Custom Home Design FAQ

Design fees for a luxury custom home typically range from 2% to 10% of the total construction cost, depending on size, complexity, and scope. This investment covers everything from concept development through permit-ready construction documents — and prevents the expensive change orders that incomplete documents create during construction. See our 2026 Atlanta cost guide for detailed fee breakdowns.

A typical custom home project takes 8 to 16 weeks from initial concept to completed construction documents. We structure the process into four clear phases — Discovery, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documents — so you always know where you are and what comes next.

The Builder's Eye is our proprietary design review process, developed from over 20 years of hands-on construction experience. Every design is evaluated across seven dimensions — structural feasibility, material availability, mechanical coordination, constructability, cost transparency, code compliance, and detail resolution — before documents go to bid.

Having land is not required to begin the conversation, but it is important before detailed design work starts. The lot's size, topography, orientation, setbacks, and codes directly influence the design. We can help you evaluate potential lots from a design perspective before you commit.

We are based in Metro Atlanta, serving Metro Atlanta including Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, and the greater North Metro area. We also serve clients nationwide through our structured remote collaboration process.

Most cost overruns trace back to incomplete or ambiguous design documents. When builders receive unclear drawings, they pad bids with contingencies or generate change orders. The most effective cost control is investing in thorough, buildable construction documents created by a designer who understands construction realities — which is exactly what the Builder's Eye methodology is designed to ensure.

Our projects typically range from 4,500 to 12,000+ square feet, with construction values of $2 million to $8 million and above. See what that looks like in our portfolio.

Yes. We regularly collaborate with builders and welcome their input, especially during Design Development when preliminary pricing is most valuable. Our documents are formatted for builder clarity and follow construction industry conventions. Learn more about choosing the right builder for your project.

A complete package includes detailed floor plans, exterior elevations, building sections, roof plans, door and window schedules, finish schedules, interior elevations, electrical plans, structural engineering coordination, and specification notes. Everything a builder needs to price accurately and build with confidence. See the full scope of our custom home design service.

Our founder spent 20+ years as a custom home builder before transitioning to design. This hands-on construction experience means every design decision is informed by real-world building knowledge — structural feasibility, material availability, mechanical coordination, and cost implications. Most architects and designers have not built what they draw. Read our full architect vs. designer comparison.

Yes. Our structured design process and comprehensive documentation make remote collaboration seamless. We use video calls, shared digital platforms, and detailed written summaries to ensure alignment at every stage. For key milestones, we travel to your project location.

The most helpful items are your lot survey or plat, any HOA guidelines, inspiration images showing styles and features you love, a rough sense of your construction budget, and a list of rooms and spaces you envision. If you do not have all of these yet, that is perfectly fine — we can guide you.

We can recommend builders we have worked with and trust, or we can work with a builder you have already selected. We also assist with the bidding process — helping you evaluate bids, identify scope gaps, and ask the right questions before signing a construction contract.

Yes. Our portfolio includes modern transitional, contemporary farmhouse, traditional, and mixed-material styles. The Builder's Eye methodology applies regardless of style — constructability, coordination, and document quality are universal requirements.

Custom home design is a fully bespoke process tailored to your specific lot, lifestyle, and vision. A home plan is a pre-designed floor plan available for purchase, often with optional customization. Both receive our Builder's Eye review. Custom design offers maximum flexibility; home plans offer a faster timeline and lower design investment.

We offer design and documentation services tailored for builders and developers. This includes spec home plans optimized for your construction methods, subdivision plan collections with shared structural systems for cost efficiency, and ongoing partnerships where we function as your design department. Visit our For Builders page to learn more.

Our focus is architectural design and construction documentation. We design interior layouts, built-in features, ceiling details, and architectural finishes. For furniture selection, decorating, and styling, we recommend partnering with an interior designer — and we collaborate well with interior design professionals.

We intentionally limit the number of active projects to maintain personal attention and design quality. Current availability varies — we recommend reaching out early in your planning process. A brief initial conversation is always free and carries no obligation.

Permitting in Fulton County typically takes between 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the jurisdiction. Projects within municipal boundaries (such as Alpharetta, Milton, or Sandy Springs) generally process faster than those in unincorporated Fulton County. The timeline is heavily dependent on complete construction documents, structural engineering reviews, and local environmental health approvals (especially if a septic system is required).

A U-shaped courtyard plan wraps around three sides of a central pool or patio, creating maximum privacy from neighbors. This layout is ideal for deeper lots and establishes a highly contained, resort-style outdoor living space — see The Buckhead plan for an example. An L-shaped plan wraps around two sides, offering a more open layout that captures broader landscape views. This design is highly adaptable to corner lots or sloped terrain and helps optimize sun exposure across the pool deck.