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Renovation Design & Project Guidance


A successful renovation requires more than beautiful selections. It requires a thoughtful plan- one that brings the layout, materials, budget, contractors, and hundreds of interconnected decisions together before construction begins. Second Story helps homeowners navigate that process with clarity and confidence. Whether you need a complete renovation design or an experienced partner beside you through construction, your project begins with a plan tailored to your home, priorities and investment.


Choose the Level of Support Your Renovation Needs


Every project is different. Some homeowners need a complete design they can take to their contractor. Others want continued guidance throughout construction. Some prefer to have the design, project coordination, and purchasing handled from beginning to end.




Every Second Story project begins with a Renovation Roadmap. This focused planning session gives us the opportunity to walk through your home, discuss what is and isn't working clarify your goals, and identify the decisions that will shape your renovation.


Your Renovation Roadmap includes:


-A preliminary discovery call

-Up to 2-hours in your home

-Project walkthrough and evaluation

-Discussion of layout, function, design direction, budget and timing

-Identification of potential challenges and priorities

-A written follow-up summary with suggested next steps

-A customized recommendation for the level of design support your project needs


The Renovation Roadmap is $495. If you move forward with a larger Second Story service, the Roadmap fee will be credited toward your design package. 


Because the best renovations don't happen by chance. They happen with a thoughtful plan.

Start Your Project

For homeowners who need a cohesive renovation plan before construction begins. 


This service develops the creative and functional foundation of your project. We’ll work through the layout, materials, fixtures, finishes, and other details needed to create a home that feels intentional and works beautifully for the way you live.


Depending on the project, your design may include:


Space planning and layout refinement

Cabinetry and millwork direction

Flooring and hard-surface selections

Countertops and tile

Plumbing fixtures

Decorative and architectural lighting

Hardware, doors, and finish details

Appliance coordination

Color and material palettes

Showroom appointments

Product specifications

Contractor-ready design information

Preliminary investment guidance


You’ll finish the design phase with a clear, cohesive plan that can guide contractor pricing and construction.


For homeowners who want continued design guidance and an experienced advocate during construction.


In addition to your complete renovation design, Second Story remains involved as the project moves from paper into your home. I’ll communicate with your contractor and trades, help resolve design questions, monitor important details, and keep the overall vision from becoming diluted as construction progresses.


Project management support may include:


Contractor and trade communication

Preconstruction design review

Construction scheduling oversight

Jobsite meetings and walkthroughs

Clarification of design specifications

Review of material and installation details

Troubleshooting unexpected conditions

Budget and change-order awareness

Progress updates

Punch-list and completion walkthroughs


Second Story provides design-focused project management and owner representation. I do not act as the general contractor or control the contractor’s means, methods, employees, or jobsite safety.


For homeowners who want the most comprehensive level of involvement.


Full Service combines renovation design, project management, and procurement into one coordinated experience. In addition to developing the design and helping guide its execution, Second Story manages the purchasing and tracking of approved materials included in the project scope.


Procurement support may include:


Vendor coordination

Purchasing approved fixtures and materials

Order tracking

Lead-time monitoring

Delivery coordination

Inspection of received items when applicable

Management of damaged, missing, or incorrect products

Communication with vendors and showrooms

Organization of product information for the contractor


This option is best suited to clients who want one central point of coordination helping connect the design, materials, vendors, and construction team.


Projects We Design

  • Kitchen renovations
  • Bathroom renovations
  • Multi-room renovations
  • Whole-home renovations
  • Laundry & utility spaces
  • Additions and ADUs
  • Finish-intensive new construction
  • Pre-sale renovation and property refresh planning


Why Work With a Renovation Designer?


Contractors know how to build, but they often need the homeowner to define what they are building. Architects and engineers address structural and technical requirements, but may not select every cabinet detail, fixture, finish, and transition.


That leaves homeowners responsible for hundreds of decisions—often while construction is already underway.


Second Story helps bring those decisions together before they become expensive questions in the field. I look at how the layout, materials, budget, and construction details affect one another so your contractor has a clearer plan and you have greater confidence in the choices being made.


I’m happy to collaborate with a contractor you have already selected or help you identify qualified professionals who may be a good fit for your project.


Second Story May Be a Good Fit If You:


  • Are planning a meaningful renovation rather than a quick cosmetic update
  • Want the entire home or project to feel cohesive
  • Need help determining what to change and where to invest
  • Feel overwhelmed by the number of decisions involved
  • Want professional guidance before requesting contractor bids
  • Value quality, thoughtful planning, and clear communication
  • Want a designer who understands both aesthetics and the realities of construction
  • Prefer an experienced partner who will stay engaged as the project develops


You do not need to have every detail figured out before contacting Second Story. That is what the planning process is for.