frequently asked questions
Currently, we work in Chicago - single family homes, high-rises, mid-rise buildings, within the lakefront and north side neighborhoods, and the Northshore suburbs.
After our initial meeting and once a client engages us to begin the design process, we begin a friendly and accommodating interactive design and project definition process.
First- we’ll review and discuss several questions, and images to learn your goals, concerns and to identify your style preferences and functional requirements. We’ll prepare and present drawings that identify plan and scope choices, and documentation that identify product and material choices – with your input to help assure you’ll love your final outcome. Throughout the process – we’ll review cost range estimates – so the final price will be within the expected range. The process is not rigid, its natural, accommodating and friendly.
Our detailed design drawings, and scope and pricing documentation identifies all aspects of your project – scope, materials, and quality of work. We provide a complete lump sum contract amount that you can depend upon and won’t change unless you decide to change it. We’ll prepare a graphic schedule, used to coordinate and control a carefully choreographed series of tasks and field operations.
Prior to beginning construction, we’ll review the overall schedule and the workday schedule, use of the premises and facilities. We’ll add you (and others as required) as additionally insured on our relevant insurance policies,
Once we begin construction, we will monitor and supervise the progress and continuously update you - so you always have the answers to typical questions. We expect everyone to be considerate of everyone else’s time, and you can always contact us for other questions, comments or concerns. We’ll try to answer question when asked.
Free estimates – that become a contract or work order - are more appropriate for single-subject projects that can be defined in an instant. Like to paint a room, or install a fixture - typically performed by a specialty contractor.
Our focus is mostly on completely remodeling a room or several rooms. It is more complex, and while some projects are simpler than others, our projects usually include many carefully orchestrated tasks and operations based on your many decisions, selections and preferences. Initially, we’ll discuss a general price range, based on your goals and preferences – then, we adjust and narrow the range as we work with you on design and selections. We’ll finalize an exact price when all materials and items are selected.
Our initial on-site consultation fee is to help assure that our designers are compensated for the meeting - and it is also to help us identify serious clients. That fee is applied to the upfront Design and Project Definition fee paid when we are hired to begin design.
Our initial on-site consultation fee is a fixed amount and our upfront Design and Project Definition charge is based on a percentage of the initially estimated project cost.
Design Builders can be Architect or Designer-Led, Contractor-Led or manufacturer or business interest-Led. We mention that it is Architect-Led, because it’s an advantage to clients in several ways.
First, architects are trained to represent and advocate for their clients. A design architect - led design-builder can be expected to put more focus on design – which is very often the essence of the users’ long term experiences. It is a different focus and approach than one might expect from contractor-led or businessperson-led companies.
Second - architects and designer run projects will benefit from clear communication and the use of detailed drawings and specifications to clearly define and manage the project. Better communication can be expected to reduce the potential for misunderstandings.
Third - architects and designers are the type of professionals focused on state-of-the-art advancements in design, sustainability and well-being, as well developments in materials and evolution of life-style trends.
With a strong background in client advocacy, passion for design, and a long-term commitment to properly executed construction, familiarity with the newer codes, product and material data, architect-led design builders identify better solutions for their clients, who obtain superior value and greater satisfaction.
Our methodology brings maximum value to complete room remodeling projects. We can be helpful to partial remodeling project clients who could benefit from our involvement. Similar to full remodeling projects - the initial on site consultation fee is a fixed amount and the initial design fee is based on a percentage of the initially estimated project cost.
Typically, we prefer to handle the entire process, however- we wish to be helpful.
If you have a design or designer, and wish to take advantage of our construction delivery - we are happy to help. Our initial meeting fee is the same, and our pricing and documentation fee would be much less than when including design and project definition.
If you have a contractor or are required to employ a specific contractor - and wish to take advantage of our design and documentation services – our design and project definition services would be similar, with options to assist in the construction phase project administration process.
We use mostly employees for design and management and mostly sub-contractors for construction labor. We work with people we have worked with for a time, and with new people referred to us by others we know, selected because they do a quality job. We closely-watch and monitor on-site construction - and in addition to doing good work - all workers are contractually obligated to be nice, considerate, and to keep the areas accessed within in your home clean.
