What is the process of working with an Architect?

Think of this journey as a road-trip! Here's your 3 STAGE ROADMAP for going from "dreaming" to "move-in".

  1. PLAN

    You are in the driver’s seat, picking your destination and who’s coming along. Your main decision is who to hire as your Architect!

  2. DESIGN

    Your Architect drives the project and guides the direction.

  3. BUILD

    Your Builder is going to take over the driver’s seat.

Want to start planning for your custom home in Austin? I can help.

I believe that every project deserves a thoughtful and a conscientious approach. I've created a proven step-by-step process within each stage that is designed to help us make cumulative progress towards our end goal. I’ll help you make sound decisions, reduce overwhelm, and move forward with confidence. The result is a home that is perfect for you and your family, no stress, no regrets!

 
Process 3 Stages.png

STAGE I. PLAN your custom home

Take the first few steps with me as your guide

step 1 

Clarity Call

During this free phone call, we'll talk about you, your house, your vision, and your goals.  We'll review your Project Brief, assess feasibility, and answer any questions.  If we’re a good fit, we can proceed to Step 2.  No pressure!

step 2

Diagnostic Consultation

We'll meet at your site/ home to see what we're working with, talk about your needs, review the challenges and explore design solutions; discuss your budget and nail down a path forward.  I call this the Needs and Options Review

step 3

Custom Proposal

After establishing the exact scope of your project, the specific steps we should take, and which of my Service Packages will serve you best, I'll present a proposal of my services for Stage II and III.  I look forward to being your Architect! Yay!

Testimonials

"Sharon has an efficient, no-nonsense approach. My husband and I are exploring an addition and remodel of our 1948 house, and we sought out Sharon's opinion. After completing the Project Brief, we gained a more practical perspective on what we needed vs. want, and this document has become a real asset for us. She gave us valuable input and a more focused plan on next steps."

- Linda Park

"Sharon was very detailed and professional to work with. She did an amazing job coming up with functional and creative ideas for the complete remodel of our 3 story house. We feel like the house is now designed the way it should have been originally and looks seamless with the existing parts of the house layout that we kept. We would recommend her without reservation."

- Amy and Scott Fichter

II. DESIGN your custom home ... with me as your architect

Once you’ve signed the proposal, here's are the steps we’ll take in STAGE II: DESIGN

step 1 

Preliminary Design

Design the overall vision and layout of the home. After researching all the restrictions on your lot, I’ll design site-specific floor plans and draw the facade elevations. We’ll validate the design with a preliminary estimate from a few builders.

step 2

Design Development

Develop the design to a greater level of detail. Create detailed interior elevations with cabinetry, millwork, and all other design elements. Design the lighting scheme and electrical layout. Select all finishes, fixtures and create a material palette.

step 3

Documentation

Collaborate with my structural engineer to design the foundation and framing. Finalize the design, work out all the details, write specifications, produce and issue final drawings for permitting, final pricing, and construction.

Testimonials

"Sharon is very professional and her input was invaluable. She brought great ideas to the table to make our addition more comfortable and more affordable at the same time. Sharon prepares high quality drawings. Sharon pays attention to every detail. She is a very knowledgeable architect."

- Marie and Francois Musalem

"I wish I had found Sharon sooner. She is a great listener and came up with the perfect solution for our mid-century remodel. She always did what she said she would do and always delivered on time. I am delighted with the results and I am sure you will be also. Her agenda is your agenda. Go Sharon!"

- Louise Epstein