PHASE 2
CONCEPT TO FORM
The Shift Begins
Phase 1 established intent. Why this home exists. Where it belongs. What it’s meant to become.
Phase 2 is where that intent is tested.
Ideas begin to meet constraints.
Design begins to respond to structure.
And decisions begin to carry weight.
This is the point where a home moves out of abstraction and into something far more demanding—something real.
Not everything is still possible. But what remains possible matters more.
Design Takes Shape
The process starts with alignment.
Working alongside Widler Architecture, the goal for this home was a simple and refined exterior. Smooth stucco paired with warm wood accents. Clean and intentional.
The elevation drawings shown here reflect that early direction. You can see how specific decisions are being worked through in real time. Notes on material changes, rooflines, and exterior elements are not minor adjustments. They are part of defining how the home will actually be built.
The southern exposure of the lot plays a key role. Natural light informs window placement, interior layout, and how the home will feel throughout the day.
Timeline Overview
February 2026
March 2026
April 2026
EXTERIOR SELECTIONS & ELEVATION DRAWINGS REFINED
INTERIOR RENDERINGS & SELECTIONS ROUGHED OUT
BUILDERTREND SET UP & BUDGETTING OUTLINE DEFINED
Form Follows Function
Every home starts with a plan.
The layout defines how spaces connect and how the home works day to day. The exterior develops from that foundation.
The drawings show how that progression happens. Floor plans are translated into elevations, and then refined through multiple iterations. Constraints like setbacks, lot coverage, and structure begin to shape the outcome.
To help visualize this more clearly, the 3D floor plan renderings bring those layouts to life. They show how spaces relate to each other in a way that traditional plans cannot.
You can start to understand scale, flow, and sightlines.
This is where the home becomes easier to evaluate and customize.
Working from home, wellness, and recharging.
Designed To Live
The 3D main floor rendering shows how the core living spaces come together. Kitchen, dining, and family areas are connected, while still allowing each space to function clearly.
Support spaces like the scullery and pantry sit just behind the kitchen. These keep the main living areas clean and usable without sacrificing function.
A flexible front room can adapt over time. Office, sitting room, or another use depending on the homeowner.
Upstairs, the second-floor rendering shows how bedrooms are arranged for privacy and balance. The third-floor space is intentionally separated, creating a quiet area for work or retreat.
These visuals make it easier to understand how the home will actually live, not just how it is drawn.
Basement? Or Sanctuary & Wellness Area?
The basement rendering shows how this space is organized around both wellness and entertainment. A dedicated gym area, sauna, and cold plunge create a clear focus, supported by additional recreation space and a bar area. Light wells bring natural light into the basement, helping it feel connected to the rest of the home.
Recommended selections to this custom home from our interior designer.
Based on the initial inspiration we provided to our designer, Drozd Design, we were provided with these mood boards to give us a feeling for each of the unique spaces. This is just a rough starting point to get the convo going as we continue to refine and define the home’s design.
The Invisible Decisions
Many important decisions happen early and are not visible later.
The elevation notes you saw earlier are a good example. Changing an exterior material is not just a visual decision. It can impact framing, foundation requirements, and sequencing.
Window selections must be finalized early due to lead times. These decisions affect both schedule and installation. Plumbing fixtures also need to be coordinated before rough-in begins.
These are decisions that shape how the home is built.
Organizing For Clarity
Creating Alignment Before Construction Begins
A clear process is required before construction begins.
This project is managed through Buildertrend, a system that tracks schedule, selections, and financials in one place.
As decisions move from drawings and renderings into construction, everything is documented and organized in this one central portal.
This allows the home to move forward with clarity and control.
Transparency In Budgetting
Budgeting is handled through a structured allowance system.
This allows decisions to be made with clear priorities. Where to invest more. Where to simplify. How to keep the project aligned as selections are made.
Selections are guided to maintain consistency across the home. The goal is to keep design and budget working together throughout the process.
See the Buildertrend Budget slide above to get a glimpse of the detailed budget view a client sees.