At Labra Design+Build we have developed a design process that ensures a high quality result specifically developed around your unique circumstances. Here is a brief overview of what to expect.

STEP 1: Are we a good fit?

Are you looking for a home designer to take your goals and create a plan that solves problems you didn’t even know you had? We can do that.  Are you looking for the highest levels of quality and service as we build your unique design? We do that too.

STEP 2: Gather your project information.

We will need an overview of the project you have in mind. Since we handle a wide variety of projects, from full home design to precisely executed remodeling projects, we are looking for an idea of the scope of work, the challenges, the budget, and the timeline. Don’t worry if you don’t have it all pinned down, that’s what our job is.

STEP 3: Send us a message.

Head over to our contact page and fill out some initial information to convey your project summary to us. We’ll reach back out with follow up questions and answers. Our goals initially will be to:

• Let you know if we can take on your project.
• Let you know when we could begin your project.
• Let you know if your budget is appropriate for the project you have in mind.
• Let you know the down payment required to begin the design phase for your unique project. Please see our pricing page for information on what to expect.

STEP 4: Let’s begin!

If we are a good fit for your project it is time to start! We start with an in home design consultation that will be focused on gathering information and analyzing your needs.  There is a lot involved in planning your project and we take everything into consideration right from the start. We start with gathering as much information as possible from you. The more information we can get the better we will be able to work toward a solution that truly fits your needs. A great resource to use is Pinterest or Houzz.com. We can quickly gather an understanding of the unique style and details you are after as we scan other images that inspire you.

STEP 5: Conceptual Design

Once we have an understanding of your goals, we begin with a first draft. This is without a doubt the single most valuable use of time and money spent on the entire project. This is where the creative ideas flow and the project begins to develop it’s shape. Our knowledge of the construction process keeps the design in line with reality and ensures the design stays on budget and in line with your goals. Our design fee is hourly to ensure each project receives it’s appropriate level of attention.

STEP 6: Preliminary Budget

Once we have an understanding of the general direction of a project we can draft a budget. As we develop the design we keep the budget updated and improve the accuracy as final design decisions are made. Click here for a sample preliminary budget. 

STEP 7: Design Development

Once we have settled on the proper direction to take the design we can start working out the details – Materials, sizes, placements, heights, spacings, etc. Not all the details are required to be finalized at this point, but the more that are the more straight forward the construction process will be. For example, if you’re not sure which type of countertops you’d like that can be decided closer to their installation. At the end of this process a final construction budget and schedule will be developed.

STEP 8: Construction Proposal

Once we have a detailed design we can finalize a construction budget and draft the construction proposal. With this step we will secure a space in our construction schedule for your project. We will also create a detailed payment schedule for your unique project. Click here for a sample proposal.

STEP 9: Construction

Once we have a signed proposal we can schedule construction. You can rest assured that your project will get completed with the design goals in mind at every step of the way and improvements made with each stride. Since we are a design+build company there is no room for miscommunication or conflict between the designer and the builder. Rufino personally oversees every project through to it’s final completion and will put quality results as the first priority. Please see the long list of testimonials that attest to the quality of service and results we offer.

MEET THE OWNER – Rufino Labra

I am a designer with a wide range of construction skills and an architectural background. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Lawrence Tech where I was trained to think outside the box and dig deeply to find the best design solution for the problems at hand. I’ve been on a construction site helping my dad build homes since I was about 4 feet tall. I enjoy fine carpentry and furniture building, excel at residential design and construction, and guide the business in a way that keeps my hands in it all.  I personally lead every project from design through construction and stand behind our work.

If you don’t hear from us within 2 business day please call. Occasionally the website has a glitch.