They are reasonably priced. Our focus is on maximizing value. We feel the best value is created with an emphasis on design to achieve an elevated long term benefit while minimizing the cost by avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Projects limited only to the replacement of some elements can be inexpensive. These projects influence what is reported as national remodeling averages costs - indicating a bathroom remodel average is about $10-15K and an average kitchen remodel is about $20-25K. Our experience has been different.
For complete room remodeling - especially within older buildings, our experience is that clients choose to do much more. Often, we’ll take down a wall to open or expand the kitchen to other rooms, we’ll upgrade the electrical panel to accommodate new appliances or facilitate warm bathroom floors. Often, we rework plumbing to accommodate new fixtures, locations, and functions, even bring water to some ovens for special bread-baking functions. Additionally, our clients usually select built in appliances, from Subzero or Miele. For 2024 –our smallest complete bathroom remodeling is expected to be about $32,000, and our smallest complete kitchen could be around $65,000, but most kitchens will exceed $100,000 and larger kitchens may exceed $375,000.
Once our Design and Project Definition fee is paid in full, clients may use the drawings as they like. But please note the following: The ‘upfront’ Design and Project Definition fee payment does not cover the full fee price of that work. Our upfront charge is a partial fee to facilitate an easier, more inviting start process for clients. The balance is typically included as part of construction.
Clients who wish to use our drawings for bidding are required to pay the full price fee and to obtain our written permission in order to be entitled to use the drawings for bidding and construction. We’ll add certain notes and disclaimers required when third parties use our drawings. Additionally, we may offer bidding and construction administration services if a client is interested. We’ll be helpful when the contractors, suppliers or their employees call with questions, if any.
Also - If our drawings are to be used in bidding to other general contractors, we will make it clear to potential bidders we will not eventually offer to do that construction work. Contractors need to know that the bidding is legitimate, and they have a real chance to win the job, and that the process is not for ‘just checking’ the price.
Yes – most of the showrooms that we visit are in Chicago’s River North area. Some could be in other neighborhoods, or in the suburbs. Many clients enjoy the experience and/or we’ll have samples sent to your preferred location.
frequently asked questions
Currently, we work in Chicago - single family homes, high-rises, mid-rise buildings, within the lakefront and north side neighborhoods, and the Northshore suburbs.
After our initial meeting and once a client engages us to begin the design process, we begin a friendly and accommodating interactive design and project definition process.
First- we’ll review and discuss several questions, and images to learn your goals, concerns and to identify your style preferences and functional requirements. We’ll prepare and present drawings that identify plan and scope choices, and documentation that identify product and material choices – with your input to help assure you’ll love your final outcome. Throughout the process – we’ll review cost range estimates – so the final price will be within the expected range. The process is not rigid, its natural, accommodating and friendly.
Our detailed design drawings, and scope and pricing documentation identifies all aspects of your project – scope, materials, and quality of work. We provide a complete lump sum contract amount that you can depend upon and won’t change unless you decide to change it. We’ll prepare a graphic schedule, used to coordinate and control a carefully choreographed series of tasks and field operations.
Prior to beginning construction, we’ll review the overall schedule and the workday schedule, use of the premises and facilities. We’ll add you (and others as required) as additionally insured on our relevant insurance policies,
Once we begin construction, we will monitor and supervise the progress and continuously update you - so you always have the answers to typical questions. We expect everyone to be considerate of everyone else’s time, and you can always contact us for other questions, comments or concerns. We’ll try to answer question when asked.
Free estimates – that become a contract or work order - are more appropriate for single-subject projects that can be defined in an instant. Like to paint a room, or install a fixture - typically performed by a specialty contractor.
Our focus is mostly on completely remodeling a room or several rooms. It is more complex, and while some projects are simpler than others, our projects usually include many carefully orchestrated tasks and operations based on your many decisions, selections and preferences. Initially, we’ll discuss a general price range, based on your goals and preferences – then, we adjust and narrow the range as we work with you on design and selections. We’ll finalize an exact price when all materials and items are selected.
Our initial on-site consultation fee is to help assure that our designers are compensated for the meeting - and it is also to help us identify serious clients. That fee is applied to the upfront Design and Project Definition fee paid when we are hired to begin design.
