DESIGN BLOG
Our Client's Remodel Experience
Jennifer and Dave loved their Worthington home but needed to make a few changes before it would be *perfect* for their family. After walking through their existing first floor and listening to their wants and needs, Jim was able to provide several options that would add functionality to their first floor, make the best use of the space, and come in at a budget they were comfortable with. Scroll down to see what before and after project photos and read what Jennifer and Dave had to say about their experience working with our team.
How was your experience working with Jim and RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
We had a great experience. When we reached out to RDS we were already working with a remodeling company, however, after debating forever about what walls should come down, we realized we needed a professional home designer. Upon entering our house Jim knew exactly what we needed to do. He told us he had designed many remodels for homes from the same time period with similar layouts. He confidently provided advice on how we could open up
our space and take advantage of the view to our backyard. His expertise was just what we needed at that point in our project.
Why did you choose RDS to complete your home design plans?
We saw the RDS signs around Worthington and knew he was a busy local home designer, which was the role we were missing with our remodeling team at that time.
“Upon entering our house Jim knew exactly what we needed to do. He told us he had designed many remodels for homes from the same time period with similar layouts. He confidently provided advice on how we could open up our space and take advantage of the view to our backyard. His expertise was just what we needed at that point in our project. ”
If you could change one thing, what would you change?
We wouldn’t change anything. We love how our home turned out and it was a great process.
What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home?
Make sure to enlist the services of an experienced professional architect or designer. Jim confidently told us of other similar projects, which is an important indication of experience. He provided a
series of sketches for options A – E and we had a second meeting to select elements from the different designs. It was a very efficient process.
What is your favorite aspect of your updated first floor?
Jim suggested putting in large windows and taking down the walls along the back of our home to maximize the natural light, and it looks amazing. We now have a perfect view out to our backyard from both our family room and kitchen.
Thank you for the kind words, Jennifer and Dave!
We strive to create designs that will add value to our clients lives, in addition to meeting their needs. If you’re interested in remodeling your home, please contact us to today to start the conversation.
Remodel by: Pat Scales Remodeling
Photos courtesy of: Pat Scales Remodeling
Project Profile – Adding Space to a Ranch Home
One of our best resources for business are our builder relationships. So, when Blanchard Builders reached out to us with a project, we were excited to jump in and create a new space for their clients.
Rick and Patty had recently moved from a two-story home in Worthington to an older ranch home. The couple was looking for a home without stairs and wanted to stay in the Worthington area. But while their new home was all one level, it was missing a few things.
We find this to be a common issue with older ranch homes – the need for more closet space, bigger bathrooms, an open floor plan, and a larger kitchen. Many of our clients want to be in a certain area of town, but the homes don’t meet all their needs.
In Rick and Patty’s new home, the laundry was in the basement, which meant they would be going up and down the stairs – the exact thing they were trying to avoid. In addition to moving the laundry to the first floor, a walk-in closet, and larger master suite with more vanity space in the bathroom and a sitting room were on their must-haves list.
Budget is a concern with every project, and it’s often challenging to find enough space to accomplish the homeowner’s goals without compromising their budget. But we work hard to find the best solution for each of our clients. Mike from Blanchard Builders is a pro at this too. He’s always on the ball and up front with clients. He wants to make them happy and keep the project on budget.
We got to work and drew up plans, adding a couple hundred square feet to the back of the 1,428 sf home. Every project is a process, and where we start isn’t always where we end up. With a final square footage of 1,868 sf, we were able to redesign the space to accommodate everything Rick and Patty wanted.
Not every project we undertake is a custom home or a complete remodel. Sometimes it’s adding space to the back of the home and shifting the floor plan around to accommodate the homeowner’s lifestyle. Reach out to us with the needs and wants you have for your home and we will work together to bring your vision to life.
