Architectural Design | Scovell Remodeling

Do I need to hire an architect for my addition?

Answer:

Nope — that’s the beauty of hiring a design-build firm. We design all our own plan sets and construction drawings in-house. Whether you’re remodeling with a small, but thoughtful room addition or expanding with an entirely new wing, our team is equipped to handle it, especially when it comes to traditional architectural styles, which are our sweet spot. We also coordinate all the necessary structural engineering so you're not juggling multiple consultants to get your home remodeling project moving.

a solution for today

It’s a singular relationship that provides the three core components (drawings, selections and construction) previously handled by three separate companies. It’s an all-under-one-roof approach with a designer and degreed architect on staff, in addition to our carpenters in the field.

About Us

Our award-winning team is renowned for developing projects ranging from simple pull-and-replace bathrooms to full two-story additions — all while carefully considering the architectural design of both the interior and exterior. What makes us particularly well suited in our field is the access our design team has to our construction team, and vice versa. While we love to design, we really get a kick out of seeing the designs built, which means both are feasible structurally and financially!

During Initial Design, we’ll develop the exterior elevations alongside the floorplan concepts, so they make sense inside and out. We’ll be solving for how to tie into the house’s existing structure, where new windows should land, what kind of architectural elements would make it feel like the new addition was always there, and what’s the most appropriate roofline for the character of your home

We’ll facilitate a site survey to propose a plan that’s compliant with your city’s requirements

We bring out specific subcontractors prior to showing you the addition concept so that we’re confident about feasibility

Along with the plans, you’ll receive a budget range estimating the cost of construction, so you don’t fall in love with a plan that’s outside of your budget

We group “must have” elements and “nice to have” elements together so you have agency over what you spend and be provided with at least one option that fits your budget. This avoids spending $40,000 with a stand-alone architecture firm for 12 months only to finally talk to construction companies and realize the drawn plans are not realistic financially

We consider phasing and whether your future goals for the house would interfere with immediate plans. In other words, making sure we design a kitchen renovation that lends itself to an entry point to a future screened porch addition, if that’s your long-term vision

What are the features of Design + Build?

Process Driven

We geek out on order, predictability, and strong communication. We navigate the path on your behalf from design concepts all the way through to the punchlist, keeping you apprised of each next step.

DESIGN FEASIBILITY

Your plans are reviewed by our design and construction teams for feedback and feasibility well before we present an idea to you. Together we develop a plan that is both beautiful and practical.

Guilt-free Selections

Our designer works within the allowances set in your estimate to propose selections commensurate with what you want to spend. If the project begins to creep, we check in with you and pivot when needed.

Team Stability

Your future project manager attends the subcontractor trade walk to get familiar with your space and offer insight well in advance of construction. We take care of passing the baton from design to construction - no action required by you!

DesigN in the Details

Once construction begins, the design team continues to be involved in the details during site visits. This collaboration allows us to make any necessary adjustments with fluid communication between the design and construction teams.

Want to learn more?

see our process

Is Design + Build right for you?

Pros

Aspects of our process that we really value

Clear next steps with a construction start date to track toward
A design and construction team that are used to working together and know each others’ rhythms, expectations and communication styles
Plans developed with feasibility and budget in mind - meaning we develop a project that fits the bill

Cons

Why Design + Build might not be the best fit

You have a beloved architect you've worked with for years
You like to make decisions on the fly or prefer to lead the selection process
You need to start construction right away (our construction start dates are reserved for our design backlog)
You prefer cost-plus work (we're fixed price)