Our Process

Whether building a new home or new space for your business, understanding the architectural process will make your project run smoothly. Our proven five-step approach brings structure and clarity to your project. We listen, we strategize, and we deliver—creating spaces that enhance life, work, and everything in between.

Aerial view of a lakefront property surrounded by dense autumn foliage, featuring a house and a wooden dock extending into the water in Maine.
Icon of a yellow construction theodolite on a tripod, for site planning for Architecture.

01.

Understanding Your Property & Vision

Every masterpiece begins with understanding. In the pre-design phase, we immerse ourselves in your vision, gathering essential insights about your property to ensure a seamless journey ahead. A thorough feasibility and pre-design analysis allows us to anticipate challenges, avoiding unnecessary revisions. For renovation or addition projects, we measure existing spaces and craft precise as-built drawings, laying the foundation for a flawless transformation.

Color swatch book with various shades of blue, teal, and neutral tones on a metal ring, for interior planning and architecture.
Illustration of a geometric compass for architectural design.

02.

Designing with Purpose & Intention

With a clear understanding of your aspirations, we embark on the art of design. This collaborative phase is where your unique style meets functional elegance, harmonizing your needs with practical constraints such as budget and space. Every element is thoughtfully considered, ensuring a perfect balance of form and function. Once your vision is refined and approved, we transition to preparing permit and construction documents, bringing your project one step closer to reality.

Architectural blueprint showing detailed elevations and sections of a house, including labeled rooms, measurements, and structural elements.
Illustration of a tape measure and ruler for architectural planning and design.

03.

Mastering the Technical Details

In this phase, precision takes center stage. We develop comprehensive documentation that captures every detail required for permitting and construction. Every detail is curated with intention, from detailed floor plans and wall sections to ceiling layouts and finish schedules. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that materials, systems, and aesthetics align seamlessly to bring your vision to life.

Person using an electric saw to cut wood, with sawdust flying, for architectural coordination with builder.
Illustration of a person wearing a construction helmet and holding blueprints, representing an engineer or architect.

04.

Connecting You with the Right Builders

With construction documents in hand, it's time to identify the right craftsmen to bring your vision to fruition. We guide you through obtaining competitive bids from reputable builders, helping you make an informed choice. While our design processes always consider your budget, construction costs can be impacted by several evolving factors. Should adjustments be needed, we refine the design to maintain harmony between vision and reality.

Interior of an unfinished house with wooden framing, three large windows with labels, construction materials on the floor, and a view of a river outside. In coastal Maine.
Colorful illustrated house with a red roof, chimney, and window for architectural illustration.

05.

Guiding the Construction to Completion

With permits secured, the transformation begins. Our involvement throughout the construction process ensures every detail is executed as intended. By visiting the site at key intervals and providing expert guidance, we safeguard the integrity of your project, mitigating potential challenges and preserving the artistry of your vision.

Testimonials

  • Five white stars in a horizontal row on a transparent background.

    From start to finish, Hiroko was on schedule, went above and beyond, and most importantly- extremely knowledgeable throughout the process.

    Her experience and attention to detail, helped give us our dream home. We would highly recommend Hiroko and if given the opportunity, would use her again in a second! - Rick D.

  • Five white stars in a row on a transparent background.

    Hiroko’s brilliance started with her keen ability to listen to and understand us, continued as she incorporated our thoughts with hers to present thoughtful alternatives, and ultimately to design our dream beach house.

    Her services continued post-design as she worked closely with us, our builder, and local tradesmen during the construction process to ensure proper implementation and to stay ahead of potential issues. - Leonard P.

  • Row of five uncolored stars in a line

    Hiroko is an amazing architect in the Southern Maine area and a pure pleasure to work with.

    She designs w/ an artful eye, keeping our vision in the forefront of her designs and brings tremendous ideas from her past experiences...She is changing the landscape of Maine's beachfront homes, one house at a time. For any project, she's our first call! - Rick K.

Creating a space that reflects your vision?

We offer a thoughtful, step-by-step process for private clients and business owners alike - designed to delivery clarity, precision and timeless results.