How Long A Project Really Takes
If you owned a TV in 2014, you likely watched at least one episode of the HGTV hit show “Fixer Upper”. In a sweeping 5-minute montage, Chip and Joanna Gaines would transform a complete dump into a dream house.
Sadly, in the real world, that’s not how it works. In initial consultations, clients nearly always ask “When can I move in?” or “I’d like to start construction next month, can you be done with design in 4 weeks?”. In this post, we’re breaking down the anatomy of a project timeline so you can plan your timeline with confidence.
1. Programming & Visioning: Setting the Objectives
Timeline: 2–4 weeks Before we draw a single line, we have to understand the "why" behind your project. This is the stage where we discuss the overall project goals, vision, and what needs to happen to make the project a success.
Defining the Vision: We deep-dive into your routines, aesthetic goals, and "must-haves" to ensure the design fits you like a glove.
Site Forensic Work: We investigate the invisible constraints—zoning laws, setbacks, and sun patterns—to avoid "surprises" that could stall us later.
The Value: This phase prevents the most expensive mistake in architecture: building the wrong thing.
2. Schematic Design: Seeing the Vision Take Shape
Timeline: 4–8 weeks This is the most collaborative part of our journey. We translate our conversations into initial sketches and 3D concepts.
Exploring Options: We’ll present different layouts and "big picture" ideas to see what resonates with you.
Interactive Feedback: This is your time to push boundaries. We iterate together until the floor plan feels right.
The Value: You get to "walk through" the project digitally, ensuring the flow and scale feel exactly right before anything is set in stone.
3. Design Development: Refining the Details
Timeline: 3–6 months Now, we zoom in. We move from "the big idea" to the specific textures, fixtures, and technical systems that make a building function beautifully.
Material Curation: We select everything from the window systems to the light switches, creating a cohesive "palette" for your home.
Behind-the-Walls Engineering: We coordinate with structural and mechanical experts to ensure the design is as smart as it is beautiful.
The Value: We create a "instruction manual" for your builder that is so precise it minimizes guesswork (and costly change orders) during construction.
4. Permitting & Bidding: Navigating the Red Tape
Timeline: 1–4 months While your project is under review by the city, we help you find the right hands to build it.
The Advocate Role: We manage the back-and-forth with building departments to get your project approved.
Contractor Matching: We help you evaluate bids from builders, ensuring you’re comparing "apples to apples" and getting fair market value.
The Value: We act as your buffer and translator, handling the bureaucracy so you don't have to.
5. Construction: Bringing the Vision to Life
Timeline: 6–18+ months. This is the longest phase, but also the most rewarding as things go from just a drawing to reality.
Quality Control: We don't just hand over the drawings; we visit the site regularly to ensure the craftsmanship meets our high standards.
Problem Solving: If a material is backordered or an onsite challenge arises, we are there to find a solution that protects the design, budget, timeline, and project goals.
The Finish Line: We guide you through the "punch list"—that final push to ensure every last detail is accounted for and executed correctly.
The Value: You have a professional advocate on-site to ensure the investment you made on paper is exactly what gets delivered in wood and stone.
(Timelines shown are contingent on many factors and can vary depending on project type, size, location, etc. Speak to us to learn more about what to expect for your, specific, project!).