Our Client's Experience - Adding to the Home
We design more than custom homes and whole-house remodels. Every bit as important to us are the smaller remodeling projects. These are the projects that make the biggest difference in the lives of our clients. We recently finished a project like that for Patty and Rick Bradley after they downsized to an older ranch home in Worthington, Ohio. While their new home was all one level, it was missing a few things. Patty and Rick wanted to add space in the bedroom and bring the laundry room to the first floor. It was our pleasure to work with the Bradleys to bring their vision to life.
What was your experience like with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
Hylas Stemen, Designer and Project Manager, worked with us to design an addition to the back of our master bedroom in the older home we purchased, incorporating a laundry room and large walk-in closet in this space. Hylas was interested in what our needs were, worked with us in the design, made changes when needed and worked to keep our project within our budget. He also helped us collaborate with our builder, Blanchard Builders, who had recommended Residential Designed Solutions to us.
What space(s) did you have redesigned?
We extended the back of our house 200 sq.ft. to enlarge the existing master bedroom and allow for a sitting area. Hylas designed an enlarged master bathroom and walk-in closet, and a sizeable laundry room to bring our laundry to the first floor from the basement. Hylas walked us through options and presented concept sketches to ensure he had captured what we were looking for. He redrew the plans when we found the original to have been beyond our budget - this was because of miscommunication between us and the builder. At all times he was professional and considerate of our needs.
We got everything we asked for! The size of the room is
perfect, the closet space is amazing, the bathroom elegant,
and the laundry room perfectly located. I could not pick
one thing over another - we love it all.
If you could change one thing, what would you change?
I would have liked to have had a meeting with the builder and RDS together at the onset, so that everyone was clear about the proposed budget.
What was your overall experience like?
This major addition to our little home was the best experience we could have had, and it puts our home in perfect condition to serve us through our retirement years.
What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home?
Make sure everyone is clear about the proposed budget, so no one, particularly the designer, needs to duplicate any work.
Who else did you reach out to for designing your home?
We did not talk with anyone else. Residential Designed Solutions was recommended to us by our builder, Blanchard Builders, and after meeting Hylas and seeing his ideas, there was no need to go anywhere else.
Would you do it again?
Yes, absolutely. We appreciated their professionalism, dedication to their craft, and their communication with us.
Patty and Rick trusted us to take their vision and make their home work for them. Can we help you? Give us a call 614-430-0037.
Residential Designed Solutions and Jimenez-Haid Do It Again!
Residential Designed Solutions and Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders do it again! The latest issue of Housetrends features a gorgeous home in Dublin that we designed from all of the clients’ requests, photos and detailed design ideas. Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders brought it all to life.
We lovingly call this home Magnificent Modern! It features contemporary details and curved walls and soffits. An oval landing and center opening in the foyer, with a great deal of steel needed to make it work, creates quite the statement. In keeping with the curves inside the home, we designed curved stairs to the outdoor living areas.
Have we piqued your interest in the home? Read all about this Magnificent Modern home in the latest issue of Housetrends Magazine.
All of the details and photos will have you saying, “Wow!”
We’d love to design a “Magnificent” home for you. Contact us at 614.430.0027 or email us at info@rdshomedesign.com to start the process.
Thanks to Our Clients!
As we quickly approach the start of the family holiday season, we are reminded of all the wonderful folks we have had an opportunity to work with over this past year. You invite us into your lives to help you with designing a new home for your family or reimagining your existing home to better meet your needs and we consider it an honor to be asked to do so. We thoroughly enjoy working together solving challenges and helping you to realize your dreams.
We wish each of you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving and the happiest of holiday seasons!
What Our Clients Have to Say
At RDS, we believe that designing a home is one of the most satisfying parts of our work. We love building relationships with our clients, and working with them to bring their dreams to reality. We want you to get an idea of what our clients think of their experience working with us. As you will read, we can design a home for you to build anywhere!
Name: Kirk and Nadine Shepard
How was your experience with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
Our experience with RDS was superb! Working with Jim Wright and his crew was an easy and pleasurable process in designing our homes. After working with Jim on our home in Ohio, we were fortunate to have him design our next home in Connecticut (which was due to a business transfer). His calm and professional manner made this step to homebuilding a joy. Jim was so very helpful in providing suggestions and listening to our needs, which made our finished homes exactly what we had imagined.
