"What I do is help you get a great start on the front end of your project.
My superpower is quickly coming up with creative solutions to difficult problems. I'm very good at visualizing clear, strong, dynamic concepts that respond to your unique needs and desires. I infuse beauty and musicality into your design project.
I can work with you in four ways:
1) Design Consultation - 90 minute session to discuss any aspect of your project;
2) Conceptualization Services - Concept design for your project;
3) Visualization Services - Beautiful architectural illustrations of your project;
4) Advisory Services - Continuous access to my experience and expertise.
I typically engage with clients before other design and construction professionals get involved. Why? Because good early decisions have the greatest impact on the quality and livability of your design, and if project cost is important to you, responsive design decisions early on minimize costly changes on the back end of your project.
I can hang with you throughout the project as your advisor, coach, and owner advocate to insure the building that is constructed matches up with your vision. I also do design troubleshooting for those who want some new eyes and some creative problem-solving juice in order to get directional on their project.
Let’s get this out of the way: here’s a list of services I DO NOT offer:
I do not produce construction drawings;
I do not produce permit drawings;
I do not stamp plans;
I do no provide project management services;
I do not offer construction services;
I do not provide construction administration services;
I do not offer professional engineering services.
My wheelhouse is conceptual design and now, after 40 years in the profession, concept design is where I spend my time and energy. Having said that, I can help you put together the team best suited for you and your project.
Now, here's a bit more explanation of how I can work with you to co-create a building design that is meaningful, musical, and resonant:
The DESIGN CONSULTATION is a targeted session that addresses whatever particular challenges you are having with your design project. Whether you are looking for a solution to a specific problem (I need help laying out the floor plan) or a global challenge (where do I begin!?), the consultation is designed to quickly and creatively move you in a positive direction. For the consultation, come as you are. I listen and ask questions in order to better understand your needs and desires, and I lay out solutions and strategies that work for your unique situation. Hand sketching is the method I use to communicate design solutions in this format. You will receive digital copies of the sketches generated during the consultation after the session ends. You will also receive a video copy of the session. The outcome? You'll have greater understanding of your specific challenges and a roadmap of where to go from here. The price for this service is a fixed fee quoted for your unique project.
My CONCEPTUALIZATION SERVICE is a deep dive into co-creation. I guide you though the process of understanding how your needs and desires translate musically into architecture, and I offer design solutions that creatively capture the essence of what you're trying to achieve. The site is important when laying out the design. While laying out the design, we'll locate the building on the site to take advantage of natural amenities and views. In this phase, I work in analog form; the drawings I produce are hand drawings and sketches. The outcome? You will have a layout of your project that includes conceptual floor plans and elevations to scale and design sketches important in expressing the concept. This phase is complete when we both feel good about the design. The price for this service is a fixed fee quoted for your unique project.
VISUALIZATION SERVICES sharpen the focus. Now that we've created the conceptual layout and the aesthetic vibe, you may want to take it to the next level: Beautiful architectural renderings. The price for this service is a fixed fee quoted for your unique project.
My ADVISORY SERVICE gives you continuous access to my experience and expertise. You subscribe monthly for a fee that matches up with your desired level of access ranging from a weekly check-in meeting to answer any questions you may have to a comprehensive ask-me-anything-anytime service.
Hit the Jam Session with James button to apply for a free 15 minute chat to see if we match up. And if you're ready to go, hit the Fast Track to Booking button and book a design consultation to get started."
- James Polk
