Our approach

The crucial first step is learning about your project. What do you envision? What challenges do you have? What is important to you, and how might we fit in? You may also have questions about what it means to hire a design and architecture studio in general, and we’re here to answer those, too.

While learning more about what we call your project “wish list,” we’ll share examples of previous Cadence projects that might be relevant or inspiring. We’ll also discuss project budgets, soft costs (survey, engineering, permits, etc.), and schedule. If we all decide it’s a good fit, we’ll visit your home, help you clarify the scope, then write up a custom proposal for our services.

This step can look really different based on the type of project you have in mind. Are we talking about a renovation? A new build on undeveloped land? Regardless, we firmly believe first-hand knowledge helps us better integrate your vision with the land and space we’ll be designing.

We believe the site informs the design, so gathering information like detailed measurements and photographing existing structures, natural features, and views is key.

This is also when we’ll analyze zoning implications. If the city requires it, we'll coordinate a survey, soils test, and structural engineering.

We'll continue to dig deeper to formulate what’s called a “program” of your priorities, lifestyle, aesthetics, and specific space needs. We'll utilize an extensive questionnaire, Pinterest inspiration boards, and have further discussions to set the project goals.

This is one of our favorite steps. Here, we’ll translate your wants and needs, and then combine them with our expertise and vision. We create sketches, floorplans, and simple 3D models of your project that give form to the ideas described in your wish list and questionnaire, and that respond to the unique features of your existing home or new site.

There is a lot of back and forth in this phase as we spend time developing creative options. Together with you, we review these initial design concepts and then refine them until you are satisfied and ready to move forward.

The team will expand as we collaborate with a structural engineer, landscape designer, energy consultant and others to achieve a holistic approach to your home.

Establishing trust with your builder should be your number one priority. Can you foresee working with this person for the next year?

Getting a contractor on board early in the process is essential, as the best contractors are often booked up to a year in advance. We can recommend contractors that have experience in projects like yours or get to know one you’ve already selected.

Once a solid direction has been established, we create a robust drawing set that includes floorplans and elevations, specifications, and cost allowances, in order to obtain preliminary pricing from the general contractor.

Upon reviewing the pricing, we may need to consider adjustments or scope reductions as part of the standard process, ensuring alignment with your budget and goals.

We use state-of-the-art 3D modeling and rendering software, along with virtual reality sessions, allowing you to visualize and experience your new home in full scale.

The schematic design is further refined by enlarging drawings to the appropriate scale and creating more detailed plans, elevations, and 3D views that integrate materials, finishes, and building construction details.

During this step, we’ll add any code or zoning compliance required by the municipality to the drawings. We also add further detail to the specifications for construction that will serve as a roadmap, to ensure your project is built to our design intent. These include large-scale details, window and door sizes and specifications, enlarged kitchen and bath drawings, lighting fixtures and switching layouts, finishes, and product selections.

Once we submit for permit, city reviewers generally have comments which we respond promptly to, avoiding delay in the process of receiving your permit for construction.

We're committed to supporting you throughout the entire project, ensuring informed decisions and a smooth construction process.

We will have on-site meetings with you and the contractor on a regular basis, where we'll clarify issues that arise, review field conditions, and ensure that every detail and design intention is implemented. Finalizing and placing any remaining orders will also take place.

On-site or over the phone, we are here to interpret construction drawings, answer questions, and help the contractor work out the details as necessary. As we approach the project's completion, we're hands-on with the "punchlist" process to make sure everything's wrapped up just right.

With our focus on quality, we ensure that every detail meets our high standards, so your space functions beautifully and looks fantastic.

At this optional phase, we collaborate with you on enhancing your space, discussing color schemes, furniture, lamps, and accessories beyond what's already in the construction plans.

From built-ins to window treatments, rugs, artwork, and more, we're here to help you add those finishing touches, so definitely don’t hesitate to reach out if you want a hand here.

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