the three phases of our design build process

Collaboration—within our team and with our clients—is central to our design build process. The construction of your home should be no mystery; learn what happens, when, and why from the moment you contact us to the day you move in.

what is a design build firm?

Architect, builder, contractor, carpenter—why should you isolate elements of your home construction process when communication and harmony is so critical? As a design build firm, we fully integrate the architectural design process with the physical construction of your home. Bringing everything under one roof ensures that for each project, designs are made with efficiency in mind and builds execute on the vision to a tee. We love this old-school approach because it gives our skilled team maximum precision.

For homeowners, working with design build firms also comes with reduced costs and faster turn-around times. These savings fully pay for the investment of making your home net zero, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels. Plus, you’ll never have to play the role of middleman, communicating only with one team for the entire design build process.

Note: part of our mission is to bring others into the fold, expanding passive housing practices for a climate resilient future. If you are out of our region and already have a trusted builder, we’re happy to provide designs only and train or work with them to achieve net zero construction standards.

our three-phase design build process

A lot has to happen to create a beautiful, sustainable, adaptable home that is unique to you. But we strive to make the process simple by breaking it into three phases.

  1. Feasibility study
  2. Architectural and engineering drawings
  3. Construction

You’ll get regular updates from us throughout each phase of your home construction process, and as you’ll learn, plenty of opportunities to collaborate and customize.

before you get started

Before any tools are picked up, there are few things that need to happen.

First, we need to talk—there is nothing more important to the architecture design process than a conversation between you and our team. We’re low-key communicators and informal conversation is a great way for you to gather as much information as you need before making one of your biggest life decisions.

Our projects start formally once you’ve chosen a house site on which we can design your vision with you. If you don’t yet have a piece of land, don’t worry, we often work with clients to choose the right parcel. Learn more about looking for land and all the other details we can help you arrange to make your home construction process smooth.

phase i feasibility study

Duration: 1-2 months

Measure twice, cut once is the common aphorism of the construction industry. In the first phase of your project, we perform a construction feasibility study that accounts for technical, financial, regulatory, and environmental factors at a modest fixed fee. Here are few things we accomplish in this phase:

  • Site analysis
  • Review local code & permitting
  • Sketches and building program
  • Models and volume study
  • Estimate square foot pricing or review of your budget

phase ii architectural & engineering drawings

Duration: 4-6 months

Now begins the architectural design process—aka the fun stuff—where our team brings your vision one step closer to reality with technical drawings, design detailing, and material selections based on your base model and desired customizations. We’ll then provide stamped drawings and a bid to complete the work. This total, “all-in” budget is our responsibility to protect as the project proceeds. You’ll review and provide feedback on drawings and bids until we’re all satisfied with the plan. With your final approval, we can move to phase III.

Note: In the interest of making net zero housing affordable, we reduce design fees for work we have already done. By choosing and customizing a FLEXHOUSE model, you benefit from existing efficiencies and design detailing templates.

phase iii project construction

Duration: one year

With a transparent cost-plus construction contract signed by both parties, we’ll get started acquiring full permitting for the project. Once our team is mobilized on construction, most of our homes completed in one year. You’ll get regular updates from us on progress and site visits with our team to see how work is coming along in person. Along the way, our team can guide you to plan and design features like custom millwork, a garden shed, sound systems, landscaping or swimming pool and we’ll update your budget accordingly.

When work is complete, we’ll be there to welcome you to your new space and help you get adjusted. While officially the project will be over, our relationship doesn’t need to end there. We encourage you to think of your home as iterative and we welcome any future adjustments or additions you might desire. By this time, we probably know each other pretty well and hope you keep in touch by visiting us at The Electric House for community events.

let’s get started

catch us in action

We’re visual learners too. You can schedule an appointment to tour an active job site or completed project for a close look at how our team works and ideas for your perfect FLEXHOUSE. Of course, you can also explore photos and details in our past projects gallery.

architecture process FAQs

How long does the design build process take?

From the initial feasibility study to move-in day, our process typically takes roughly 18 months, with construction itself completed in about a year.

What are stamped drawings?

Architectural and engineering plans that have been reviewed and approved by a licensed architect or engineer. These drawings include site plans, floor plans, material selections, and structural specifications, among other things.

What are bids?

A formal proposal to complete a construction project with a price, timeline, and approach.

What is a cost-plus contract?

In these contracts, builders are reimbursed for the actual cost of labor, materials, equipment, permitting fees, etc. plus an additional amount for profit, which is usually a fixed fee or a percentage of the total cost. This allows us to maintain flexibility and transparency throughout the process.