WE CAN HELP

Building a custom home means that everything in it, from the space configuration and size of rooms to the doorknobs, lights and landscaping, will be designed just for you. That also means a nearly infinite number of choices and lots of decisions.

Does that excite you or cause you anxiety? That depends on your personality, but either way, BGD&C is here to help. We spoke with Taryn Lund, senior project manager at BGD&C, for some insight into the process.

“We’ve developed a program that allows us to get answers from the client,” Lund says. “We start with a meeting where we discuss their wants and needs—as simple as how many bedrooms, how big, what sorts of adjacencies—that sort of thing. The client signs on to do a preliminary feasibility study before they sign on for the design/build. That allows us to create a plan for the lot, looking at zoning and other parameters. Then we present the client with options based on the information they give us.”

How to prepare for that initial meeting? What if you really aren’t sure about what you want? Lund says they encourage people to use websites such as Houzz, Pinterest and Chair and tear pages out of design magazines such as Traditional Home, Architectural Digest, Sophisticated Living and The World of Interiors.

50 different types of tile and stone, a true coordination of a multitude of
details and strict quality control.

Show up at the meeting with examples both of what you like—and what you don’t like. “If you absolutely hate modern, contemporary design, that’s helpful information for us,” Lund says.

The other thing Lund always asks in the initial meeting is for a description of the clients’ current home and what isn’t working for them. “We can fix those things and design out those flaws to make their life easier,” Lund says.

As for all the decisions involving furnishings, accessories and fixtures, BGD&C requires clients to sign on with a qualified interior designer (and yes, they have recommendations). “That person can help whittle down those choices and help them choose a design direction,” Lund says. “What’s more, they are able to source products and present clients with a narrowed-down group of choices.” Having an interior designer on board early in the process also means the design and architecture and construction will be integrated.

One of the first things BGD&C requests from the designer is a furniture plan. “That can help shape the architectural plan,” Lund says, and ensures that, down the road, a couch doesn’t end up too big for a room.

Think of the process a little bit like going to a new hair stylist. You might bring photos of some hair cuts you like, and your stylist might say, “That’s great, but that style won’t work with your hair texture.” She then will suggest alternatives based on the photos you’ve shown her. Similarly, the pros at BGD&C will look at your inspiration photos, listen to your wants and needs, and translate those into a doable project.

“Whatever you see that gives you inspiration, that gives us direction for laying out a floor plan and more,” Lund says. And don’t worry if you don’t have a concrete plan or are leaning in a few directions. Through long experience, “We’ve gotten pretty good at figuring out what people want,” Lund says.