Maximize the space you have...then
create the space you need!
DO YOU LOVE YOUR HOME BUT NEED MORE SPACE, BETTER LAYOUT, OR AN INCOME-OPTION FOR IT TO FIT THE NEXT CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE?
Are thinking about a remodel, addition or adding an ADU?
I’m Val, and I am here to help! I can help you CAPITALIZE on your investment (your home & lot!) by MAXIMIZING the space you have, HIGHLIGHTING the aspects you love, IMPROVING the ones you don't and ADDING the space you need.
BUT WHERE DO YOU START? AND WHO DO YOU CONTACT TO GET THE BALL ROLLING?
A Contractor? Wouldn't hurt. But not until you have completed a consultation and have some preliminary research to know what is feasible for your house or lot. There are a lot of Land Use rules that should be addressed early. Then you will want schematic drawings so they know what you want and they know you are serious about your project, otherwise they may not even return your call.
The City? That's a good start too. Tell them about your project and get any information you can about what they will require. Keep in mind they can only answer the questions you know to ask.
The Bank? Sure, it's always good to know what your budget will be so you know how to move forward.
But who should you HIRE first? Well… me!
WHY HIRE A RESIDENTIAL DESIGNER TO DO ALL THIS STUFF?
If your project involves a smaller single family home, an ADU or DADU, you will want someone with specific knowledge about smaller spaces and is up to date on the ever changing rules surrounding ADUs.
Not all Residential Designers or Architects are equipped (or interested in) helping with all things inside *and out* of your home, but this is my specialty! We start with a consultation to determine what rules will apply to your project and to determine a scope of work for your project to become reality .
Whether you need an internal ADU in a basement or through an addition (or an almost ADU), a DADU (backyard cottage) or you're looking to remodel a kitchen or bathroom, together we can REINVENT your space. And then create outdoors rooms in between!
I will uncover your specific goals for your home and property and together we will come up with a plan for how it can be achieved. I will then prepare architectural drawings for contractor bids, permitting and construction drawings. I love this stuff, and I’m here to help you love your home more!
Not quite ready for a big remodel? Get my free Quick Start Guide on how to change spaces in your home by starting small.
Hi, I'm Val.
You are the expert on your home and what you like and I’m the expert on design. Together, we are the perfect team!
Here's how I can help;
By listening, asking questions, and determining your overall goals for your home and the future you envision. Then, I will take into account all your spaces, interior and exterior, and how they are connected. Space planning happens on an overall scale.
I am a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) with past work experience in healthcare, perfect for designing your 'forever space', and I can help you design, budget, document and execute your kitchen, bath, and basement remodel that works for the whole family!
I am also an ADU Specialist so if you decide a parent-in-law basement unit or a backyard cottage is for you, 1 AD Studio can help you achieve this goal. These create diverse living opportunities for family and friends and expand your living options as a homeowner.
She encouraged us to make sure we are maximizing the remodel effort.
“Val has been terrific to work with on our kitchen remodel. She is very good at being able to visualize and explain multiple options for a given space in real-time to help you figure out what you really want. She is very technically adept with her CAD drawings which really speeds up the time it takes to go from idea to a plan. She takes great care in getting exact measurements of your existing space at the outset of working with her to help ensure any ideas that get committed to paper or CAD are drawn to scale and reflect reality. On top of her design skills she is prompt with communications, completes her work when she says she will and is a pleasure to work with.”
