5 Key Steps of a Professional Custom Design Structure [+Examples]
Custom designs and custom landscaping are gaining popularity, and for good reason. From sticks and mud, to the great pyramids of today, humans have always strived to create unique structures.
A custom structure is one of the most important elements of a custom design. It can be as simple as adding a few plants to your yard or creating an entirely new outdoor space.
A well-designed structure can add both beauty and function to your yard. What types of structures would elevate your home and fit your lifestyle? In this article, we discuss the 5 key steps to building a custom structure, including a few stunning examples.
Why Do People Love Custom Designs?
There are plenty of reasons why people love custom designs. For one, custom designs allow for a completely unique look that can make a home or office stand out. No two custom designs are exactly alike, so you can be sure that your space will be truly one-of-a-kind.
Custom designs are also tailored to fit any space, no matter how big or small. A custom water feature could be the perfect backyard addition. Or, a custom pool design could help bring the island to you.
Love to entertain family and friends? A custom fire pit can add a cozy atmosphere to your patio in every season. No matter your taste, there’s a design out there that will suit your needs. If you can’t find exactly what you want, many designers are happy to create a custom piece just for you.
Another rising trend taking the internet by storm is that of the tiny home. In most cases, you can buy build your own home kits as a DIY option. When it comes to personalization, the options are only as limited as your imagination.
You can even make your home green by building an energy efficient house. A zero-energy home is a structure designed to be completely self-sufficient. This means it produces as much energy as it consumes, through solar panels or other renewable energy sources.
If you’re looking to add some character to your space, custom designs are the way to go. With so many options available, you’re sure to find something you love.
At Exscape Designs, we design without boundaries. Contact us today to get started on your custom design!
Steps in Creating Professional Custom Design Structures
Creating a custom design is a great way to get exactly what you want out of your finished product. Whether you want something specific or are adding a personal touch, customizing your design can be a rewarding experience.
Now, it can be easy to come up with an idea, but how do you turn it into reality? Below are the 5 essential steps of the professional design process.
1. Plotting and Programming
After you’ve decided on the type of custom structure you want, it’s time to start plotting and programming. This stage of the process involves brainstorming, site planning and contractor collaboration. Brainstorming is all about coming up with ideas for your structure.
What kind of features do you want? What kind of layout do you envision? What kind of materials do you want to use? This is the time to let your creativity flow and come up with some innovative ideas.
Once you have a general idea of what you want, it’s time to start planning the site. This involves deciding on the size and location in your yard.
For example, a pool would obviously go in your backyard, but the placement also matters. Do you want it closer to your back door, or at the far end of your backyard? Take the time to plan out every detail so you know exactly what you want the end result to be.
Finally, it’s time to start collaborating with contractors. It’s important to make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to your custom structure. You’ll need to discuss things like budgets, timelines and materials.
Don’t be afraid to ask any questions that you may have about the process. By working together from the beginning, you can ensure that everything goes smoothly and your design becomes a reality.
2. Schematic Design Phase
After you’ve gathered your inspiration, it’s time to start making your vision a reality. The first step in doing so is creating a schematic design, or blueprint, for your custom structure.
This phase allows you to make sure every element of your design will work well together. This is where Pinterest and vision boards come in handy. They can help you visualize what you want your final product to look like. You can also determine the approximate cost and construction timeline.
3. Design Development Phase
This is when the contractors start to flesh out the details of the design. They’ll figure out how all the different systems work together. The goal is to develop a complete set of construction documents that will guide the building process.
Continuing with the pool example above, the first step in this phase is to develop a preliminary “floor plan”. This is where your contractor determines the exact depth and dimensions of the pool.
Your contractor would also take into account the depth and dimensions of the pool compared to the site. Most contractors make markers to indicate where the structure would be.
Depending on the project, your contractor might collab with engineers and consultants on your project. They should meet with you regularly to get feedback and make sure that the project is on track.
This phase can be a long and complicated process. However, it’s important to get everything right before moving on to construction, which is why the brainstorming phase is crucial. By developing a detailed and well-coordinated set of plans, the project will be more likely to succeed.