What space(s) did you have redesigned or did you have a new home designed?
We have had two new homes and a renovation for a family cottage designed with RDS.
What is the favorite aspect of your new home design?
We loved the general floor plan of our homes; they were functional for a family of six (4 sons!) and were spacious enough to give everyone their own area when needed. Both homes have a warm, comfortable feel about them.
If you could change one thing, what would you change?
After living in the first home in Ohio designed by Jim, we went back to him to see if he could design the same home in Connecticut for us on the property we had purchased. Being the ultimate professional in his craft, at our first meeting, Jim asked us this question. “After living in our home for 2 ½ years, what changes would you want to make?” There were two small changes; he really designed it right the first time!
What was your overall experience like?
Kirk and I have been very satisfied. We have recommended RDS to others and have told them they would not be disappointed.
What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home?
1. Know that there would be many decisions to be made during the design process; it would help to get your ideas and requests down on paper. Start looking at home design magazines, internet sites, drive through some neighborhoods, even visit some open houses to get ideas of your likes and wants for your own home.
2. Get an architect or residential designer that is reputable (do your homework before signing any contracts) and that you feel you have established a good rapport within the initial meetings. This will make the difference in a wonderfully pleasant home building experience, or a complete nightmare.
Who else did you reach out to for designing your home?
We were fortunate to have a neighbor who was a home builder who we admired and trusted, Mr. Ed Lynch, Lynch Builders. Ed recommended Jim Wright, Residential Designed Solutions, as the one to work with. After meeting with Jim, we never needed to contact anyone else.
Would you do it again?
Yes, most definitely!
We’re thrilled that Kirk and Nadine have such confidence in us and have been happy with their homes. Let our designers help you make your dreams a reality. We’d be honored to work with you!
What Our Clients Have to Say
At RDS, we believe that designing a home is one of the most satisfying parts of our work. We love building relationships with our clients, and working with them to bring their dreams to reality. We want you to get an idea of what our clients think of their experience when working with us.
Name: Katy & Jamie Burrier
How was your experience with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
Our experience was amazing. From our first meeting to the final touches, Jim and his team understood our vision. They were incredibly professional and responsive to all of our needs.
What space(s) did you have redesigned, (if applicable) or did you have a new home designed?
We had a new home designed from scratch.
What is the favorite aspect of your new home design?
Our favorite part was the initial drawing that Jim provided because it was designed by hand and was a true reflection of our dream come true on paper!
If you could change one thing, what would you change?
Honestly, we had to think hard to answer this question! I think the only thing we would say is that when the invoices are created, having line item details for invoicing would help with understanding changes.
What was your overall experience like?
We felt like we were in GREAT hands with Jim and his team. We always felt like we mattered as a customer. If it weren’t for Jim’s experience and creativity we wouldn’t be building where we are. We were stuck with how to split the lot and make our house work while leaving a nice sized lot for other buyers (or we wouldn’t have been able to buy the property). In 15 minutes on-site, Jim had an idea that saved our dream lot and made it possible. You don’t see that every day.
What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home?
The most important thing is to spend time ahead of your first meeting looking at floor plans, Pinterest, and Houzz and know in general what your vision is. We actually cut out floor plans and brought our favorite parts of each one to our first meeting, which we believe helped Jim understand our vision from the start. And he’s simply THAT good. Did you know he can draw like a pro upside down so you can be involved in the conversation as we talked through options?
Who else did you reach out to for designing your home?
We did not consider another architect after meeting Jim. We knew he was a good fit for us and had the experience and referrals to back that decision up!
Would you do it again?
If and only if it was with RDS!
Let our designers help you make your dreams a reality. We’d be honored to work with you!
What Our Clients Have to Say - A long term client
At RDS, we believe that designing a home is one of the most satisfying parts of our work. We love building relationships with our clients, and working with them to bring their dreams to reality. We want you to get an idea of what our clients think of their experience working with us.
