The design phase is where many construction projects go sideways, not because the design is bad, but because no one is connecting the dots between vision, design, and buildability. At SJT, we bridge that gap. We act as your guide through the design process, connecting you with the right professionals and staying involved to ensure every design decision translates into an exceptional built result.
About Home Design
At SJT Contracting, we believe the design phase is where a great build is won or lost, and we take that seriously.
From the moment you begin working with a draftsperson or architect, we’re in the room with you. Our role goes well beyond reviewing finished drawings. We work closely alongside your designer throughout the entire process, asking the right questions early, flagging details that affect cost and constructability, and making sure the plans that come out the other end are ones we can actually build to your budget. The more ambitious your vision, the more hands-on we get.
Draftspeople and architects are incredibly talented at creating beautiful, well-designed homes. Where a builder’s input becomes invaluable is in the real-world pricing of those designs. Construction costs shift constantly, and having a builder at the table during the design process means fewer surprises when it comes time to price the build. We help keep the design grounded in what’s achievable, so the number you see at the end reflects the home you actually want to build.
We also maintain strong working relationships with a number of highly skilled designers right here in the Okanagan. Once you share your inspiration and walk us through what you’re looking for, we can point you toward the person we genuinely believe is the right fit for your project. It’s a matchmaking process that has made a real difference for our clients, and getting the right designer on board from the start sets the tone for everything that follows.
Ready to start designing your home? Let’s talk.
Our Partner Network
We have built strong working relationships with draftspeople and interior designers across the Okanagan. When we refer you to a design partner, it is a considered recommendation, based on your project type, your aesthetic preferences, and your budget. We have never gotten that call wrong.
How the Design-Build Process Works
Building a home is one of the biggest decisions you will make. At SJT Contracting, we have built a clear, guided design process so you always know what is coming next and feel confident in every choice along the way.
- We start with a one-on-one meeting to learn about you: your lifestyle, priorities, and vision for your new home.
- We review your lot or land to understand the site constraints, orientation, and any local requirements that will shape the design.
- We discuss your budget range so we can point you toward plans and finishes that are realistic from the start.
- By the end of this meeting, we’ll have a clear picture of what you’re looking for and a path forward.
- Based on what we discuss in your consultation, we’ll take one of two paths:
- We can show you plans from homes we have built before that are similar to what you are looking for, which is a great starting point if you have a style or layout in mind.
- Or, if your vision calls for something more custom, we’ll introduce you to the designer or architect we think will be the best fit for your home and your goals.
- Either way, we walk through the layout and flow together, reviewing how it sits on your lot and what can be modified to suit your needs.
- Once you’ve landed on a plan, we confirm the final layout before moving into finishes.
This is where SJT gets fired up. We get very granular when we start talking about how your home is going to look, feel, and perform. We will start bringing ideas to the table that most homeowners would never even know were possible. This is the step where we take your design intentions and intertwine them with exciting building science practices to build a home that is healthy, comfortable, and beautifully designed.
- We start by getting a clear picture of your vision for the home. What style are you drawn to? What matters most to you in terms of finishes and materials?
- From there, we guide you through the full selections process covering everything from flooring, cabinetry, and countertops to tile, fixtures, and paint.
- Based on the look and feel you are going for, we connect you with the interior designer we think is the right fit for your project.
- All selections are documented and locked in before construction starts so your budget and schedule stay on track.
- Once everything is signed off, we move into the build phase with a complete scope of work in hand.
Start Here
Let’s Start with a Conversation.
We’re selective about who we build with, because that’s how we do our best work. Book a consultation to find out if SJT is the right fit for your design build.