Traditionally, the approach to custom home design and construction begins with the decision for the home buyer to build or buy a new home. Once the decision is made to build, the home buyer generally proceeds along one of two paths-- either first selecting a builder or an architect. In either scenario, a set of drawings for a structure is obtained based on the client's ideas, style and basic budget. How the project proceeds from the drawing to completion will determine how well the final project turns out. In either situation, the project may be brought to a successful completion assuming a few key components occur. If the client selects the architect directly design fees are paid and a set of drawings produced. The client will then, in most cases, get bids from several builders, usually selecting the lowest bidder. In order to develop these bids, each builder uses a series of allowances or budgets based on their method of doing business in order to come to a price. These allowances cover all parts of the project, from the curb to the master bath, and everything in between. Depending on the builder, these allowances may be close to the actual cost of what the client is looking for or they may be prices for "basics" not up to the client's expectations. In most cases, however, the client is not receiving the bids that will actually be comparable. Many clients, selecting the low bid, will be able to build a home, but will be responsible for large out-of-pocket expenses for upgrades to bring the level of the finished product to their expectations.

Ideally, however, the approach to custom residential design is very similar to commercial construction. A complete design and specifications are developed and bids are obtained before the project is started. This approach is only accomplished when a qualified design and development team is hired by the client to begin the process. With the exception of very large projects, a finished price is established before ground is broken and the project is delivered for that price. If perspective home buyers were to take the same approach, the finished product would be at the determined budget with very few or no surprises, or decisions having to be made during construction. In order for this to occur, the home buyer needs to be willing to pay some design fees up front and be willing to spend some extra time in the home building process. This process needs to start with a call to the local Home Builders Association and inquire about names of local builders who build in the area and the price range they are seeking. Once the builder is selected, the core of the team is established. The team then needs to be expanded by adding various design professionals. The builder will generally have a few select design professionals they work with on most projects that they can recommend. The client should then sit down with each design professional on the team, including the architect, the Landscape Architect and the interior designer. Each will charge for their services in various ways, but each needs to be involved on the design project from the very beginning. The team will work toward a complete design that is fully understood and detailed, complete with a full list of specifications from site work and structural elements to the smallest details of colors and fixtures. This process may take several months, and several thousands of dollars to complete, but once construction begins, there is no confusion as to what the finished product will be and what the client expects. The builder can then get bids from various sub-contractors and an accurate construction price can be set.

For example, the Maineville, Ohio-based design/build firm Thornton Gardens, Inc. was charged with both the design and construction of the Rediker Residence-- from the walls of the house to the property lines. The needs of the client included location and design of the rear entertainment and living areas which include a pool with fiber-optic lighting, patterned concrete pool deck and patios, and an upper level pool surround deck using recycled trex lumber. The client was looking for a very dramatic setting for the home and dramatic outdoor entertainment spaces.

The final plan for this Bellbrook home is very curvilinear, with the walls and pool curves complementing each other. An aluminum fence was selected to appear light in weight to not block the views of the natural ravine at the rear of the property. A walkway sweeps across the front of the home, providing a dramatic entrance. Thornton Gardens was responsible for the complete implementation of the exterior project from design to completion. The site offered interesting challenges for the design/build team, due to its small size and limitations from completed homes on both sides.

For the clients, the design/build approach helped to streamline the process of their new home construction. All of the construction, landscape design and installation, lighting, irrigation and fencing had to be completed under a short deadline in time for their move-in. In addition to time constraints, all of the concrete and pool construction had to be coordinated and built working out of the site; by having all members of the team there together, the process moved more quickly and efficiently.

Each member of the team brings unique perspectives and talents to the design/build process. By having an entire complement of design professionals and a builder as a team, the design process can begin. The owner needs to work along side of the builder in all phases, starting with the selection of the home style they are looking to build. Once this is determined, the Landscape Architect can begin locating sites on which the home can be built. As the process continues, the plan will incorporate the design of all parts of the project to produce a comprehensive design that will fit the client's needs and lifestyle. For example, if a client likes to entertain, the design of the home and landscape will incorporate many elements from an inviting curb appeal that shows visitors to the front door, to open living spaces and connected entertaining and cooking areas in the home with direct connections to outdoor spaces. Currently, pieces of this process are done-- but usually at various stages of construction. For example, the Landscape Architect is brought on after the house is designed, sited and under construction and is then expected to make the outside of the property work with the house. Or worse, the Landscape Architect is expected to add a few token shrubs and trees to the property. A more cohesive design may be achieved by having the designer and builders present throughout the process.

Other landscape firms across the nation have embraced the design/build approach to projects, and have re-structured their companies to offer services from conception to completion of the design. "Speaking from a design/build perspective, there seems to be a greater appreciation from the client when he or she has to deal with only one company," explains Judson Griggs, RLA, Principal of Sussex, Wisconsin-based Lied's Landscape Design and Development. "The design/build market has the greatest potential for Landscape Architects, yet comes with a great challenge, too. Our company's real challenge was in finding qualified labor; we rose to the challenge!"

It is ultimately up to the client to proceed down the path of multidisciplinary home building process. However, it is the responsibility of the Landscape Architects to work hand-in-hand with contractors and home builders to educate the public. Each profession should be able to competently set up a team -- whether in-house or consultants-- from day one of the process that will provide home buyers with higher quality standards of living in the homes that are being constructed. Currently, the Home Builders Associations are developing groups that allow the networking of design professionals with each other and with the builder members of the associations. If all the groups are working toward the common goal of a multidisciplinary team approach to home building, the public will learn and demand this type of project. How many designers or builders have tried to work with inadequate plans to come up with budgets and make major on-site decisions about the project that will affect the outcome of the project? It would be so much easier if a client had a complete set of designed and specified drawings allowing them to proceed to construction that would result in the home of their dreams! lasn