What was your experience with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
It was a good experience. The designs were creative and the designers were responsive to my requests. He worked hard to stay within our budget.
What space(s) did you have redesigned, (if applicable) or did you have a new home designed?
We expanded our family room, laundry room and storage closet using the existing garage. We built a new, oversized 2-car garage. We needed more space and thought about enclosing our porch and making it a 4-season room. But it was less money to use the existing garage and build a new garage.
What is the favorite aspect of your new home design?
It blended perfectly with existing house and did not appear to be an addition. The bricks match on the front of the home. We did change the windows so that they are all on the same line. Due to our builder’s expertise, all of the floors and woodwork match in the home.
If you could change one thing, what would you change?
There is nothing I would change.
What was your overall experience like?
It was an overall excellent experience. We are thrilled with the look of the home. Anyone looking at it wouldn’t even know that we did anything to the home. That was important to me. Jim and I have similar ideas, which made it easy to work with him. He was able to advise me with how to get the best bang for my buck.
What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home?
Take your time and revisit the plan several times before you finalize the plan.
Who else did you reach out to for designing your home?
No one.
Would you do it again?
Yes! Jim is actually helping us design our new home. We have a great partnership. Jim is very responsive. He is able to take my ideas and articulate them. We’re excited for our new home to be built!
We are so happy that this client not only loves her existing home, but is now building another home we designed for her and her husband. Let our designers help you make your dreams a reality. We’d be honored to work with you!
RDS Turns 30!
We’re pretty excited by this number…we’ve been in business for 30 years as of April 1st, 2018! We celebrated this momentous occasion with a small party in the office on March 28th. To say that I was surprised was an understatement! My staff, fellow designers, builders, and clients made this day very special.
Many people asked me questions during the party so I thought I’d answer a few of them here for all of you. As I said during the party, “It’s been 30 years, one day at a time!”
How did you get your start?
I began my career as a draftsman for a small electronics company and then was able to make a move to work for a residential design firm. After five years I joined Bob Webb Builders where I feel that I received my Masters Degree in construction and basically “how to build the right way”. I worked briefly for another builder prior to starting RDS.
How did you choose Residential Designed Solutions as your company name?
We started out as Designed Solutions but when we incorporated there was another company with the same name so we added the “Residential” to be more descriptive.
Have you always been located where you are now?
The company began in my home study and within a year we moved into our first office on Snouffer Road. Several years later we moved into a larger office in the next building over and in 1999 we moved to our current location.
What is the best part of your job?
There are many aspects that I enjoy but I would have to say that the time I spend designing is my favorite. It’s all about problem-solving, fitting the puzzle pieces together so that they make sense and the spaces flow as we meet our customers’ needs and requirements.
How many homes have you designed/remodeled?
I’ve never stopped to count but as I think about it, it must be over 7500 projects completed to date.
Which design for a new home or remodel has been your favorite and why?
I think the best answer is “the next one”. They’re all “my children” to some extent so it is impossible to pick one as a favorite. The memorable projects are those where we had big challenges to overcome and projects where we broke new ground in terms of design styles.
What have you learned over the last 30 years?
The list is endless. How to run a design business, how to design to meet client needs, how to communicate better, how to be a better person and I am still constantly trying to improve in all those areas.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
Given the construction backgrounds that our design associates have, I would have to say that we speak “Builder” fluently. We understand the cost impact of various design details and how to design to a given price point. We know what adds perceived value over just additional costs.
If you could travel back 30 years, what would you tell yourself based on what you know now?
The list is endless here also but I guess the most important thing would be to just continue to focus on the clients and make sure we’re meeting their needs.
We cherish our relationships with our clients, builders and all the trade people we encounter daily. We take our business and our clients’ needs seriously and are honored to be part of this incredible home building profession. Thanks to all of you for letting us be a small part of your life.
