What this phase brings under control: Whether the project proceeds, and on what basis.
Before you commit to design or pricing, you establish whether the project is worth doing as imagined — at this scope, on this budget, in this building. I assess the property's potential and constraints, test your priorities and budget against what is realistic, and lay out the major decisions and risks ahead, so you proceed, refine the brief, or step away on evidence rather than optimism.
Scope:
Review the property's potential and constraints.
Test priorities, budget, and objectives against feasibility.
Map the major risks and decisions ahead.
Establish the project's strategic direction.
Deliverable: A written strategic direction — whether to proceed, at what scope, and on what basis.
Decision unlocked: You commit to defining the project in full, or step away, before any irreversible spend.
What this phase brings under control: What the project becomes.
Scope: Review the property on site where possible, to assess potential and constraints and inform preliminary floor plan options.
Capture functional, aesthetic, and investment priorities by questionnaire.
Hold an in-person working session aligning survey findings with site conditions, so priorities and opportunities are defined before you build the team.
Deliverable: Project Planning Package (PPP): A project roadmap covering defined expectations and tolerances, a guiding design concept, floor plan studies and reference imagery, team requirements, Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs, a preliminary schedule, and an implementation strategy.
Decision unlocked: You take a defined brief and a known budget to market, and begin building the team against it.
What this phase brings under control: Who delivers your project.
Scope:
Identify, vet, and shortlist architects and contractors.
Review the (PPP) with prospective design candidates.
Confirm in-house capability, process, and relevant past work.
Conduct background checks and verify references.
Negotiate and advise on design team contract terms.
Deliverable: A fully onboarded design team.
Decision unlocked: You enter design development with a team chosen for fit as much as credentials, confident it suits both the project and the way you work.
What this phase brings under control: What is contractually committed.
Scope:
Consult on design development and documentation.
Review general contractor (GC) proposals and submittals for the managing agent and DOB, where applicable.
Negotiate and advise on GC contract terms.
Establish reporting and approval processes.
Clarify roles and responsibilities.
Finalise and execute the contractual scope and schedule.
Deliverable: A documented, actionable scope of work and schedule that reduces risk and supports a controlled build.
Decision unlocked: You authorise construction knowing what is being built, what it should cost, and who answers for each part.
What this phase brings under control: How faithfully the plan is executed.
Scope:
Monitor procurement, schedule, budget, and team performance.
Document and resolve non-conforming work.
Review and qualify payment requisitions and change orders.
Attend weekly meetings and conduct periodic site inspections.
Oversee close-out, including punch list completion, final records, and warranties.
Deliverable: A completed project, closed out and documented.
A perfect starting point if you’re considering a purchase, renovation, or décor project and want to understand your options.
Includes:
Online Survey: A brief questionnaire to capture your key project goals and priorities.
Introductory Zoom Call: A one-on-one session to explore any questions about home improvement—covering design, renovation strategy, the process, and next steps.
Deliverable: A clear, strategic understanding of where to begin and how to position yourself for a successful project. Some clients feel confident moving forward independently at this stage—it’s entirely up to you. We remain available to provide guidance or support whenever you need it.
Developing your north star to guide decision-making at every stage.
Includes:
Property Review: Preferably onsite, to assess potential and constraints, forming the foundation for preliminary floor plan options.
Comprehensive Questionnaire: Capture your functional, aesthetic, and investment priorities (completed separately if a couple).
In-Person Meeting: Align survey results with site conditions to ensure project priorities and opportunities are clear.
Deliverable-Project Planning Package (PPP): A comprehensive roadmap that includes:
Defined expectations and tolerances.
A guiding design concept.
Floor plan studies and inspirational imagery.
Team requirements.
Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs and preliminary schedule.
Planning and implementation strategy.
Perhaps the most critical phase of any project, it is essential that your project be grounded by your values and property investment goals.
Beyond portfolios and testimonials, we assemble professionals who understand, respect, and align with your values.
Key Steps:
Identify, vet, and shortlist architects and contractors.
Review the Project Planning Package (PPP) with prospective design candidates.
Confirm in-house capabilities, processes, and past work.
Conduct background checks and verify references.
Negotiate and advise on design team contract terms.
Deliverable:
Fully onboarded design team.
Shortlist of qualified General Contractors (GCs).
This phase ensures your project starts with a cohesive, capable team, setting the foundation for a smooth, collaborative process.
A critical transitional phase that provides confidence and leverage as construction gets underway.
Key Steps:
Consult on design development and documentation.
Review GC RFPs and submittals for the managing agent and the DOB.
Review GC proposals and submittals for the managing agent and the DOB (where applicable).
Negotiate and advise on GC contract terms.
Establish reporting and approval processes.
Clarify roles and responsibilities.
Finalise and sign off on contractual scope and schedule.
Deliverable: A documented and actionable scope of work and project schedule that minimises risk and supports a smooth construction process.
This phase ensures your project begins with clear expectations, aligned responsibilities, and a roadmap that minimises risk—setting the stage for a smooth, well executed construction process.
Protecting your investment by making sure construction aligns with design intent and quality expectations, and keeping the project to time and to budget.
Key Steps:
Monitor procurement, schedule, budget, and team performance.
Document and resolve non-conforming work.
Review and qualify payment requisitions and change orders.
Attend weekly meetings and conduct periodic site inspections.
Oversee project close-out, including punch list completion and final records/warranties.
Deliverable: A smoothly completed project with a well-executed hand-off and enduring peace of mind.
This phase ensures your project is completed efficiently with a smooth handoff and lasting peace of mind.
"We have worked with Michael on three major projects. His ability to balance aesthetics, functionality and budget is extraordinary. Michael knows exactly where an investment will have impact and where a more efficient solution will achieve the same result."
“I used to deal with contractors directly but no more. Michael turned an arduous process into a pleasant one. In fact, working with Michael is a lot of fun.”
“Room by room, Michael made our home beautiful, functional, and even durable which was great with two young children running around. And the best part, the space feels like ours, but with three coats of polish!”
“100% worth it! Michael took the stress out of it all. Doing it right and doing it smartly, his team was very professional and dependable.”
“We’ve hired Michael to design and renovate two of our properties and one terrace. In every case, our style and sensibilities were reflected beautifully. Michael and his team work very hard to make sure that nothing is overlooked. A truly enjoyable process.”
“Michael’s design elevated our home to a standout asset,helping us achieve an off-market sale at 20% over list price. Our investment in his vision was well rewarded.”
