Riverbend Design Process

Although you dream of a finished timber frame house, there can be no home without first creating the design. At Riverbend our many years of experience has taught us that a complete and thorough design process is the easiest way to ensure a smooth timber home project. We also understand that if our design team works closely with you and is able to fully convey the layout and look of your future home, then you will have confidence to move forward into construction, knowing we were able to match your vision.

Design Development Agreement (DDA)

When we first start to work with a client we don't ask them to sign a contract for their entire home, first we enter into a Design Development Agreement where, for an architectural fee, our design firm, M.T.N Architects will create your design concept. Once you have a timber frame design you like we move forward with your project.

Design Meeting

You can choose to travel to our facility or interact directly from home via live Web meeting software. Either way you will see the screen come alive as your designer sketches and alters your plan based on your direction. Whether you start with an existing plan or from scratch, your Riverbend designer will not only illustrate, in real time, the changes to your conceptual design, they will also explain how these changes affect your overall design and the turnkey cost to build your home. You will also be introduced to your project manager, who will become your point of contact once the design phase is complete.

D1 Design Drawings

Over the weeks following your meeting, your designer will take all your information and sketches from the Design Meeting to create your conceptual design drawings in AutoCAD. Once complete, your team - lead by your designer - will present your conceptual plan via Web, as well as send you a 24 x 32 set of design drawings in the mail for closer review.

Included in the D1 Drawings:

Detailed floor plans of each level
Color 3D renderings of 4 elevations
Isometric drawing of timber frame skeleton design

Design Refinement

As soon as you are confident that your overall design matches your vision and budget, only then do we move into a contract. Once we begin the planning stage of your project there is still room for minor modifications to the design, such as window sizes and door heights. Your designer will work with you to finalize these aspects prior to final construction drawings.

Construction Drawings

At Riverbend, design congruity is very important. The best way to ensure the consistency and quality of your design from concept through construction is to create detailed, engineered construction drawings. The same Riverbend architectural team that drew your concept will create the drawings which will be used; first by the production crews to fabricate the timbers and SIPs and then in the construction of your home. Consistency increases quality and reduces errors that cost time and money. Construction Drawings are Completed After the Contract is Signed.