Custom Tudor Revival Home Design in Dallas Texas By Annilee Waterman

Custom Tudor Revival Home Design in Dallas Texas By Annilee Waterman

Working with Me: Design Services Overview

Hello! I’m excited to collaborate with you on your design journey. My goal is to provide beautifully crafted custom home designs while maintaining open communication and clear expectations throughout the process. Here’s what you can expect when working with me.

Design Development & Drafting Services

I specialize in home designs with a focus on unique and imaginative styles, drawing on my training and years of experience.  My design services include:

  • Floor Plans: Detailed layouts to maximize space and functionality.
  • Exterior Elevations: Artistic and technical drawings to showcase your home’s curb appeal.
  • Interior Elevations: Provided as needed for cabinetry, fireplaces, or other feature walls.
  • Site Plans: Illustrating the building footprint and its placement on the property.
  • 3D Views and Renderings: Realistic visualizations to help you envision the final design.
  • Material Selections: Guidance on choosing exterior and interior finishes to bring your vision to life.

Services Not Included

I am a Registered Interior Designer and Certified Professional Building Designer. I do not present myself as an Architect or Engineer. The following services are not included:

  • Engineered Drawings: Structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing engineering.
  • Permit Applications: Clients are responsible for obtaining necessary permits and inspections.
  • Certified Site Surveys or Geological Reports
  • Energy Compliance Documentation (e.g., ResCheck)
  • Working Files or 3D Models: Final deliverables are provided as PDFs or images only.
  • Reviews of Other Professional or Trade Work

How Pricing Works

My design fees are based on the estimated design hours needed to bring your vision to life. Every project is unique, so pricing may vary depending on the complexity and level of detail required.

  • Hourly Rate: $150 per hour
  • Initial Payment: A deposit of typically 50% is required to begin the design process. Deposits are non-refundable.
  • Further billing is done monthly, or at the project end, whichever comes first.

Getting Started

I aim to make the design process as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Initial Meeting: We’ll review your requirements, goals, and vision. 
  2. Client provided information:  You’ll send me all inspo images, surveys, site photos, sketches, mood boards, documentation, etc.  I need all your information and requirements up front.
  3. Review and Accept the Proposal: Once we’ve discussed your project, I’ll provide a detailed proposal outlining the design scope and estimated hours.
  4. Sign the Letter of Agreement: This formalizes our working relationship, ensuring we’re on the same page about the design process, pricing, and expectations.
  5. Make the Initial Payment: This secures your spot on my schedule and allows us to begin the design process.
  6. Design Begins: We dive into the creative journey, bringing your vision to life!

For an overview of the Design Process CLICK HERE.

What to Expect

  • Design Revisions: I offer  revisions during the design process to ensure the design meets your vision. Minor adjustments can be typically quick, while structural changes or major design alterations will require additional time.
  • Turnaround Time: Project timelines depend on design complexity and my current workload. Custom designs require thoughtful development and are not rapid turnaround projects.
  • Communication: I prioritize clear, written communication. All project updates are conducted via email, and online document sharing. Virtual meetings are available through Google Meet upon request.  All phone calls and meeting must be scheduled.
  • Accepted Communication – Beyond the initial contact, I do not accept text messages, DM’s, WhatsApp, Facebook Messanger, etc. All project information must be exchanged in written format, through email.  Calls and meetings scheduled in advance upon request.
  • Working Hours: I maintain professional boundaries and do not work nights or weekends. I appreciate your understanding and respect for this policy.
  • File Delivery: Final drawings and renderings are delivered digitally via Google Drive.

How Design Hours Translate to Real Time

Design hours reflect the actual time spent developing your custom design, but it’s important to understand how this translates to real-world timelines. This approach ensures thoughtful development and attention to detail, allowing time for creative exploration and high-quality design solutions.

If you have specific deadlines or timeline requirements, please let me know as early as possible so we can plan accordingly.

What to Expect:

  • Design hours are not consecutive calendar hours. For example, 32 design hours does not necessarily mean your project will be completed in 4 business days.  This time will possibly be spread over several weeks.
  • Design work involves research, drafting, modeling, and revisions, which are often spread over multiple days or weeks to ensure high-quality results, responses from collaborators or officials, holidays, etc.
  • Project timelines depend on:
    • Complexity and detail of the design.
    • Number of revisions requested.
    • My current project workload and prior commitments.
  • Estimated Turnaround Times:
    • Most custom designs require 2-4 weeks for initial concepts.
    • Revisions can take 3-5 business days or longer depending on complexity.
    • Full design development and detailed drawings can take 4-8 weeks or longer for larger projects.

What is Design Time?

Design Time refers to the hours spent on all aspects of your design. It includes the creative development and technical work necessary to bring your vision to life. Understanding what design time covers helps set clear expectations and ensures transparency in the design process.

What’s Included in Design Time?

