We hear it all the time, “gas cooks more evenly” and “gas offers the most flexibility”. But, did you know that your gas stove could be poisoning your home, generating unsafe levels of air pollution?

Belonging to several design groups over the years, I heard over and over “a designer should be involved in EVERY remodel”. I heard it so often that I believed it, and with all my heart.

It only occurred to me in recent years that a designer may not be necessary for every remodeling project.

In the past, we have had three clients ask if they could make their own selections, and for the most part, we have obliged. Unfortunately, we have also learned that these projects are not the cost-savers that were hoped for, and end up with frustrations on both sides.

We understand that your home is yours and you have a style you want to maintain. It is our hope that we can work together through this process, allowing you to feel that you have made the selections with our support and guidance.

Details have the ability to go far beyond the banal and provide a higher level of sophistication, playfulness, or joy - and that’s a big reason we get so excited when thinking of them.

We don’t like being the bearers of bad news. I’ve always said “Clients love the designer and hate the builder”. Now we are both, and our goal is to maintain the love (as difficult as it can be when living amidst construction) through implementation. This means setting realistic expectations and understanding the reality of the impact of COVID on the design & build industry.

Have you ever said, “Let’s get an estimate to figure out how much it would be to do that project, and then we’ll determine if we want to take it on.”? If so, please continue reading.

Check out our growth timeline from 2013 to today.

2013- Waldron Designs is launched in an unconditioned garage. Rachel Waldron is the sole operator and is able to work about two hours a week, with the help of this adorable sidekick (then four years old), and an infant in tow.

In this first year, we completed the project that would earn us the 2014 ASID Design Award!

If you are looking for a building permit (not an “over the counter” permit), you may be wondering how long this will take. There are several factors involved, which means that unfortunately, the answer is: it varies. However, this article should be able to give you a bit of insight as to what to expect.

Waldron Designs owner and designer, Rachel Waldron, recently became certified as a Living in Place Professional. It is important to note that this is not an “Aging in Place” certification, but LIVING in Place.

When we interview potential staff, we tell them about the importance of sustainable design and construction. Not only is it good for the environment, but it is also healthy for our staff (who we love and want to live long lives) and for the occupants! Check out the conversation we had in a recent interview:

One of the most challenging parts of my job is helping homeowners decide which items to splurge on and which should be skimped on. The suggestions below are only suggestions and based on a very generic plan or specific scenarios. Different designs and needs will always call for case-specific adjustments.

This phase is a little bit of getting to know you, and a lot of research. We will work to gather all the information for your project, which may include questionnaires, a site visit to measure and photograph, correspondence with any professionals who may have further information about the structure, and research as to whether the project can truly be built. This portion, included in the Owner’s Criteria can also be referred to as a feasibility study.