our services
MK Design creates homes. Our client-centered approach to the design process ensures that our projects possess exceptionality as well as functionality. From foundation to finish, both new construction and renovation of existing spaces require extensive decision making. We collaborate with your builder and contractors to bring your plan to fruition, helping you make informed decisions along the way with confidence. It is our desire that the final product is the home of your dreams.
DESIGN PLANS for new construction, renovation & additions
We work with exceptional Interior Designers to create interior spaces that are comprehensive in vision and exacting in detail, reflecting the style and theme of the surrounding architecture. While Interior Designers work to select finishes and furniture, we provide detailed drawings of cabinets, built-ins, casing profiles and custom-built mill work.
interiorS
We help our clients avoid costly challenges and manage the project’s contractors, ensuring your vision comes to life seamlessly. For us, it’s not just about the finished project, but walking with our clients through every step of the process.
construction observation & client representation
In this stage, we get to see all our thoughtful planning materialize into reality. MK Design communicates with the contractor as needed, responding to any requests for information submittals. We visit the site regularly during construction to observe the quality of work, and to determine if the work is being performed in accordance with the design intent of the construction documents.
CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION SERVICES
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We further develop the drawing set to include exterior elevation details, including doors, windows and cladding materials. We design and draw the details of the interior architecture, such as tile patterns, door and window trim moulding and interior elevation cabinet drawings. This process takes another 3-4 weeks and results in a Design Development package set of drawings.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PHASE
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This is the space planning process where we rework the floor plan (adding or removing walls) while considering the spatial needs and design aesthetic of the space. We create 2-3 conceptual floor plan studies, and after client review, we present a conceptual Architectural Plan package. This process takes about 4 weeks minimum.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PHASE
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We document the existing conditions of the home (or the areas of the home being renovated) by taking measurements and creating an existing set of AutoCAD plans to be used in the following phases. For new build design, the client provides us a survey of the property. This process takes about a week, depending on the size of the home.
SITE STUDY / AS BUILT DOCUMENTATION
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We like to start with an in-person meeting with each potential client at their home or property to discuss their wishes, needs, desires and dreams for their home. In an existing home, we walk through it with them to get a sense of the things that work or do not work for them, practically and spatially. After discussing ideas we will prepare a proposal.
Let's Meet in your space
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the process
You ask, we answer
faq
There is significant value in designing a home with an architectural designer before beginning the renovating process. In the end, the product says it all, with every detail, every need, and every function carefully considered to ensure that the final product is a beautiful space the client loves. Building and/or renovating is a significant financial investment. It is wise to invest on the front end in an architectural designer who will ensure the quality and satisfaction of the final product. A designer is worth her weight in gold when she delivers an end result that lives up to expectations and is thoughtful and intentional. This is especially true for renovations. We specialize in the abstract, conceptualizing suitable configurations, shapes, and spatial relationships that take context into account and are tailored for the needs and desires of the user. We excel at taking practical design problems and devising solutions that are both functional and beautiful.
For small projects, we charge an hourly fee of $125 and give the clients an estimate of the hours it will take to do the work. For bigger projects, we charge a flat rate per stage of the design process. The rate depends on the scope of work, size of project and level of services needed.
Until we get bids from contractors, we can't give you an exact answer. For a contractor to give a comprehensive bid, they will usually require a basic conceptual set of plans. Many clients will engage with us through the first two phases of the design process in order to get a set of plans from which builders can bid. At this point, we push pause on the project and wait to make sure the new design is in line with the client’s budget before moving forward with the detailed architectural drawings included in the final package. Currently the cost of building in the residential sphere is anywhere from $200-$350 per square foot.
The design process will take about three to four months. The building timing and process depends on the builder and subcontractor availability, as well as your project's scope.
