What It’s Like to Work With Our Austin Architects

At DK Studio, our team of Austin architects leads you through a seven-step process to create your dream home. Whether you want to build a new home or start a renovation project, we have you covered, from schematic design to construction administration. Here’s what it’s like to work with our residential architecture studio in Austin, TX.

Step Three: Review Architectural Designs

Once our team of Austin architects has a firm grasp of your style, vision, and needs, we will begin schematic design. First, our team will create two floor plans for your review. After reviewing the plans together and finalizing them with all your changes, we will revise and present a three-dimensional model of your new home. Once approved, our team will create a pricing set and get ballpark estimates from builders.

Step Four: Select a Builder & Secure Permits

After receiving bids from multiple contractors, you will select a builder for your home. From there, you will approve the final budget, and our team will complete permit documents. At this time, we will engage a structural engineer to provide foundation and framing plans. The DK Studio team will then coordinate the structural plan with our design. From there, we will create a complete set of permit documents and send the permit application to all parties for signatures. 

Step Five: Finalize Construction Documents & Material Selections

Next, our architecture team will look toward finalizing construction documents for the builder. We will design cabinet elevations and lighting plans. While our team is working on drawings, you will be selecting final material selections with your interior designer. Once you have chosen flooring, countertop, cabinet, plumbing, appliance, and lighting selections, our architects will coordinate with your designer to verify that the materials work within the design plans, modifying as needed. From there, we will incorporate your interior designer’s selections into our final set of construction drawings, including a finish schedule if necessary. 

Step Six: Commence Building

Now onto the fun part — construction! Our Austin architects will stay involved with your project through the construction administration period. We will conduct weekly or bi-weekly meetings to coordinate with the builder, verify that the design is properly executed, and answer any questions. This includes reviewing window orders, cabinet shop drawings, exterior paint, brick, and stone mockups, and any other items requested by the builder. We will also hold walkthroughs at critical moments of the build. In the blue box walkthrough, we will review all outlet and switch locations, sconces heights, and surface and can lighting layouts. Next, we will walk through with the HVAC subcontractor to check the location of the unit, return air grille locations, supply grille locations, and thermostat type and location. Then, the interior design team will review tile layouts, interior paint selections, flooring layouts, and trim details. Our architects are also available to help document these walkthroughs. We will create a field report detailing items discussed, updates, and project changes at each meeting. We are not only here to plan the design of your dream home but also to ensure your vision comes to life. 

Step Seven: Move Into Your Dream Home

A few weeks before move-in day, our architecture team will conduct a final walkthrough of the project, called the punch list. We will tour the home with you, the builder, and the interior designer and make a list of anything left to fix or complete. Then, our studio will distribute the punch list to everyone for review. Once the final elements are completed, you will move into your dream home! Now, all that’s left to do is kick back and enjoy your new space.