Design Process

Encounter a seamless experience with expert guidance, attentive listening, and visionary yet pragmatic thinking.

Modern entryway with a carpeted staircase and black railings showcases exceptional custom home design. Hardwood floors, a glass-paneled front door, coat rack, and wall decor complete the space.

Ever try to navigate somewhere without a map?

If you did manage to arrive, chances are you were feeling frustrated, anxious, or running a bit late (or all of the above). It doesn’t usually turn out well.

That’s why we have a clear and concise path that takes you from choosing custom design to completed construction drawings. We’ve used our design process for thousands of homes and it’s proven to be effective and efficient time and again. Here is what you can expect when you team with Willson Design to design your home!

(We are ready to meet with you to share all the nitty gritty details of our process and answer as many of your questions, as well as discuss timeline and budget specifics for your project.)

Phase 1: Exploration and Discovery MEET, DREAM, EXPLORE TOGETHER, RESEARCH

At Willson Design, every new project starts with a friendly meet and greet so we can all become acquainted and make sure we’re a good fit. Our extensive design questionnaire captures your wishlist and helps draw out important ideas and needs you have yet to consider. Once we understand your needs and project scope, we’ll brainstorm together with rough sketches, Pinterest boards and saved Instagram inspo, as well as go through due diligence with researching zoning bylaws, site analysis, and inquiries with city officials.

At the end of this phase we want you to be excited about the shared vision of how your new home will come together. You should feel heard, understood and valued by our team of designers.

An assortment of architectural sketches, custom home design plans, printed materials, and papers are spread out on a dark surface.
Architectural plans and sketches of a custom home design, with a color rendering on a table.

Phase 2: Layout and Exterior Design PRELIMINARY FLOOR PLANS, FEEDBACK, REVISIONS, 3D MODELLING

This is where it gets fun! Your wishlist is transformed into a preliminary floor plan to establish layout and flow of the home. Your designer will present it to you in person and you’ll get to take home your first printed copy to review. Based on your feedback, we’ll modify the floor plans until they’re just right..

Once the inside is finalized we repeat the same process with the exterior design. Several visualization tools can be used to help our clients clearly envision their home including exterior elevations, 3D views, photorealistic colored rendering, interior vie4ws, fly-arounds, walk-throughs, and even 3D printed models.

At the end of this phase, you’ll have a very clear picture of how your home will look on the inside and outside.

Phase 3: Details WORKING DRAWINGS, REVIEW, FINISHED PRODUCT

This is where we really roll up our sleeves and add the “guts” to your home that make it buildable and permit ready. Call us meticulous but we do a comprehensive check of the plans two or three times to ensure accurate estimates by your trades and fewer mistakes during construction down the road.

At the end of this phase, you will have your final plans printed and in your hand ready to pass off to your Builder to apply for permits and start construction soon after.

Hands flipping through a stack of printed documents on a wooden table, each page offering insights into custom home design.

The experience has been nothing short of exceptional; Exhibited remarkable patience and creativity.

We had the pleasure of working with Willson Design for the architectural design of our dream house, and the experience has been nothing short of exceptional. The journey wasn't without its challenges, primarily due to the specific requirements of building on land governed by the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC). However, our designer was a true problem-solver. Each hiccup was met with a swift and effective response, ensuring that our project remained on track. Their communication was clear, timely, and always in tune with our needs and concerns. As we move into the building phase, we're filled with excitement and gratitude … we wholeheartedly recommend Willson Design to anyone.

Marlee Bassani

Creative Designers who work closely with their clients to produce beautiful home designs that are timeless yet relevant.

“I have had the pleasure of building several custom houses, including my own, drawn by Willson Design. They have a team of creative designers who work closely with their clients to produce beautiful home designs that are timeless yet relevant. Their plans are also very detailed which makes it easy for me and my trades to provide a more accurate estimate, and ensures fewer mistakes are made during construction. I would be happy to recommend Willson Design to someone who is looking to design their next home.”

Lanson Foster, Lanstone Homes Ltd.

Listened to our needs and wishes, and put our minds at rest when we weren't sure about our choices.

“The foundation of creating a new home definitely starts with the right design and the right designer. If you are looking to renovate or build a new house we highly recommend Willson Design! Their attention to our projects (now on our 2nd one), the communication along the way, and the timely manner that everything is handled in getting the drawings completed is impressive and so appreciated. From the first meeting, the process was enjoyable. They listened to our needs and wishes, and put our minds at rest when we weren't sure about our choices. With their knowledge and experience, they captured our vision and created a space that is functional and yet so beautiful. We are so excited to see this next house come to completion! Thank you to everyone at Willson Design!”

Kim Pereira

IN CASE YOU’RE CURIOUS Design Process FAQs

Still have questions that we haven't answered yet? Send us a message and we'd be happy to help!

A modern bedroom crafted by talented home designers features a large bed, light wood furniture, elegant pendant lights, and a window that opens to stunning outdoor views.
Bright kitchen with white cabinets, marble countertops, and a gas stovetop, reflecting the expertise of home designers. An island centers the space where tableware and a cookbook rest. Two pendant lights hang above, while a window provides a view of the neighboring house.

Like Our Design Process and Approach? Tips to get the ball rolling on your new project

If our Design Process resonates with you, here are some ways you can start preparing now to make the process with us as smooth, fun and successful as possible!

  • Move your wishlist from mind to paper. This is particularly important if you are designing your dream home with a partner - make sure that you are on the same page! If it's a multi-generational home this becomes even more critical as there are more needs to consider. Our Portfolio is another helpful place to start!
  • Gather inspiration and be prepared to share some ideas with us that you love. Try Pinterest, Houzz, Instagram, and drive through neighboring communities. It's equally helpful for us to know what you definitly do not like - everyone is entitled to their own likes and dislikes.
  • Set realistic expectations for your construction budget. Your builder can help in the early stages (before you have blueprints) set you on the right track in terms of finances. They have a deep understanding of current constructions costs and we'll work together with them to make sure that your wish lists matches your budget.
  • Decide when you want to begin construction. Once it's decided, work backwards on the calendar to account for building permit wait times. Inquire with your local Building Department to get a realistic estimate and connect with us now so that you don't lose time or feel rushed through the design process.

Committed to quality plans, style that 'wows', and a design experience that's smooth and enjoyable.

BOOK A DESIGN CONSULT
(NO PRESSURE, NO EGOS, JUST GOOD IDEAS)

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