Design time is calculated based on the actual hours worked on your project and includes:

    • Creative Development: Concept sketches, space planning, and exploring design ideas.
    • Drafting and Modeling: Creating floor plans, elevations, 3D models, and renderings.
    • Material Selections: Researching and selecting finishes, fixtures, and other design elements.
    • Revisions and Adjustments: Making changes based on your feedback.
    • Communication and Coordination: Email correspondence, meetings, and document sharing.
    • Technical Detailing: Ensuring all design elements are accurate and cohesive.
    • Coordinating and Corresponding with any and all project collaborators including contractors, city officials, consultants, engineers, vendors, etc.
    • Travel & Site Visits

Revisions vs. Redesigns: What’s the Difference?

During the design process, changes are a natural part of refining your vision. However, it’s important to understand the difference between Revisions and Redesigns so we can keep the project on track and within budget.

What Are Revisions?

Revisions are adjustments or refinements made to the existing design that enhance or clarify details without changing the overall structure or concept. These changes help fine-tune the design while staying true to the original vision.

Examples of Revisions:

  • Adjusting room dimensions or layout within the existing floor plan.
  • Changing window or door placements.
  • Updating material selections, finishes, or color schemes.
  • Making minor tweaks to exterior elements like roof pitch or facade details.
  • Modifying cabinetry layouts or interior features without moving structural walls.

Revision Policy:

I include a limited amount of design time for revisions in the initial design fee. This ensures that we can fine-tune the design while maintaining an efficient workflow. Additional revisions beyond the included scope will be billed at my hourly rate of $150 per hour.

What is a Redesign?

Redesigns involve significant changes that alter the overall concept, structure, or layout of the design. These changes typically require a new design direction and involve a more comprehensive approach.

Examples of Redesigns:

  • Completely changing the floor plan layout or room arrangements.
  • Moving the house to a different location on the site or changing the site orientation.
  • Modifying the number of stories or the overall building footprint.
  • Switching architectural styles (e.g., from modern to storybook cottage).
  • Major roof redesigns, such as changing from a gable to a flat or multi-level roof.
  • Structural changes affecting load-bearing walls, foundation, or overall integrity.
  • Adding entirely new functional areas (e.g., a guest suite, basement, or detached garage).

Redesign Policy:

Redesigns require a new approach and will be billed at my standard hourly rate of $150 per hour. If this is required you will be notified before continuing.

How to Communicate Changes

  • Provide a list of what you DO LIKE:  I need to know what is working for you and what you like about the design provided so that I have something to build the changes on.
  • Provide Detailed Feedback: Be as specific and clear as possible about what you want to adjust or change.
  • Communicate in Writing: Clear written feedback including lists, photos, sketches, or marked up plans helps prevent misunderstandings and helps me move forward as quickly as possible.
  • Consider the Overall Vision: Before requesting changes, consider how they fit within the overall design goals.

Communication Guidelines

I prioritize clear, written communication to keep the project organized and efficient.

  • Accepted Communication Methods: Email and scheduled Google Meet calls.
  • Not Accepted: Text messages, DMs, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc.
  • Scheduling: All calls and meetings must be scheduled in advance.

Working Hours

I maintain professional boundaries and do not work nights or weekends. I appreciate your understanding and respect for this policy.

File Delivery

Final drawings and renderings are delivered digitally via Google Drive.

General Notes

1. Verification and Responsibility

  • On-Site Verification: All dimensions must be verified on-site by the builder or contractor.
  • Design Intent Only: These drawings represent architectural design concepts and intent only. They do not include structural details.
  • Structural Engineering: Structural components, including foundations, framing, and roof systems, must be designed and stamped by a licensed structural engineer local to your build area.
  • Builder’s Responsibility: It is the builder’s responsibility to ensure a structurally sound and weatherproof finished product.
  • Reporting Discrepancies: If discrepancies are found between field conditions and drawings, notify me immediately before proceeding.

2. Compliance with Regulations

  • All work must comply with local building codes, including the Most Recent International Residential and/or Building Code or the latest code adopted by your local jurisdiction.
  • It is the builder’s responsibility to obtain necessary permits and schedule required inspections.
  • All safety measures, material selections, and installation methods must comply with local building codes and are the responsibility of the contractor.

3. Dimensions and Measurements

  • Dimensioning Standards: Dimensions are typically to the face of exterior framing and to one side of interior framing, unless noted otherwise.
  • Written vs. Scaled Dimensions: Written dimensions and specifications take precedence over scaled dimensions.

4. Structural Requirements

  • No Structural Information Provided: These drawings are architectural and do not include structural calculations or specifications.
  • Third-Party Engineering: It is recommended that you hire a licensed structural engineer for all necessary calculations and stamped drawings.

5. Professional Disclaimer

  • Design Services Only: I provide architectural design concepts and drafting services.
  • No Engineering Services: I am not an architect, engineer, or licensed contractor and do not provide structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing engineering services.
  • Single-Use License: The plans are licensed for single-use only at the specified property address. Reproduction or resale is strictly prohibited.

6. Copyright and Intellectual Property

  • Protected Design Work: The designs are copyrighted and protected under the Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act of 1990.
  • Unauthorized Use: Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of these designs can result in legal action, including cessation of construction or monetary compensation.