What To Expect From Your Initial Consultation With Cedar + Steel
Building your dream home can be a daunting task, but working with professionals you trust makes the construction process much easier. At Cedar + Steel, we know firsthand the importance of getting to know our clients before we start designing. Our initial consultation process is the key step in building a successful collaboration that results in a stunning custom home. During this meeting, we’ll get a sense of what it would be like to work together, whether we’re the right fit for your project, and how we can best bring your vision to life.
The Initial Consultation
At this initial meeting, clients can expect to meet with the owner and principal architectural designer of Cedar + Steel, Milan Muhlestein, to discuss their vision, goals, and expectations. Milan has a team mentality that ensures our clients feel heard and understood throughout the design and construction process. During the initial consultation, Milan asks in-depth questions to get familiar with the client's wants and needs. Taking the time to listen carefully to their ideas and suggestions helps guarantee the design process is a seamless and personalized experience.
Gathering Inspiration
Once Milan and the client have established that they are a good fit, the process of gathering inspiration begins. Milan and the client work together to create an inspiration board, visit project sites, and explore online platforms such as Pinterest and Houzz to gather design ideas. Milan’s approach encourages clients to be uber-specific about what they like in each image; as he says, “A picture is worth a thousand words, you have to tell which ones they are.” Choosing details like lighting, layout, finishes, and color palettes with precision and intentionality will ensure that the design meets (or exceeds) client expectations.
Dream Home Visuals
After learning about the specific needs of this project and gathering inspiration, Milan creates rough sketches and 3D renderings to help the client visualize the overall layout of their dream home. It's important for clients to see a clear vision of their dream home to ensure everyone is on the same page before construction starts. However, while these visuals provide a general idea of what the house will look like structurally, Milan encourages clients to remain open-minded. The unpredictable element of construction projects means that plans can change slightly during the process.
At Cedar + Steel, we take pride in designing custom homes that reflect the personality and style of our clients. Our initial consultation process sets the foundation for a collaborative and successful partnership. We encourage you to take the first step in building your dream home by setting up a consultation with Cedar + Steel. Contact us today to get started!