At Design Freedom, Inc., we specialize in designing Forever Homes, including custom homes, energy-efficient homes, resilient homes, home additions, and home remodels that are built for long-term enjoyment. Additionally, we are committed to staying on the cutting edge of building innovation. We are both familiar with and enthusiastic about utilizing SCIPs (Structural Concrete Insulated Panels), SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels), and other non-traditional building systems in our projects to increase efficiency and resilience. If you’re searching for an architect in Florida, you likely have questions like:
1. How Does This Work?
Our Forever Home Process ensures your design is carefully planned to fit your lifestyle now and in the future, especially if you’re considering non-traditional building systems like SCIPs or SIPs for their energy efficiency and durability. Whether you are building a new custom home or remodeling an existing one, we begin by getting to know you—your lifestyle, who will be living in the home, how long you plan to stay, whether you enjoy entertaining, if a pool is part of your vision, and even what hobbies you enjoy. Understanding these details allows us to create a home that truly fits your needs.
Next, we visit your home or property to assess any challenges the house or site may present. This also gives you the opportunity to see what it would be like to work with us. A home is a deeply personal space, and your relationship with your architect should reflect that. We listen carefully to your ideas, bring our own expertise to the table, and refine the design through an interactive process that includes drawings, 3D renderings, and architectural visuals exchanged between us.
With experience working in multiple cities, we are adept at researching zoning requirements and navigating various regulations. We stay up to date on changes in the building code by attending webinars and specialized training, ensuring that our designs are not only compliant but also efficient and resilient. We are also well-versed in FEMA rules and regulations, which we incorporate into the initial design process to ensure a smooth path to permitting and construction.
2. How Much Will This Cost?
At Design Freedom, Inc., we stay ahead of changing costs by gathering feedback from both current and past projects. This allows us to stay informed and better guide you through the budgeting process. From the very first phone call, we’ll discuss your budget to ensure it aligns with reality. It’s important to us that you feel confident about your financial plan, and we’ll work with you to adjust as needed. If you’re considering SCIPs or SIPs for your design, we can assist you in connecting with specialty contractors who can provide insight into their unique cost structures, helping you compare them to traditional construction methods.
We also recommend reaching out to contractors during the end of the design phase for more accurate pricing. Since every remodel or custom home is unique, getting quotes from contractors will provide a clearer picture of costs as you near the construction phase.
We often remind our clients that designing a custom home or remodel is more like buying a wedding dress than selecting an off-the-rack option. It’s a tailored process that’s unique to you, and sometimes that requires adjusting expectations along the way. However, we are committed to designing spaces that are purposeful, eliminating any unnecessary square footage, so you get the most value out of every inch of your home.
3. What Are My Design Options?
At Design Freedom, Inc., we don’t adhere to a specific house style, as many of our projects are remodels or additions designed to match the existing house. However, we do enjoy creating modern designs that are warm and inviting, steering clear of sterile, cold aesthetics. Our approach is about balance—combining open, flexible spaces with areas that offer quiet, privacy, and a sense of retreat. We’ve designed homes in a variety of styles, including Mediterranean and Spanish-style, Bungalow and Craftsman, Mid Century Modern, and Key West or Island-style, always ensuring the design complements its surroundings and suits the needs of our clients.
We prioritize natural light in our designs, especially through north-facing windows, which allow sunlight to pour in without causing unwanted glare. Additionally, we always design with views in mind, making sure your home is positioned to take full advantage of the surroundings.
We work in 3D from the very beginning of the design process, allowing you to see and interact with your home through artistic or illustrative images. Along with traditional floor plans and elevation drawings, we may provide 3D walkthroughs on a case-by-case basis, giving you the opportunity to virtually explore your home and refine the design before construction begins.
4. Who Handles the Details?
When working on coastal homes or elevated homes, we pay particular attention to the design elements that make your home resilient and suitable for the environment.
While we focus on the overall design of your home and property, some of the finer details are handled by other designers we collaborate with. While we coordinate all aspects of the design, finalizing certain elements such as cabinetry, finishes, and specific fixtures for bathrooms and kitchens is often left to a Kitchen Bath Designer or an Interior Designer, depending on your preference. If you don’t have someone in mind, we can refer you to trusted professionals who can bring your vision to life.
We handle the layout of key kitchen elements, including the placement of sinks, stoves, refrigerators, countertops, islands, peninsulas, and windows and doorways. The designer will then work with you to refine the details—choosing between drawers or doors, selecting finishes, and making decisions about appliances and fixtures.
For clients adding a pool, we help determine its location in the yard and its approximate size, ensuring that it’s positioned with the views and surrounding areas in mind. We consider how the pool will relate to the BBQ area, outdoor seating, and lounging spaces. Your Pool Designer will take it from there, helping you finalize the pool’s size, shape, and features, such as steps, beach areas, and other enhancements.
When it comes to interior finishes like flooring, ceiling fans, and lighting fixtures, these choices are handled by either the Interior Designer or the homeowner directly. We guide clients through the big-picture design, but the finer details of these elements are outside the scope of our services.
For exterior elements like roofing, siding, decking, and doors and windows, we’ll help narrow down the options to meet Florida Product Approval requirements. While we will guide you through these choices, the final selection of colors and finishes will be up to you.
5. Who’s Involved in Building My Home?
We collaborate closely with contractors for additions and remodels, and builders for brand new custom homes to bring your vision to life, including those using non-traditional building systems like SCIPs and SIPs. Depending on the scope of the project, we may also work with consultants, such as structural engineers, if necessary. Due to our extensive experience, we typically create our own framing and foundation drawings and details. However, for projects in flood zones, we rely on structural engineers to ensure the design meets the required standards.
Before we begin the design process, the homeowner will provide a Survey of the property. For projects in flood zones, an Elevation Certificate is also required, which is completed by a Surveyor. Additionally, homeowners in flood zones must provide a report from a Geotechnical Engineer to ensure the site’s suitability for the planned construction.
During construction, we remain actively involved through site visits. A minimum of two site visits are included to review general progress, quality, and ensure that the work is in accordance with the drawings. Should additional visits be needed, these will be listed in the proposal. We’re also available to respond to any questions or clarifications about the drawings throughout the construction phase, ensuring everything stays on track.
6. Why Choose Design Freedom, Inc.?
At Design Freedom, Inc., we specialize in creating Forever Homes—homes designed to stand the test of time. Our focus is on energy efficiency, low maintenance, and long-term adaptability. Our clients value quality over quantity and seek homes that are as durable as they are comfortable. We are also passionate about exploring innovative non-traditional building systems like SCIPs and SIPs that align with our vision for sustainable, resilient design. Whether you’re looking for a custom home, an addition, or a remodel, our designs prioritize what matters most to you today, while making sure your home is equipped for the future. Contact us today to discuss how we can bring your vision for a Forever Home to life. www.ForeverHomeArchitect.com
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