Our initial on-site consultation fee is a fixed amount and our upfront Design and Project Definition charge is based on a percentage of the initially estimated project cost.
Design Builders can be Architect or Designer-Led, Contractor-Led or manufacturer or business interest-Led. We mention that it is Architect-Led, because it’s an advantage to clients in several ways.
First, architects are trained to represent and advocate for their clients. A design architect - led design-builder can be expected to put more focus on design – which is very often the essence of the users’ long term experiences. It is a different focus and approach than one might expect from contractor-led or businessperson-led companies.
Second - architects and designer run projects will benefit from clear communication and the use of detailed drawings and specifications to clearly define and manage the project. Better communication can be expected to reduce the potential for misunderstandings.
Third - architects and designers are the type of professionals focused on state-of-the-art advancements in design, sustainability and well-being, as well developments in materials and evolution of life-style trends.
With a strong background in client advocacy, passion for design, and a long-term commitment to properly executed construction, familiarity with the newer codes, product and material data, architect-led design builders identify better solutions for their clients, who obtain superior value and greater satisfaction.
Our methodology brings maximum value to complete room remodeling projects. We can be helpful to partial remodeling project clients who could benefit from our involvement. Similar to full remodeling projects - the initial on site consultation fee is a fixed amount and the initial design fee is based on a percentage of the initially estimated project cost.
Typically, we prefer to handle the entire process, however- we wish to be helpful.
If you have a design or designer, and wish to take advantage of our construction delivery - we are happy to help. Our initial meeting fee is the same, and our pricing and documentation fee would be much less than when including design and project definition.
If you have a contractor or are required to employ a specific contractor - and wish to take advantage of our design and documentation services – our design and project definition services would be similar, with options to assist in the construction phase project administration process.
We use mostly employees for design and management and mostly sub-contractors for construction labor. We work with people we have worked with for a time, and with new people referred to us by others we know, selected because they do a quality job. We closely-watch and monitor on-site construction - and in addition to doing good work - all workers are contractually obligated to be nice, considerate, and to keep the areas accessed within in your home clean.
They are reasonably priced. Our focus is on maximizing value. We feel the best value is created with an emphasis on design to achieve an elevated long term benefit while minimizing the cost by avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Projects limited only to the replacement of some elements can be inexpensive. These projects influence what is reported as national remodeling averages costs - indicating a bathroom remodel average is about $10-15K and an average kitchen remodel is about $20-25K. Our experience has been different.
For complete room remodeling - especially within older buildings, our experience is that clients choose to do much more. Often, we’ll take down a wall to open or expand the kitchen to other rooms, we’ll upgrade the electrical panel to accommodate new appliances or facilitate warm bathroom floors. Often, we rework plumbing to accommodate new fixtures, locations, and functions, even bring water to some ovens for special bread-baking functions. Additionally, our clients usually select built in appliances, from Subzero or Miele. For 2024 –our smallest complete bathroom remodeling is expected to be about $32,000, and our smallest complete kitchen could be around $65,000, but most kitchens will exceed $100,000 and larger kitchens may exceed $375,000.
Once our Design and Project Definition fee is paid in full, clients may use the drawings as they like. But please note the following: The ‘upfront’ Design and Project Definition fee payment does not cover the full fee price of that work. Our upfront charge is a partial fee to facilitate an easier, more inviting start process for clients. The balance is typically included as part of construction.
Clients who wish to use our drawings for bidding are required to pay the full price fee and to obtain our written permission in order to be entitled to use the drawings for bidding and construction. We’ll add certain notes and disclaimers required when third parties use our drawings. Additionally, we may offer bidding and construction administration services if a client is interested. We’ll be helpful when the contractors, suppliers or their employees call with questions, if any.
Also - If our drawings are to be used in bidding to other general contractors, we will make it clear to potential bidders we will not eventually offer to do that construction work. Contractors need to know that the bidding is legitimate, and they have a real chance to win the job, and that the process is not for ‘just checking’ the price.
Yes – most of the showrooms that we visit are in Chicago’s River North area. Some could be in other neighborhoods, or in the suburbs. Many clients enjoy the experience and/or we’ll have samples sent to your preferred location.