Designing a home is a journey, not a single event. While your carefully chosen architect leads the way, understanding all the phases of the process—and knowing where your input matters most—will make the experience smoother, more enjoyable, and ensure the final result truly fits your life. From developing your initial wish list to moving in, your engagement shapes the outcome and the comfort of your home. 

So what exactly does this journey look like for you as a homeowner? There’s no reason to be intimidated. In this last installment of apt+candid, I’ll walk you through each stage of the typical process from early brainstorming to handing you the keys. 

1. Pre-Design / Programming: Defining Your Needs 

   
   

   Before I draw a single line for a client, I need to figure out what you actually need versus what you think you want. This phase is all about turning your lifestyle into a realistic program and budget. Some things are obvious, such as the number of bedrooms; but others are more nuanced, like how you actually use each space, or how zoning and site conditions might affect your plan. 

   
   

   Your role here is to be honest and specific. Tell your architect about your daily routines, family size, storage needs, and lifestyle priorities. The more precise you are, the easier it is to make smart design decisions later. Think of this as setting the table before a big dinner: the better prepared you are, the smoother the rest of the evening (or in this case, the project) will go. 

   
   

2. Schematic Design: Shaping the Home 

   
   

   Schematic Design (SD) is when your home starts to take shape, and your engagement here is critical. The architect looks at floor plans, circulation, lighting, heating and cooling, and other core elements.  

   
   

   Your input directly affects how your new home will function for daily life. For instance, a 18x20-foot primary bedroom is hard to visualize and doesn’t tell you much. Talking about furniture, how you use the room, and how much time you spend there, however, gives the architect the real picture. 

   
   

   Your role: ask questions, provide feedback, and explore options. Renderings and 3D models aren’t perfect; they’re more like movie storyboards than a fully built set. Be curious, be honest, and don’t be afraid to say, “Wait, I don’t get it.” Decisions here ripple through the entire project, so your attention now pays dividends later.

   
   

3. Design Development: Choosing the Details 

   
   

   By Design Development (DD), the big-picture layout is set, and it’s time to dive into the details that will make your home feel like yours. Brick colors, flooring, cabinetry, kitchen layouts, and lighting choices all come into play. Your role: make final design decisions. Ask detailed questions, confirm the program fits your budget, and settle on the finishes that will bring personality and life to your spaces. 

   
   

   This phase also moves the project toward Construction Documents. By the end of DD, you should feel confident that the design is complete, functional, and reflective of your style. Your thoughtful decisions here make the next phases—construction documents and contractor selection—much more straightforward. This is where your home stops being an idea and starts feeling like your home. 

   
   

4. Construction Documents: Reviewing the Technical Blueprint 

   
   

   The Construction Documents (CDs) phase is the stage at which your design gets translated into detailed instructions for the contractors. Clients are mostly observers here, but sometimes your input is needed. A ceiling might need to drop slightly, a joist could be thicker than expected, or a soffit may require adjustment. 

   
   

   Your role is to stay informed and provide guidance when necessary, without managing the technical minutiae. Trust your architect to translate your vision into precise instructions. Staying aware now ensures that when it comes time to review bids and select a contractor, you’re fully informed and ready to make decisions. 

   
   

5. Bidding and Negotiation: Making Informed Contractor Decisions 

   
   

   During Bidding and Negotiation, contractors submit bids for your project. Your role is to review, ask questions, and sign off on the contractor selection. While your architect handles most of the back-and-forth with contractors, you’ll want to pay attention if bids come in above budget. This is where the numbers start to feel real. 

   
   

   If a bid exceeds expectations, you’ll make a key decision: tweak the design to save costs or adjust the budget to keep your vision intact. Being involved here ensures your financial priorities and design goals stay aligned. Once contractors are selected and the budget is confirmed, you get to watch your home start to leave the drawing board and come to life—a mix of excitement and relief as months of planning will now start to show tangible results. 

6. Construction Administration: Watching Your Home Take Shape 

   
   

   This is the exciting stage where your home actually rises from the ground. The architect visits the site, reviews work, and ensures everything matches the contract documents. Your role can vary: some homeowners love frequent site visits, while others prefer updates via calls or photos. 

   
   

   If you do visit, safety first: use hard hats and boots, and coordinate your arrival with the contractors. Whether you’re hands-on or hands-off, staying informed ensures that surprises are minimized and helps you appreciate how your design is coming to life. This is your chance to see the plan you’ve been shaping take physical form. 

   
   

7. Project Closeout: Preparing to Move In 

   
   

   Finally, we reach Project Closeout. The contractor compiles manuals, warranties, and leftover materials, while the architect ensures everything is complete. Your role: review documentation, understand maintenance requirements, and get packing—it’s time to move in! 

   
   

   This phase is all about organization and confidence. Knowing how to care for finishes and systems, from wood floors to countertops, sets you up for a smooth transition into your new home.  

Ensuring a Successful Journey 

Building a home is a phased process, and your involvement at the right moments will make all the difference. Be engaged during critical decisions, stay informed when needed, and trust your architect to manage the technical details. With clear roles, communication, and a little curiosity, the process will run more smoothly, and the result will be a home that truly fits your life. 

As this article wraps up the apt+candid series, I hope your understanding of how to supervise the design and construction of your new house feels a little clearer and a lot less intimidating. With the right guidance and a willingness to stay involved, the entire experience becomes an enjoyable undertaking. Here’s to an inspiring start to your own home-building journey! 

Raffi’s Top Tip for Your Role in the Design Process: Be fully present during Schematic Design.

Ask questions, imagine living in each space, and don’t settle for “good enough.” Decisions made here echo all the way to move-in day.