plans stamped by an architect or structural engineer (e.g. New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon), those can typically be provided by a local resource who can review the plans and certify the details for you.  Please reach out if you have questions or need more information.

If you're ready to discuss your dreams and plans, reach out to setup a free initial conversation and we'll get started!