Home Designer Snapshot | Lehigh Valley, PA

theDESIGNguide | Lehigh Valley

HOME DESIGN PROS a register of select Lehigh Valley, PA professionals in the practice of inspired home design

Your home is a platform for personal expression.

Here’s to doing it well.

theDESIGNguide | Lehigh Valley

an extensive and descriptive listing of registered professionals is online at:

theDESIGNguide.com

Licensed Architects When it comes to residential design, the Licensed Architect is at the top of the design chart. Many years of study and practical work experience are required before being eligible to take a state licensing exam. They are licensed to work on any kind of structure, have knowledge of code requirements, and can produce plans, specifications, and inspect construction to ensure your project is built as envisioned.

theDESIGNguide.com

Residentail Plan Designers Residential Designers specialize only in housing, and in many cases have a greater knowledge of the housing field. There is less training involved, and in Pennsylvania there is no licensing requirement. Many belong to the American Institute of Building Design [www.aibd.org], a national organization devoted specifically to residential design. The costs for each of these professionals vary enormously, anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to fifteen percent of the construction cost.

It all depends on your needs and how much work is performed.

theDESIGNguide.com

Interior | Decorative Designers There are countless decisions to be made in finishing and furnishing your home. And unless you have a gift for matching and coordinating, the challenge can be daunting. Fortunately there are professionals available to help you with this task.

Ideally, when building or remodeling your home, an Interior Designer should be brought into the process before the design is cemented, so that furniture placement, built-ins, and lighting opportunities are not neglected. Individuals with an A.S.I.D. (American Society of Interior Designers) designation are at the top of the interior design chart, having received professional training in all aspects of interior design. In addition, there are many talented decorators who have a natural eye and touch for finishing, furnishing, and enhancing the style, look, and coordination of your home. Their assistance can help create an enjoyable and visually pleasing spaces. Interior professionals provide valuable insight and talent for giving your home or specific rooms a desired look. What they provide in ideas, direction, reassurance, and ease will make you a devotee to their skills and the end results they deliver.

theDESIGNguide.com

Kithen | Cabinetry Woodworking Most homeowners mention the kitchen when asked what is the most important space in the home. When you consider the amount of time we spend in this area, and the amount of money we spend on it, it only makes sense that we use an expert for its design and installation. Considering all the spacial and product details that are involved in creating this vital room of the home, it is well worth the specialized knowledge of a experienced and knowledgeable professional.

theDESIGNguide.com

Home Technology Today’s technology provides exciting opportunities for enhancing the convenience and enjoyment of your home.

Setting the right course and tackling the elements that combine sight, sound, automation, and communication, requires the talents and thoroughness of a home technology professional. Many times it’s what you don’t see – speakers, projectors, wiring, electronics – that makes for a awesome home technology experience. Explore your options. Set up an appointment to visit their showroom. It’s there you will see and experience all that’s available for incorporating technology into your home.

theDESIGNguide.com

Custom Builders If you own your own lot, or if you have very specific ideas about exactly how you want your home to be built – floor plan, materials, finishing details, etc., – you want to discuss your ideas with a custom builder. These builders are used to working with plans from a designer or architect, and can help you develop a set of specifications to exactly meet your needs or your budget. Often, it will be up to you to develop your own set of plans with a designer or architect, though some builders have in-house design staff to help you through the process. Typically, you will buy the lot first and have to provide construction financing as well as an end mortgage loan. There is more involvement and you will have to invest some time to plan and get your dream home built, but for many, the end result is worth the effort.

If one-of-a-kind custom home is your priority, or you have specific detail wishes, then this group of builders is the way to go.

theDESIGNguide.com

Remodeling | Renovation It is one thing to build a new home on an open lot with nothing to slow you down but the weather, building inspectors, and contractor availability. It is another thing entirely to work around a family’s schedule inside an existing structure where every process may have a huge impact on your home life. Fortunately, there are a group of professionals who are skilled at managing this task as a matter of course. Some remodeling professionals have an in-house design staff to shape and formalize your ideas, and often identify themselves as design/build. For others, you may want to consider working with a dedicated residential designer or architect to define your plans before beginning the construction process.

theDESIGNguide.com

click the link below to explore this extensive and descriptive listing of registered professionals, including a selection of design showrooms and products.

theDESIGNguide.com