What Our Clients Have to Say
At RDS, we believe that designing a home is one of the most satisfying parts of our work. We love building relationships with our clients and working with them to bring their dreams to reality. We want you to get an idea of what our clients think of their experience working with us.
Name: Kris Cassady
How was your experience with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
We were remodeling our old 1800’s brick home and the foundation collapsed. I was not confident in staying with the architect that has done our original plans and needed a new architect quickly. We were homeless in a matter of minutes.
I found Jim with RDs after some online research. I looked him up on Houzz and loved his designs. I called, explained our situation, and Jim arrived at our home site the following morning with his engineer.
We met and designed options to build onto what was left of our house at the time. (We were awaiting all of the reports from the various structural engineers so we could determine if we could actually build onto the remaining structure.) I was really excited about the design we’d come up with.
After the reports were in, we decided that we would be better off to tear down what was left of our old home and build a new one.
We discussed our options with Jim. Unfortunately, we were not in a position to do a complete custom design as my builder either needed to get started or put us on for the following year. I wanted to go home, so I needed plans fast!
Jim was going to send me a couple of plans that he had from The Plan Drawer, their sister company that sells stock plans. I was wrapped up in insurance stuff and kept checking my email but never received anything. So in a frantic state of mind, I ordered plans online instead of calling Jim. Then after talking to my builder about those online plans, I ordered a second set. At the 2 week mark (from talking to Jim), I emailed Jim early on a Sunday morning. He responded right away. Jim had no idea that I did not receive the plans that he had sent. Jim was able to get me the plans that same Sunday.
THANK GOODNESS!! Both plans were amazing and now we had to make a decision that we would live with for the rest of our lives.
What space(s) did you have redesigned, (if applicable) or did you have a new home designed?
We had a new home designed. Jim will forever hold a special place in my heart.
What is the favorite aspect of your new home design?
I love every single thing about our home design.
If you could change one thing, what would you change?
I made a change to the 2-story fireplace on the back wall and placed windows and a patio door there instead. I want the fireplace (and I will more than likely have my builder back to put it in).
What was your overall experience like?
Nothing short of amazing! With all of our chaos, we ended up with one minor mistake on our plans, which was a small window in a bedroom upstairs. The plans showed it as normal size like the rest of the windows, but we didn’t accommodate for the small roof over the eat-in dining.
None of us caught the error. Not myself, not Jim, not even my builder. It was found the day my builder was roughing in the windows.
When I called Jim to discuss, he offered to pay for the window, taking ownership of the error. We kindly declined.
What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home?
First and foremost, do your homework like I state below, and go with your first choice!
Go to open houses, model homes, and visit websites. Really think about how you live and use your space. Don’t build something because it is popular or trending right now, as your love for something will more than likely change when a new trend comes around. I am not a trendy girl, thank goodness. Make sure you are practical when making decisions and know your local codes. Pinterest is big for some people and I used it for some ideas, which was great. I saw a picture of a master bath with this beautiful small chandelier over the tub. When I discussed this with my builder, most codes do not allow a light fixture over the bathtub. (Makes sense now that I know.) But you can put one right where it clears the tub.
Who else did you reach out to for designing your home?
No one. I did everything else myself. I’ve never considered myself a decorator or designer at all but I have received a ton of compliments from people who have visited our home. People always ask who designed my interior and I just smile and say ME!
Would you do it again?
Funny that you ask! I would prefer not to do it again under the rare circumstance of our house collapsing. But, Jim came to our rescue with an already busy schedule. My builder is local in our community and has been building for 35-40 years. He is a tough cookie and likes details. He usually picks architects apart as he likes the plans a certain way. Well, my builder really liked Jim and had no complaints about his plans. When my builder did have a few questions, he was able to call Jim and discuss them right away. Amazing teamwork! If we were looking to move and build again, I would probably build the other design that Jim sent me that I didn’t choose as I know it would be beautiful as well. I would use Jim and have recommended RDS many times since my experience.
We are so happy that Kris is happy with her new home after going through so much. Let our designers help you make your dreams a reality. We’d be honored to work with you!