"OK, I think I'm ready to build...
Where do I start?"

I always tell homeowners the first thing to do is to find meaning in your project. Before you consider the who, the what, the when, you must determine the WHY. What design to go with, which color scheme to pick, who to hire, how much to invest into your property, what time works best with your schedule...decision fatigue is real, stressful, and taxing. It's imperative to reiterate your why throughout your decision-making, design, and construction process.

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What are the dislikes, areas of concern, or updates necessary?

Outdated, dark, or cramped spaces? Diminishing curb appeal? A boring backyard? A primary bathroom that's smaller than your teenager's?

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What are the values or benefits of the change?

More room to host holidays & events for your growing family? A luxury kitchen to match your new promotion? Reinvent that newly-purchased, discounted property into your dream home?

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What is the goal of your project?

To spend more time with your parents or grandchildren as time goes on? To treat yourself after years of saving? To cross off that renovation on your bucket list? To make everyday life that much easier?​

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What is your vision?

An addition that feels like it's always been there? A modern, luxurious kitchen straight out of Architectural Digest? A golf simulator & mancave to spend your winter nights? A front porch to sip coffee & watch the sunrise?

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What is your why?

"Builder, designer, architect...
Who should I hire first?"

Typically, most homeowners hire a builder/general contractor from the get-go. This is standard practice, perhaps they have worked on the property before, or a neighbor's, or a family or friend member's. Referrals are always the best! This is a great option because you know the quality, price, and character of the person who will actually be managing and physically building your project. ​

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If you are unsure, hesitant, or undecided about what direction to take, it can be beneficial to work with someone to help you get to a place where you're confident. Actually, a lot of builders themselves prefer this way! Contractors have to determine feasibility, logistics, and pricing. It can be difficult for them to give you accurate or competitive pricing if they aren't sure exactly what to price.

HDD acts as a middle-ground of the "big three." An experienced advisor who can think like a contractor, be creative like a designer, and solve complex issues like an architect. That's why our goal is to set clear expectations, help homeowners make confident decisions, and support builders throughout the construction process.

"Do I need a licensed architect? Are you one?"

In the state of Massachusetts, architectural stamps are typically not required for most residential construction projects; provided they a single or two-family house and contains less than 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space (MGL c. 112, s. 60L). I have drawn & submitted dozens of plans for permitting, from in-place renovations, large additions, in-law & ADU's, and up to whole-home remodels.

Some towns may require an architectural and/or engineering stamp, especially when considerable structural change is proposed. I cannot provide a stamp myself, though I have a great referral network of architects & engineers if required.

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*MGL c. 112, s. 60L

Nothing in sections sixty A to sixty M, inclusive, shall be construed to prevent:
1. The preparation of plans and specifications for and the supervision of the
construction, enlargement or alteration of
(a) Any building containing less than thirty-five thousand cubic feet of
enclosed space;
(b) Any single or two-family house or any accessory building thereto;
2. The preparation of plans and specifications for and the supervision of the
alteration of any building not involving substantial and major structural
change

"Are you an interior designer?"

While interior designers typically focus on the finishes, flow, and look of the interior of the home, architectural designers focus on designing based on use, functionality, efficiency, and compliance. It can be beneficial to work with both, depending on your project. I do have several fantastic interior designers to refer as well.

For example:

An interior designer may help you select window treatments, rugs, pillows, and furnishing.

An architectural designer may help you select windows, doors, cabinetry, tile, and stone.