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$0.00Custom Nordic Home Design.
Built Around You.
We all have a different story, a different way of living, and a different vision of what “home” means to us. That’s why a custom-designed house should not be about generic solutions, but about intention. The goal is to create spaces that feel right for the people who live there, respond naturally to the site, and support daily life both now and in the years to come.
Designing a custom home is an exciting challenge, requiring careful planning and collaboration. Our role is to make that experience understandable, manageable, and enjoyable. We guide you through each step, so you always know what to expect throughout the process.
Clear and Guided Design Process.
research
Pre
DesignPD
DesignPD
Pre-design is about learning. We take time to understand your vision, goals, and lifestyle preferences before moving into detailed design. During this stage, we review the site and existing conditions, study zoning regulations and building codes, and identify any opportunities or limitations that may affect the project. We also determine the scope of work, timeline, and budget, while exploring early concepts to confirm feasibility.
Outcome: A clear project vision and a strong foundation for design.
Typical duration: 3–4 weeks
design
Schematic
DesignSD
DevelopmentDD
DesignSD
In the schematic design phase, we turn what we learned during the pre-design phase into early design concepts. We explore possible layouts, scale, and overall form, using drawings and visual tools to show how the spaces will function and feel. At the same time, we consider the site, budget, and basic technical requirements. This is the most flexible phase and the easiest time to explore options and test ideas.
Outcome: Agreed-upon design concept ready to be developed further.
Typical duration: 4–8 weeks
DevelopmentDD
During the Design Development phase, the approved concept is developed into a detailed and realistic design. We refine room layouts, determine materials and finishes, and plan how the building systems will work together effectively. We also review costs and technical requirements to keep the project on track, making adjustments as needed.
Outcome: A set of detailed drawings based on fully resolved design.
Typical duration: 8–12 weeks
documentation
Construction
DocumentsCD
DocumentsCD
In this phase, the design is turned into a complete set of detailed drawings and specifications that builders use to construct the home. It includes everything from precise dimensions to material specifications, technical details, and other information needed for permits, bidding, and construction.
Outcome: Complete set of documents ready for permitting, pricing and construction.
Typical duration: 8–12 weeks
pricing
Bidding &
NegotiationBN
NegotiationBN
We guide you through the contractor selection process. If you already have a contractor, we work with them to review proposals and bids. If not, we help you find and evaluate qualified builders, ensuring your project is in skilled hands and the contracts reflect the design intent.
Outcome: Selected builder and a finalized construction agreement.
Typical duration: 3–6 weeks
construction
Construction
AdministrationCA
AdministrationCA
During construction, we remain involved to help ensure the home is built as designed. This includes site visits, responding to questions, reviewing progress, and assisting with decisions that arise in the field. We act as your advisor throughout the build.
Outcome: Completed home that meets your expectations.
Construction duration: typically 9–18 months
Different Kind of Architectural Experience.
We are an architectural studio based in Northern Europe, offering a modern and personal approach to custom residential design. Most of our work happens online, using video calls, shared drawings, and digital presentations to keep you involved at every step, without the need for frequent in-person meetings.
We work closely with licensed local professionals who review and, when needed, stamp our drawings. This ensures your home meets local codes while staying true to the design vision. Our goal is a process that feels approachable, collaborative, and reliable.
Questions & Answers.
What is Custom Nordic Home Design service?
Custom Nordic Home Design is our bespoke architectural service for custom single-family new builds and ADUs. We apply modern, energy-efficient Scandinavian principles: clean lines, abundant natural light, neutral palettes, authentic materials, and energy-smart construction.
What types of projects do you take on?
Nordic Home Plans specializes in designing custom single-family new builds and ADU-s.
What is the first step if I want to work with Nordic Home Plans on a new project?
Start with a free design call. We’ll discuss your goals, budget, site, and timeline, and confirm that your brief fits our modern, energy-efficient Scandinavian approach.
If we’re aligned, we move to a short feasibility study: we review the site, outline your requirements, and check local zoning/bylaws. You’ll receive a concise report and a detailed, fixed-scope proposal including a clear cost breakdown and next steps for your custom single-family home or ADU.
How much are architectural fees?
Our fees are based on the value and scope of each project, so they can vary depending on factors like design complexity, overall project size, construction budget, location, and how involved you’d like us to be throughout the process.
For full-service architecture – from early concept design through construction support – our fees typically fall in the 8%–10% range of the total construction cost. That said, we don’t rely on a percentage alone. We tailor pricing to match the actual level of service and time required.
For smaller or more straightforward projects, we can also offer a fixed-fee proposal based on a defined scope and estimated hours, broken down by project phases.
Once we understand your goals and requirements, we’re happy to put together a clear, customized fee proposal with a transparent cost breakdown for each stage.
Can I choose specific phases to work with you?
You can choose the design phases that fit your needs and budget. Many clients start with pre-design research, then move into schematic design and design development.
Once the design is finalized, you have two options. You can continue with us and we’ll prepare the permit-ready construction documents. Or we can hand off the architectural design so your chosen local professional can create and coordinate the detailed construction and permitting documents required in your area. We’re also available for coordination and support as needed.
Bidding and construction administration are optional add-ons if you’d like our help finding a trusted contractor and supporting you through construction all the way to completion.
Where do you offer your custom design services?
While the U.S. is currently our primary audience, Nordic Home Plans also works with clients outside the United States. We’ve had customers in Canada and across Europe, and we can provide a complete set of design and construction documents for building permit submissions in many locations through our extensive network of trusted partners.
We typically meet and coordinate through online calls, but we can also arrange in-person meetings if needed.