Design Process

When you hire Susan Scarlet-Macaw, you are not just buying a set of construction plans.

You are purchasing the undivided attention of a professional with years of experience, knowledge, and creativity.

Drop me a line right now to talk about your project.

show me the flow chart

On Site Consultation

$250.00

This focused, one-on-one visit is the first step in bringing your vision to life. During our meeting, we will walk your property or existing home together and discuss your goals, priorities, and any site-specific opportunities or constraints. You’ll be able to speak directly with a licensed architect who understands mountain terrain, code requirements, and the realities of construction in Western North Carolina.

This consultation is ideal for homeowners who want clarity before investing in full architectural services. I’ll review your ideas, answer questions, and outline the most realistic path toward design, permitting, budgeting, and construction.

What’s Included:

A dedicated on-site or virtual visit to discuss your project in detail
Preliminary guidance on design direction, site conditions, and feasibility
Insight into potential costs, code considerations, and construction pathways
A candid conversation about next steps and how to move forward with confidence

Consultation Fee & Credit:

The consultation fee ensures that each visit is fully focused, prepared, and professional. If you choose to move forward with Scarlet Builds for design services, 100% of your consultation fee will be credited toward your contract.

Who This Is For:

Homeowners ready to take the next step—whether dreaming of a new mountain residence, considering an addition, or evaluating a renovation. This visit helps you make informed decisions with a clear understanding of what’s possible.

Let’s explore your project together and set the foundation for a successful design and build.

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Site Visit

$500.00

45-Minute Site Visit + Feasibility Snapshot

Meet on site with Susan Scarlet-Macaw, Architect, to explore ideas for your next project. We’ll walk the property, discuss goals, constraints, and opportunities, and you’ll receive a concise, 1-page feasibility snapshot with photos to inform a concept design.

What you get

On-site consultation (45 minutes) focused on your goals, budget, and schedule
High-level feasibility discussion (site, zoning/code, utilities, access, phasing)
1-page Feasibility Snapshot PDF: summary of our discussion + existing-conditions photos

Great for

Home additions/remodels, accessory buildings/garages/shops, small commercial tweaks, mountain homes and hillside sites, flood or steep-slope considerations.

How it works

Before: You share the address, a quick wish list, rough budget, and any HOA/county notes.
During (45 min): Walk-through, capture photos, discuss options and risks.
After: You receive the 1-page PDF with our key notes and photos (same day or next business day).

Investment

Flat fee: $500 (applies as a credit if you proceed to Concept Design within 30 days).

Travel included within Jackson/Macon/Haywood counties; modest travel fee outside.

Reschedule/Cancellation

Free reschedule with 24+ hours’ notice. Cancellations within 24 hours: 50% fee.

What to prepare

Your top 3 goals, preferred timeline, and rough budget range
Any surveys, past drawings, HOA/ARC guidelines, or county correspondence
Access info (gate codes, parking, pets) and contact onsite

Deliverable

A 1-page Feasibility Snapshot summarizing the visit and embedding photos of the specific items discussed—perfect to kick off concept design.

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Garage and Playroom

$2,508.00

Stock floor plan at a fraction of the price you would pay to create a plan from scratch.

We include

Floor plans indicating dimensions
Exterior elevations showing materials for the exterior finish
Building section showing construction of building elements.
Open floor plan

Plans are sent in PDF format.

Additional Cost for stamped drawings includes custom changes.

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Site Evaluation

$800.00

Before investing in a property or starting design, a professional site evaluation is essential. Conducted during the pre-design stage, this service helps you make informed decisions before committing to the costly purchase of a building site.

As your architect, I will walk the property with you (and your realtor if desired) to assess feasibility and uncover opportunities and constraints.

Your Site Evaluation includes:

Site Report – identifying potential building areas and limitations
Zoning & Regulatory Review – early checks on what’s permitted and possible
Site Description & Key Features – slopes, views, access, and environmental factors
This one-time service provides clarity and confidence, ensuring you understand the site’s true potential before moving forward.

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Pre-Design – “Tell me about your dream.”

We begin with a thoughtful conversation: you share your hopes, needs, and vision for the space. I review local zoning and building codes, assess any municipal or county constraints, and if we’re remodeling — I measure or scan the existing layout to build a 3-D model of current conditions.

Schematic Design – “From ideas to structure.”

Your ideas meet my recommendations. I translate them into clean, easy-to-read floor plans and elevations (PDFs), presenting initial layouts, spatial arrangements, and rough cost estimates. Together, we tweak configurations, test options against budget and timeline, and incorporate your preferences. Once you’re happy, we begin refining the direction and curb the scope. You’ll also receive a Mood Board based on your materials and style inspirations, so you can start to "see" your project.

Construction Observation – “Your eyes on the site.”

Once your project breaks ground, I act as your representative. I coordinate with the contractor, fabricators, and consultants, overseeing materials, color selections, and design intent. I monitor progress weekly, manage any adjustments, and ensure communication across the team.

Design Development – “Refining the vision.”

Together we drill down on details. You select finishes, materials, colors — I refine the plans accordingly. If required, structural engineering gets involved. I also consult with contractors to ensure the design is buildable. You receive updated drawings and refined Mood Boards to finalize the visual feel and construction approach.

Construction Documents – “Ready for permit and build.”

Now we shift into technical mode: I prepare the full set of permit-ready drawings, including precise dimensions, construction details, and material specifications — tailored to your site, your materials, and your project’s distinctive character.

Project Completion – “Your vision realized.”

When the build is complete, I perform a final review of all work before you issue the last payment — ensuring the result aligns with your vision, quality standards, and our shared design goals.