Your home is personal. It’s where your life unfolds — quietly, daily, imperfectly, beautifully. Because of that, the design process deserves intention.

A design-build company can offer a streamlined approach. But when you hire an architect, you gain something different: an independent advocate whose only job is to protect your vision, your budget, and the integrity of your home.

An architect works exclusively for you — not for a construction company.

That independence matters. When design and construction are under one contract, cost and schedule pressures can influence design decisions. An architect, by contrast, is your advocate. We help you evaluate tradeoffs, protect your budget, and make decisions based on long-term value — not short-term construction convenience.

For us, design is about thoughtfulness.
Understanding and designing for how you move through your day.
Understanding and designing for the Texas climate.
Understanding and designing not just for your life now, but what your life may look like in 5, 10, or 20 years.
Understanding and designing for long-term performance and sustainability.

When an architect leads the design process:

• You receive thoughtful, tailored solutions — not a modified template.

• You have the opportunity to competitively bid the project, which can protect your investment.

• If you already have a contractor you trust, we can collaborate with them from the beginning — working hand in hand throughout design to align scope, budget, and constructability.

• You gain professional representation during construction to ensure what was designed is what gets built.

• You reduce costly surprises through careful documentation and coordination.

Design-build can be a good fit for straightforward projects. But if you care about performance, longevity, sustainability, and creating a home that truly reflects how you live — hiring an architect first gives you space to think, refine, and design with purpose. 

Ultimately, hiring an architect gives you not just a space that reflects your goals — but an advocate and guide through the construction and building process.

The honest answer is: it depends on the project.

Every home and every client is different, and architectural fees are structured to align with the scope, complexity, and level of service required. Our goal is always to provide clarity up front so you understand what you’re investing in and what that investment includes.

For new homes and larger additions, fees are often structured in one of two ways:

Cost per square foot
This approach provides predictability early on and aligns the design fee with the size of the home.

Percentage of construction cost
This model scales with the overall scope and complexity of the project and reflects the level of coordination required.

For renovations, smaller projects, feasibility studies, or consultation-only engagements, we may work on an:

Hourly basis
This is often the most flexible and efficient structure for projects with evolving scope or limited design needs.

Our design process is thoughtful, collaborative, and centered around how you live and work. Every project is unique, but the structure typically follows these phases:

1. Discovery & Programming

We begin by listening. We learn how you use your space, what’s working, what’s not, and what matters most to you. We review the site, discuss goals and budget, and establish a clear foundation before design begins.

2. Schematic Design

This is where ideas take shape. We explore layout options, spatial relationships, and overall form. You’ll see drawings that communicate the big idea, and we refine together until the direction feels right.

3. Design Development

The design becomes more detailed and buildable. We refine dimensions, materials, and systems, and coordinate with your contractor to align scope and budget.

4. Construction Documents

We prepare a detailed set of drawings that your contractor will use to build. Clear documentation reduces surprises and supports a smoother construction process.

5. Construction Support (Optional but Recommended)

We remain available during construction to answer questions, review submittals, and help ensure the finished project reflects the design intent.