WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

1. Design Approach

Dawn is an experiential architect. An experiential architect is one who designs buildings from the perspective of how you “experience” space and form. Essentially, it is designing from the inside out. Most architects design the form and then think of how the space fits inside the form. When Dawn is generating a concept on a project, she is thinking about what each client needs and how they will experience the architecture as they move from one space to the next, not just physically, but visually as well. She layers each perspective upon the next and essentially builds a multi-faceted 3-Dimensional canvas that inspires and evokes emotion. As a result, the home becomes a series of places which offer an invitation to embrace both the sacred and the common moments in time. This is experiential architecture.

2. VII Phase Design Process

Many of our clients say that our process is clear and understandable. The Needs and Options Review establishes project expectations, and sets the project on solid footing. Our 3-Dimensional visualization empowers our clients to walk through and experience their spaces before the foundation is poured. Being able to visualize the interior spaces and the exterior architecture gives them confidence that their dreams are coming to life and they are getting exactly what they hoped for. As we work through a project, we move from artist to engineer in successive layers. We begin as an artist and finish by thoroughly working through each detail of the project as we prepare the drawings for permit and construction.

3. Proven Results

Dozens of positive client reviews speak for themselves, with many clients saying that we have “exceeded their expectations and brought their dream home to life.” Another said, “She brought her expertise, industry experience, and contacts, creating a seamless experience from design through execution! She provided several different design options, at varying budget points to consider, walked us through the pro's and cons of each, and was quick to respond at every point of connection.” A client with a home on Lake Gaston said, “She listened closely to our wants, dreams and budget. She came up with a plan outside the box and got us to see things we didn’t know were even possible! Her design skills are terrific but equally as good are her skills of listening, positivity, patience and her responsiveness! Could not be happier with our final design.”

4. Unique Pre-design Service

We offer a valuable pre-design service called the Needs and Options Review. We developed this service because we saw a lot of our clients who had great ideas for a project, but had difficulty in communicating these ideas to their architect or builder. Most often, clients needed help determining the feasibility of their project and needed assistance highlighting the constraints and the architectural focus without spending money to develop a full set of architectural drawings. The Needs and Options Review helps clients overcome initial design communication challenges that will enable their architect to assess, define, and refine their needs, and to evaluate the best possible design options. The Needs and Options Review also helps our clients understand the design and budget requirements needed to develop their project vision in an efficient way.  With a minimal investment in time and money, a completed Needs and Options Review gives our clients confidence moving forward with their project.

What are the advantages of completing the Needs and Options Review? 

When you have something well thought out and tangible to explain your ideas, the communication between the builder and the client becomes much clearer. No longer will you be waiving your hands talking mysteries to each other, you will have something on paper that you can both visualize and understand, even if it’s in its infancy in terms of development. No one has to be afraid that you are meaning one thing and the other party is meaning something entirely different. Both client, builder, and architect will have the confidence moving forward with the project knowing that the needs have been refined, the options have been considered, and the project is heading in the right direction.

With a Needs and Options Review, you can know what you want and you can plan your budget to accomplish your goals. You are no longer wandering in the sea of the unknown wanting, wishing, and wondering if your dreams can become a reality. You now understand the possibilities and the limitations and can make a wise investment in your home and in your family.