Our Design Process
At CDG, we believe that knowing who we are designing for is essential to understanding how and what to design. A clear understanding of our clients and their needs builds the foundation for a collaborative and successful project.
Designing for you
We take your project personally because what could be more personal than where you call home?Who we design for is at the core of our design process, and what we design is a reflection of your story. We are not a style-specific firm; we believe that the best designs are a product of who we are designing for.
Design
Our work flow is fluid and varies depending on the client and the project. In general we utilize diagrams, hand sketches, and story boards in the initial stages of design and graduate to physical samples, interactive 3D models and renderings as the project progresses. We are available for in person meetings or online vide conferencing. There is a lot to organize and track, so we prefer to share ideas using BaseCamp as our client portal where all sketches and design communication is organized in one place for easy retrieval.
Getting to know each other
Listening, learning, and taking the time to get to know our clients are at the heart of our design process. The things that inspire you inform us, spark our imagination, and reveal the elements of design that make your project unique.
Building a team
Unfortunately, there are no truly blank pages; however, knowing what the opportunities and obstacles are early on keeps us on the right track. We kickstart your project by identifying and assembling a core team of contractors and consultants who are essential to completing your project successfully. By leveraging the collective expertise and knowledge of our team, we ensure all bases are covered.In this together
In the initial stages of the process, the most important thing we build is your trust and an open line of communication. Collaboration is the key ingredient to a successful project. Communication powers creativity. Through a series of work sessions and exercises we focus on getting to know you, your story, and your goals.
50,000 feet
Each project benefits from our extensive experience in residential design as well as our eagerness to learn and create new things. Years of practice have taught us the right questions to ask and when to ask them. We develop a strategic road map for each client that aligns the project's scope, budget and timeline with our collective goals. We systematically review the project's progress, ensuring the forward momentum of your dream home. For a more in depth description of our design process, please visit our Phased Approach