CUSTOM DESIGN PROCESS


From conceptual design through construction site visits, the custom design process enables you the opportunity to experience the manifestation of your expressed ideas, dreams, and visions compiled into a unique home design exclusively for you. Karen will give you personal and timely attention, one on one, when designing your home ensuring that no client ever leaves with a plan that does not feel like it is a true representation of their dream home. The process for a custom design consists of three main phases.

The Meet and Greet

This is the initial introductory meeting. You are encouraged to arrive at this meeting with ideas, dreams, and your wish list, along with any photos or articles and a site plan, if available of the proposed location where your home is to be built and any other applicable items that represent your desired home design. Together we will discuss the style of your home, size, general layout, property description, budget, the design process, services provided, project timeline, and fee structures are discussed. After the initial meeting and discussion, a design proposal and employment agreement will be submitted to the client for review and acceptance. Upon acceptance of the project fee proposal and employment agreement, the client shall submit a stated retainer fee, along with the signed agreement to initiate the beginning of the Preliminary Design Process

The Dream Becomes a Concept On Paper

In this phase, the preliminary drawings will be designed to include floor plan sketches and a front elevation based on the information gathered and discussed at the initial client meeting. Client and Designer shall review and revise the plans through a series of meetings. Upon acceptance of the preliminary drawings, the Final Construction Drawing Phase will begin.

The Final Construction Drawings

Through the custom design process, Karen works not only with the client but also with the selected contractor and any other future team members to ensure that no client ever leaves with a plan that is not a true representation of their dream home.

Available Plans


You can spend a large sum of money designing a custom home plan or spend countless hours searching through online plans eventually settling for something that fills most of your desires. Through the years, Karen has designed a variety of plans that she can offer for plan purchases online. Every home she designs provides a level of detail that gives the feeling of a custom-designed home but not the expense. These pre-designed home plan options offer the individual or the builder access to excellent design, dedicated service, and professional expertise. Additional specific regional design information may be required in some instances (Structural and local Building Codes). Customization to any of these plans is available through DESIGNS FOR LIVING. DWG or REVIT files are available for purchase if you prefer the alterations to be made with a local architect in your area. Contact us for more information. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.