4. Creating Lay-outs and Construction Documents
Design layouts and construction documents are critical to the custom design process. But what’s the difference between the two?
Design layouts are typically used to communicate a designer’s vision for a project. They’re useful for presenting ideas to clients or investors. Design layouts are also great for creating detailed plans for execution by contractors.
Construction documents are usually created once a design becomes finalized. They contain all the information necessary for actually building the project.
So what information is required in either document?
For design layouts, it’s important to focus on visuals. This means creating plans and drawings that are easy to understand and visually appealing. They also include any pertinent information about materials and finishes.
For construction documents, the focus is on accuracy and detail. Besides plans and drawings, contractors outline specifics for all the materials and products. This level of detail is necessary to ensure that everything is according to your vision.
Both design layouts and construction documents play an important role in the success of a project.
5. Construction Administration
This final step is when the real fun begins. The builder takes over and gets started on bringing your custom design to life.
The project designer will oversee and manage the construction process. Construction can last for several months or even years. It all depends on the size and complexity of the project and the companies working on the job.
The architect or engineer will meet regularly with the contractor to review progress and address any problems that arise. They may also perform periodic site visits to ensure that work is proceeding according to plan.
Once the construction concludes, the architect or engineer will prepare a final report. This report helps determine whether the project reflects the original design and specifications.
At the end of this step, you’ll be free to enjoy your new custom structure!
Examples of Custom Design Structures
Custom structures can increase both the flexibility and functionality of your home or space. Do you have a custom idea in mind but can’t narrow down the details? Feel free to gain inspiration from examples of our custom work below!
Custom Cedar Structure
When it comes to designing a large structure, the goal is to ensure it’s durable and will last for years. Here are some features of custom cedar structures that will ensure your satisfaction:
- Cedar is one of the most rot-resistant woods available, making it ideal for outdoor use.
- Cedar is also naturally insect-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about pests damaging your structure.
- Custom cedar structures can fit any specifications, so you can get exactly the size and style that you want.
- Cedar is a beautiful wood, so your structure will add aesthetic value to your property as well as practical value.
If you’re looking for a durable and customizable outdoor structure, a cedar structure is a great option for you.
Custom Fire Pit
There are many factors to consider when choosing a custom fire pit. With a little research, you can find the perfect one for your home. Here are some features to look for:
- Size: The size will depend on the space available and the number of people you want to accommodate. A smaller fire pit is great for intimate gatherings. A larger one can be perfect for entertaining guests.
- Shape: Fire pits come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You’ll want to choose one that will complement your patio or backyard. Round fire pits are popular because they provide a 360-degree view of the flames. Square or rectangular options are also available.
- Material: Fire pits are typically made from metal, stone, or brick. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you’ll want to choose the one that best suits your needs.
- Fuel: You’ll also need to decide what type of fuel you want to use in your fire pit. Wood is the most traditional choice, but there are also options for propane and natural gas.
- Design: Fire pits come in a variety of designs, so you’ll want to choose one that fits your personal style. The classic styles are simple, functional designs. However, there are elaborate ones available with built-in features like seating or storage.
No matter what your budget or preferences are, there’s sure to be a fire pit that’s perfect for you. So go ahead and start shopping around!
Custom Pool or Spa
There are many features that can make a custom spa truly unique. Here are just a few possibilities:
- Unusual shape: Spas can be all sorts of shapes, from traditional rectangular or oval to more creative designs.
- Different materials: Materials used for the construction of spas include concrete, fiberglass, and even metal.
- Unique features: Custom spas can include features like waterfalls, fountains and custom lighting.
- Specialized equipment: Spas can include all sorts of specialized equipment, such as massage jets and aromatherapy diffusers.
No matter what your vision for your custom spa may be, there are endless possibilities for making it a reality. With the help of a qualified professional, you can design and build the perfect spa for your home.
If you’re looking for a way to make your home unique, consider adding a custom structure! Whether it’s a simple shed in your backyard or a luxury swimming pool, there is a custom structure design that can suit your needs.
Our team will help take your vision to the next level. If you’re ready to make your custom design a reality, contact us today!
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