Our process is…Custom!

It all begins with an informative design consultation (book here!), where we describe our homes and the process to design and build them, ask questions to understand the project criteria, and offer our expertise if a land purchase is being explored.  Most importantly, we listen to our clients’ needs and formulate a Creative Process that best works for their circumstances, and then start to weigh the driving factors for their Conceptual Design. 

Pricing is discussed in the initial consultation, and when clients begin designs with us, we provide regular ballpark estimates to keep the concept on track and let our clients make informed decisions on features they want.  Soon, a basic design develops into a mature concept, and we can quickly transition to formal planning and build phases under a construction contract.  Using well defined plans and specs, we chart a careful course of production to build the home, orchestrate fine-tuned selections, and keep a purposeful and accurate schedule.  Clients move into homes that meet and exceed their expectations, knowing that the Garden State family will continue to support them in the years to come. 

Creative process: Generally, we plan projects starting with broad goals and then narrow down to specifics.  Some families appreciate our creative energy, both in design and function, to drive the process.  Others might be representing a group with complex needs, and our process might focus on helping them understand and address individuals concerns and questions, so we can define achievable goals for everyone.  Some others are unsure of what they want, and are afraid that they might miss out on the perfect design, so they need to try a lot of ideas out. We are especially talented at patiently presenting alternatives, and giving clients a productive atmosphere to choose from a variety of options. Whatever the scenario, we use our experience and talents to provide clients the confidence that they gave careful consideration and made the right choice for their own circumstances. 

Conceptual design: No two homes are the same, so the design process needs to be flexible.  A home might be designed around a sentimental item, an exterior “look,” accessibility requirements, efficiency of layout, unique lot features, energy efficiency, or budget.  Most often, it’s all of these variables, weighted to the specific circumstances of the project.  Sometimes this leads us to begin with a particularly difficult issue first, and in other cases we’ll develop an all-encompassing, but basic draft, to see how the general requirements interact with each other, before diving in to fine detail. In any case, we put the effort in to give you the drafts you need, in a short periord of time, and each iteration of the design provides real progress towards the goal. For some, the bulk of the design is finished on day one. For others, it might take a few weeks to get in the groove, but it doesn’t take long for us to target a design that starts to work for you. Home design is our passion, and our clients always get the attention they need.