Although we are happy to work with the several talented local designers, we design many of our smaller projects using a CAD program, and have for more than 15 years. One of the benefits of using our CAD program is the ability to show the client what the finished project will look like, not just the floor plan. We do this with the camera views in the CAD program. For most people the camera views are more helpful and informative, than trying to envision something from a floor plan.
Sometimes for a major project, the best scenario is for the Owner, a designer and contractor to work together as a team. Sometimes this can result in the best plans, generated in a timely manner, which includes a combination of the best of many viewpoints.
Architects and professional designers typically spend all their time drawing and designing and a few talented ones can envsion designs a working remodeling contractor may never consider. Your choice of who should create your design is as individual and unique and you, and there is no answer or best one which applies to all clients equally.
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From Design to Reality
Example #1
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| Proposed bathroom remodel design |
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| The finished product |
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Click on any image to view a larger image and additional text
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| Vanity View from the Shower |
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| Actual vanity view from finished bathroom |
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The examples of various plans shown below aren't as interesting, for most people, as the computer generated camera views. However, as you may already know, it is the plans which determine if what you want, will look like the cool camera views of a proposed project. Most of the camera views are for the client, with the exception of elevation views, some of which most building departments require.
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| Wall section for plans |
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| Floor plan without electrical or dimensions |
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| Foundation plan |
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From Design to Reality
Example #2 |
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| Elevation view, north side |
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| Roof elevation view |
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| Actual completed view North Side |
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From Design to Reality
Example #3
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| View into the kitchen after walls are removed |
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Design and build is sometimes mistaken for the term Design-Build. The first is the normal order of most projects. The second is the term which designates a faster paced project whereby changes are instituted during construction. Most projects have a small change or two. Large projects, with larger budgets benefit from the most planning prior to construction. A large project can still incorporate huge changes during construction IF, the Owner and Builder work together well and have a bond of trust. Without such trust and a sense of teamwork, large changes require delay until all details can be drawn, details written, signed and changes paid for in advance. Otherwise, changes of a large magnitude can ruin a project and a working relationship.
True Design-Build is rare in residential construction.
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