Designing your dream home is one of the most exciting journeys you can embark on. With over three decades of design excellence, we bring a rare combination of artistry, technical precision, and innovation to every project. Partnering with Arch11 means embarking on a journey guided by our commitment to designing spaces that are as distinctive as they are enduring—spaces that reflect your unique lifestyle, aspirations, and values.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps in designing your dream home and what to expect along the way, from finding the right architect to seeing your vision come to life.
We transform visionary ideas into extraordinary spaces. Our approach is grounded in discovery, collaboration, and meticulous attention to detail.
Choosing an architecture firm is arguably the most important decision in your home design journey. Architectural firms bring a wealth of experience, creative problem-solving, and technical expertise to your project. But not all firms are alike.
In every project, we embrace a transformative design journey that embodies our shared values, culminating in architecture that is artful, resilient, and deeply meaningful. This is our pledge to design excellence.
1. A strong design POV
2. A process that invites collaboration
3. Thoughtful responses to site, client, and program
4. High-performance design that advances sustainability and fosters resilience.
5. Relationships with builders and consultants
6. Reputation, References, & Client testimonials
At Arch11, our clients often tell us they were drawn to our balance of high-design and function. With decades of experience in residential architecture, we understand how to push the creative envelope while delivering pragmatic solutions.
If you haven't already purchased land, your architectural team can assist with feasibility studies and site evaluation evaluation. This step ensures your future home is feasible and ideally situated.
Architectural firms assess things like:
1. Municipal code/zoning research & report
2. Bulk plane/massing potentials including: setbacks, FAR, lot coverage, bulk plane, solar access easements, and expansion or development potential.
3. Includes a 3D visualization of potential.
Architecture begins with the land. From Denver to the Front Range of Colorado to the mountains of North Carolina, from coastal California to the streets of New York City, every site presents unique opportunities. Each project illustrates the profound synergy between architecture, people, and surroundings. This relationship is not merely aesthetic, but profoundly meaningful.
The journey begins with a collaborative exploration of your project’s goals, vision, and context. During the initial phases, the focus on discovery - listening, observing, and asking insightful questions. Through research and analysis, the team establishes the framework for design.
Once the foundation is established, the project moves into design development. In this phase, architects use iterative processes, integrating feedback and exploring materials, details, systems, and construction methods.
Following design development, detailed construction documents are executed to serve as the blueprint, guiding the construction process.
As construction begins, the design team works closely with consultants and contractors to ensure the design intent is upheld and the outcome reflects the project’s vision.
The following details each phase of the process, offering a brief overview of the focus areas that guide the project’s development from start to finish.
Our journey begins with an assessment of your project. We conduct site analysis and review zoning, code requirements, and entitlements. At this stage of the process, we discuss the purpose, program, preferences, expectations, and budget.
Our design process starts with discovery and dialogue, exploring ideas, goals, and qualities that make your project unique. This pre-design phase is about asking questions and active listening, which sets the groundwork for aligning on the design approach.
At this point in the process, we articulate the ‘big design idea’ that captures the essence of your project. This phase is about exploring concepts and proposing architecture and site relationships. We also engage a trusted construction partner during this phase.
Finding the right builder is critical. While some clients bring a trusted contractor to the table early, others rely on their architecture firm to recommend qualified builders.
Consider these factors when selecting a builder:
During schematic design, collaboration with other professionals including structural engineers, civil engineers, landscape architects, and other consultants may begin.
Once the overall concept is agreed upon, it's time to dive deeper into the details. As the design process evolves, we thoughtfully select materials, techniques, and details that reflect quality and integrity, recognizing that the smallest details elevate a project to excellence.
In the design development phase, your architectural team refines:
During this phase, detailed drawings and specifications are produced with precise detail and technical information for constructing the project.
Top-tier architectural firms are meticulous in this phase. The accuracy and clarity of construction documents can often prevent costly misunderstandings or delays during the build.
This phase involves observing all aspects of construction, addressing inquiries, clarifying intentions, and assessing modifications to adapt to construction realities.
Expect regular site visits, meetings, and updates. Your architect will:
Having a design professional involved during construction protects your investment and ensures that even small details meet the highest standards.
As the project nears completion, your architect and builder will conduct a final walkthrough to identify any remaining touch-ups or corrections. Once the home is fully completed and inspected, it’s time to move in.
This is also a great time to document your home with professional photography and keep records of product warranties, material care guides, and maintenance schedules.
Designing your dream home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape your environment in a way that is deeply personal and profoundly functional. With the right guidance, the process can be inspiring, empowering, and even enjoyable.
At Arch11, we’ve spent decades helping clients bring bold ideas to life - from modern mountain retreats to elegant urban residences. If you're ready to take the first step, we invite you to explore what sets our team apart.
Reach out to Arch11 today to discover why we’re recognized as one of the most trusted architectural firms in Denver.