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A Clear, Collaborative Design Process
From your first conversation to a complete, build-ready plan set, you will know exactly what happens at each step and see your home in 3D before it is built.
Designed With You at Every Step
A home has to fit the site, meet the needs of the people living in it and be buildable within a realistic budget. Our process is built around those three priorities.
We start with a 2D floor plan and refine it with you until it is right, then bring the design to life in 3D so you can walk through every room before construction begins. With more than 35 years of construction experience, Dave front-loads the planning so your project runs smoothly once building starts. Want to dive deeper into planning, engineering, and permits? Explore our Homeowner Design Guide.
The Builder’s Eye: Dave’s 7-Point Constructability & Cost-Control Review
Because Dave Nielsen has spent 35+ years in construction and residential design, every plan set undergoes a practical constructability audit during drafting to help you avoid $15,000–$40,000+ in avoidable framing and field change orders:
- Bearing Wall & Load-Path Alignment: Stacking upper, main, and basement load paths to minimize expensive steel beams where standard engineered lumber works cleanly.
- Roofline & Truss Economy: Designing roof pitches, valleys, and spans that shed Utah & Idaho snow loads while keeping truss manufacturing straightforward.
- Plumbing Wet-Wall Stacking: Grouping kitchens, baths, and laundry runs to reduce supply/drainage labor and simplify mechanical soffits.
- Stair & Headroom Geometry Verified in 3D: Checking every stair riser, tread, and sloped ceiling in 3D before framing starts.
- Window & Door Header Optimization: Sizing openings to maximize natural light and views while utilizing standard window packages.
- Footing, Frost-Depth & Slope Integration: Stepping foundations to match your lot’s natural grade and local frost-depth codes.
- Municipal Setback, Height & Lot-Coverage Pre-Check: Verifying city/county zoning compliance before structural engineering is stamped.
What to Expect, From Start to Finish
Every project follows the same proven process, adapted to the size and type of your project.
Free Consultation
We discuss your goals, your property and your budget, and answer any questions about the process.
Measure the Existing Property
For remodels, additions and conversions, we measure your home on site so the design starts from accurate dimensions.
Review Your Ideas & Needs
We review your ideas, inspiration and requirements, including how you live and how you plan to use each space.
Initial Design Review on Zoom
Your first floor plan is presented in a Zoom meeting scheduled around your availability.
Refine the Design
Additional meetings are held as needed to adjust the layout until it is right for you.
Site Plan
We prepare a site plan showing how the home or addition sits on your lot.
3D Model
The design is built into a full 3D model of the exterior and interior, with a walkthrough link you can explore yourself.
Engineering & Final Design
Once the design is finalized, structural engineering is coordinated as needed.
Electrical & Design Notes
We review the electrical layout with you and finalize the design notes for your builder.
A Complete, Build-Ready Plan Set
When your design is complete, you receive everything your builder and permit office need, including:
- Site plan
- Elevations
- Design plans
- Renderings
- Electrical layout
- Cross sections
- Design notes
- Structural engineering as needed
Simple, Transparent Pricing
At Vizzi Design, our residential design and drafting fees typically range from $2 to $3 per square foot, depending on project complexity (with a small-project minimum). Straightforward basement finishes and simple additions typically fall near $2.00–$2.35/sq. ft., while custom new homes, multi-level ADUs, sloped-lot homes, and structural wall-removal remodels fall between $2.25 and $3.00/sq. ft. Your first consultation is free, and you will receive a clear fixed-fee written quote before any work begins.
Janelle C. · Architectural Services
Design Process FAQ
How long does the design process take?
Timelines depend on the size and complexity of the project and the number of revisions. We will discuss an estimated schedule during your free consultation.
How are design meetings held?
Design meetings are typically held on Zoom and scheduled around your availability, so you can review your design from home.
Can I make changes during the design process?
Yes. The design is refined with you over as many review meetings as needed before it is finalized.
What should I have ready before we start?
Any existing plans, photos of your property, lot information and your ideas or inspiration are helpful. If you do not have these yet, we can start with a conversation.
How is pricing determined?
At Vizzi Design, residential design and drafting fees typically range from $2 to $3 per square foot, depending on project complexity (with a small-project minimum). Straightforward finished basements and simple additions typically fall near $2.00–$2.35/sq. ft., while custom single-family homes, multi-level ADUs, sloped-lot homes, and structural remodels fall between $2.25 and $3.00/sq. ft. Your first consultation is free, and you receive a fixed-fee written quote before any work begins.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Your first design consultation is free. Tell us about your project, and we will walk you through what comes next.