The standard approach of design + build firms is based on the specialization of skills and the separation of design and construction duties. This long-practiced approach has advantages, the greatest being the ability to handle a greater volume of work. The process is analogous to a relay race, where each member has a specific task matched to their skill set: as one phase or task is completed it is handed off to the next team member. As you can imagine, this system is designed to maximize speed and efficiency.

After many years of following this system, which has ruled since the days of the model T, we realized it has a serious flaw. An assembly-line approach is fine for building a replicated product such as a car, but it is a clumsy way to construct a unique product as important as your home. It puts unrealistic expectations on the design phase of the house, and assumes that there are no mistakes made; and just as importantly, assumes that no opportunities are missed during the design process. Those who have gone through with a remodeling only to end up with design issues get little comfort from knowing they moved in two weeks sooner.

The process we now follow works more like an orchestra led by a conductor. The design/build expert you will work with will actually design and build your home: although this expert works with architects, decorators, engineers and others, the design process benefits from the unifying vision of the conductor approach. The same person oversees the building process and execution of design details. As construction quality is inspected, design performance is also continually evaluated, as are potential enhancement options.

The process we have created puts all the emphasis on getting the design right the first time, but it also has built-in check points to revisit the design and interior finish decisions. We do this far enough into the construction process so that you can see and feel the design results, but not so far that it causes a significant expense to make modifications.