Game On!

“Game on” was the motto for couple Sissy and David Austin, both of whom are licensed architects, during their home renovation. After months of design inspiration and budgeting, the final determination was made to move forward with their renovation through a process known as "design-build."

The most unique aspect of this type of project is the initial team building, subsequent pricing exercises, and value engineering. We got our minds around the floor plan and use of available space, consulted with our sub contractors and vendors, and with that data we assembled a build team and set a total cost of construction.

Sissy Austin, AIA with Adrian Bond, of Bond Tile, covering all of the new bath finishes

As a veteran Remodeler and Big 50 alumni, I thoroughly enjoy the team building and mental pricing exercises that are used to achieve the most desired product at the most comfortable price point. A single common denominator that most of our clients have, including myself, is the desire for "value." From my national colleagues at Remodeler's Advantage and Remodeling Magazine, "value" is generally realized by attaining one's desired remodeling goals within their financial limitations (budget), with the appropriate materials, utilizing skilled craftsmanship under timely execution, and in a clean and organized manner. This isn't that far off from Merriam-Webster's Full Definition of Vaule, 1: a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged.

How parties get to the purely residential design-build relationship seems to be an enigma, or misnomer, in various circles. Our nationally followed model is achieved by pairing up owners, design professionals, and ourselves to work toward a common goal of achieving as near a fully designed project as possible, with detailed pricing, following as many engagements as are necessary to reach a launching point for the construction phase of the project. The initial pairing up process is brought about by professional or word of mouth networking, advertising, or basic sales, followed by interviews and meshing of the various personalities needed, desired skill sets, scheduling, and overall temperament of the project.

Inspiration through homeadrore.com

We've been at this type of work for a while and have become friends with some of the best industry mentors and educators there are. We are continually inspired by editor's like Craig Webb of Remodeling Magazine, educators like Victoria Downing of Remodeler's Advantage, and contractor/actors such as Mike Holmes of HGTV's Holmes on Holmes. My local mentor, George Williams of Precision Homecrafters, is also a student of a well thought out design-build process, organization, and most of all, "value." Sissy and I worked together on another project that's on our website, named "Canterbury Road," and our work together is also written about in another blog. Spinning off of Canterbury Road, we immediately began the design-build process for another young family and are hopeful for an early summer start date on their beautifully designed and expertly priced and managed project.