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.
First - we schedule a phone call to discuss the basics of your project. We’ll answer one another’s questions and determine if it makes sense to work together.
If we all decide to take the next step – we’ll set up an initial on-site visit and consultation requiring a small fee. At this meeting we will begin to discuss your functional requirements and aesthetic preference. We'll explain how the design process and construction realization will proceed. We will take measurements and photographs necessary to begin the design process. We may estimate a ballpark cost based on project size, location and our previous experience to assure we’re in the same ballpark.
Once formally engaged, we’ll undertake an accommodating and interactive process to further define your requirements and preferences to prepare and present drawings and documentation that identify your scope, products and material choices for your approval. Throughout the design process – we’ll make revisions and revise estimates – so the final price will be within the expected range.
Our detailed design drawings, and associated documentation identifies all aspects of your project – scope, materials, products 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, 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, otherwise just call.
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 as 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 offered, with options to assist in the construction phase project administration process.
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.
First - we schedule a phone call to discuss the basics of your project. We’ll answer one another’s questions and determine if it makes sense to work together.
If we all decide to take the next step – we’ll set up an initial on-site visit and consultation requiring a small fee. At this meeting we will begin to discuss your functional requirements and aesthetic preference. We'll explain how the design process and construction realization will proceed. We will take measurements and photographs necessary to begin the design process. We may estimate a ballpark cost based on project size, location and our previous experience to assure we’re in the same ballpark.
Once formally engaged, we’ll undertake an accommodating and interactive process to further define your requirements and preferences to prepare and present drawings and documentation that identify your scope, products and material choices for your approval. Throughout the design process – we’ll make revisions and revise estimates – so the final price will be within the expected range.
Our detailed design drawings, and associated documentation identifies all aspects of your project – scope, materials, products 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, 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, otherwise just call.
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 as 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 offered, with options to assist in the construction phase project administration process.
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.