CLIENTS OF AFD

The AFD client seeks quality and timelessness. They appreciate the subtle and quiet side of design. Together we create a value-conscious and intentional home. Instead of chasing a trend, we look to architectural history to inform form and function.

Currently, we are only taking larger projects, including whole house remodels or new construction. Design Therapy appointments are available to arm you with high-end design solutions in an accessible way for everyone.

Floor Plans &   Exterior Elevations

Together we will develop a vision that encompasses functional and aesthetic considerations for your home. Floor plan and exterior style influence one another. Creating an architecturally authentic home requires accounting for both at the same time to incorporate the style and function that will make you feel most at home.

For any major construction project, permit-ready plans are needed. You will receive a plan set that includes all things needed for obtaining a permit: a site plan, applicable floor plans, exterior elevations, electrical plans, and any specific framing details. Engineering is contracted out.

Understanding how you need your home to operate is crucial, so be prepared for an in-depth discussion about the specifics of how you live life and future planning considerations. We will design around how you cook, how you gather, etc. For example, do you bake a lot? How many people do we need to sit at your dining table on a regular basis? In addition to the "how" about your life, there are often pieces described as a "what" that we need to talk about, too. We'll talk about artwork, family heirlooms, and existing & future furnishings that need a home in the overall plan. Together we prepare an overall inventory of these parts.

Interior Details & Finishes Specifications

One major benefit of developing interior details concurrently with the floor plan is that we have control over any framing considerations ahead of time to properly execute the intended detail. For example, we need to specifically design your new kitchen to ensure we have plenty of space for the range, refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, double wall ovens, and oversized island you’re dreaming of. Taking all components into consideration sooner rather than later will allow you to create the space you're after with all the proper planning. Designing interior details are a part of our process, and we are no longer taking projects without doing plans and interior specification.

Because this stage of the process has such a large impact in terms of quality of design and overall happiness with the end result, it is non-negotiable to achieve the desired result. Even the framing stage is often too late to start thinking about cabinetry and other interior finishes.

A large part of this process is creating specification sheets that detail placement of tile, size and style of light fixtures, trim profiles and dimensions, plumbing fixture locations, etc. These drawings and spreadsheets become part of our construction document for bidding and build purposes.

Construction Site Visits

While it's best to have all materials and design details specified prior to construction for accurate bids from builders and subcontractors, changes may happen. These regular site visits are important to resolving any unexpected changes to the plan during the build. Keeping a constant watch on construction progress allows for any corrections to be made right away, saving the schedule and budget from overages. There are plenty of detail clarifications that need to be made. Not all subcontractors are used to implementing all the specific design details, so site visits help resolve this issue.