The Design Process
Flexible, Collaborative, and Here for You
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Every client is different—and so is every project. Some come to us with a clear vision; others need guidance to discover it. Either way, we’re here to support you. Design is rarely a straight line and never one-size-fits-all, but with the right partnership, thoughtful tools, and creative collaboration, we’ll help bring your ideas to life—step by step.
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It’s important to understand that getting a home designed and built is a process. It takes time, dialogue, and many decisions made along the way—not all at once. That’s why we stay with you through every phase, ensuring clarity, confidence, and a successful outcome from beginning to end.
Process Overview
Clear Phases. Confident Decisions. Thoughtful Design.
We guide every project through a series of distinct phases—each with its own purpose, pace, and deliverables. While every project is unique, our structured process ensures your experience is seamless, collaborative, and grounded in clarity.
Our process includes seven phases, grouped into three categories:
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Phases 1–5 fall under Design & Documentation and are led by Criterion Design Solutions in close collaboration with you.
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Phase 6, Permitting, is driven by your local city or county jurisdiction.
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Phase 7, Construction, is managed by your chosen builder, though we’re available to support as needed.
Each phase invites your input and approval before moving to the next—so your vision is always the foundation of the final outcome.
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Whether you’re designing a simple addition or a custom home from the ground up, our goal is to make the journey feel clear, confident, and creative.
1. Discovery & Consultation
We begin with a collaborative conversation—by phone, Zoom, or in person—to understand your goals, style, site conditions, and budget. From there, we evaluate your property’s existing conditions, including lot shape, size, views, orientation, and any historical or cultural significance. We’ll also help coordinate a site survey if needed. Together, we’ll define your project goals and develop a clear client brief—so your design is tailored to how you live, and you leave this phase with confidence in the path ahead.
2. Proposal & Agreement
Once the scope is defined, you’ll receive a transparent proposal outlining deliverables, timeline, and fees. After approval, we schedule your project and officially get started.
3. Concept Design
This is where vision meets paper. Building on the criteria we defined in the Pre-Design phase, we begin exploring the overall look, feel, and experience of your future space. Through hand sketches, diagrams, and early digital layouts, we focus on spatial quality, flow, and form—translating ideas into thoughtful floor plans and elevations. Depending on the project and your preferences, this phase may also include a 3D model to help you better visualize the concept as it takes shape. Your feedback is integral at every step, ensuring the design reflects your goals from the start.
4. Design Development
With the overall concept approved, we refine your design into a fully developed architectural plan. This phase focuses on key details—structural elements, elevations, materials, and systems—ensuring your project is both beautiful and buildable. We coordinate with outside consultants as needed, including civil, structural, and MEP engineers, to integrate essential systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. We’ll also explore material selections such as windows, roofing, siding, cabinetry, fixtures, lighting, and finishes—translating your aesthetic into clear, buildable solutions.
5. Construction Drawings
With your design finalized, we translate everything into a detailed set of construction documents—complete with dimensions, annotations, and specifications. These technical drawings are used by your contractor to accurately price the project, obtain permits, and build with confidence. We coordinate with any required consultants to ensure consistency across disciplines. While this is typically our final deliverable, we remain available throughout permitting and construction to address questions or resolve issues as needed.
6. Coordination & Permitting
CDS handles the permitting process on your behalf, submitting directly to the appropriate city or county jurisdiction. We ensure your plans meet all applicable building codes, HOA guidelines, and local requirements to help streamline approvals. While the permitting timeline varies based on staffing and review volume in each jurisdiction, our detailed, code-compliant plans are designed to reduce delays and keep your project moving forward.
7. Construction Administration (Optional)
This is where your vision truly comes to life. While your contractor manages the construction schedule and oversees the build, we remain available to support you with plan clarifications, minor adjustments, or collaboration with your builder to ensure the project stays true to your original design. The construction timeline varies depending on project size, complexity, location, and timely decision-making—but rest assured, we’re here to help guide you through this exciting final phase.