Design Builder Trends: What to Look Out For

Imagine building your dream home from the ground up. Now imagine coordinating with dozens of designers and contractors to make it happen. If that thought stops you in your tracks, you're not alone.

Managing a large-scale construction project demands time and attention most people don't have to spare. If you can relate, but you won't settle for anything less than a custom home, consider working with a design builder.

A design-build firm will walk you through the home building process step by step. They will handle every last detail from start to finish, so you can relax and enjoy the process. 

Sound too good to be true? It's not! Keep reading to learn more about design-build construction and its benefits.

We'll also share a few of the hottest design-build trends in South Florida, in case you need some inspiration to get started. 



What Is a Design Builder?

Design-build construction is the fastest-growing segment of the construction industry in America. Design-build firms work under a single contract to deliver a project from idea to completion. 

Traditionally, the design-bid-build model required project owners to first work with an architect, then collect multiple construction bids from unassociated building companies.

A design builder eliminates the need to seek bids by uniting the designer and builder from the beginning. There are many benefits to this approach. 

The Benefits of Using a Design-Build Firm

Clients love design-build firms for the convenience they offer. Under this construction model, the design builder takes care of all logistics. A project owner's only responsibility is to provide vision, budget, and occasional feedback. 

At your initial building design meeting, you'll discuss your dream home over coffee with the entire design-build team. This format encourages a shared vision between the client, designer, and builder from day one. 

Design-build firms assemble teams made up of professionals they respect and trust. So you can expect top-quality service. Working with a talented, unified group eliminates the blame games that are so common in design-bid-build situations. 

Design-build teams also tend to be more creative and innovative, since they work together all the time. Most design builders have teamwork down to a science, leaving plenty of time to focus on building something remarkable for you. 

When you sign a design-build contract, you will save money and have a more enjoyable experience overall. Individuals who have worked with design builders frequently say it is the best decision they ever made. 

Design-Build Trends in South Florida

When you work with a design builder, the outcome is up to you. In the end, your home should be exactly what you imagined. 

If you're not sure where to begin, it can be helpful to gather inspiration from others. Once you've narrowed things down, you can work with your design-build team to make the project your own. Here are a few of the top building design trends in South Florida to get you started. 

Modern Upgrades

Signing a design-build contract doesn't always mean you have to build a brand new home. South Florida is full of aging houses in prime locations – more often than not, their structure is solid. Many homeowners opt to upgrade an existing building to modern standards. 

This home in Delray Beach's Addison Reserve golf community went from outdated to stylish when it received custom marble wall slabs, limestone accents, glass railings, and a new pool with contemporary hardscaping. 

Luxury condos are also excellent candidates for floor-to-ceiling renovation projects. Just like a single-family home, it's possible to completely transform your duplex or high-rise unit.

Indoor-Outdoor Living

With balmy weather year-round, the Miami area is perfect for indoor-outdoor living. You'll want to be ready to host friends and family for all kinds of celebrations. Pools, outdoor kitchens, and open-air lounge areas are popular additions to design-build projects. 

This waterfront estate in Fort Lauderdale is a nice example of how you can combine hardscaping and landscaping to create a luxurious, private outdoor setting. The pool deck blends seamlessly with the surface of the water, and the vines give the space a lush, tropical atmosphere.

Picture yourself in a comfortable lounge chair, enjoying a cocktail while you soak up the warm sunshine Florida is famous for. 

Custom Millwork

Custom millwork might bring to mind traditional, intricate crown moulding – a beautiful option, if that's your style. But did you know custom millwork can also be used to create clean, modern lines?

Take a look at the fireplace surround in this Boca Raton, FL lake house. The homeowners also added custom wood paneling on the ceiling, which gives the sitting area a sophisticated feel. 

Sleek and Chic

South Florida property owners are crazy about clean, bright spaces designed to showcase the beautiful views. Gleaming white kitchens with solid surface countertops allow fresh tropical flower arrangements to take center stage. 

In this breathtaking condo, mirrored walls reflect the ocean from every direction, and a glass balcony rail provides a top-notch viewing experience. Built-in headboards and wall-mounted bathroom vanities are sleek, modern details. 

White interiors with luxury finishes and plenty of shine are also a wonderful backdrop for interesting art. If you don't have an art collection yet, you will soon – South Florida has a world-class art scene.

Luxurious Bathrooms

The average adult spends more than an hour in the bathroom every day, so it should be a room you love. Most design-build clients ask for deluxe master bathrooms. Spacious showers, elevated tubs, and flattering lighting are common requests as well. 

When designing your dream bathroom, it's important to consider details such as storage space, towel rack placement, and water-friendly finishes. Your design-build team will pair you with a talented interior designer who can help. 

A Design Builder Can Make Your Dream a Reality

Now that you know a design builder can take your home building project from dream to reality, it's time to start planning. When you choose to work with a design-build team, you are truly the creative director. 

It's a good idea to bring an inspiration board to your initial building design meeting. The designer will appreciate your clear vision, and the builder will be able to point out any potential challenges.

If you're ready to live in your dream space, contact us to schedule a free consultation today.