DESIGN BLOG
Builder Partner Highlight: Joel Walter, NJW Construction
Our success depends upon the expertise of the builder and contractor partners that we work with on a daily basis. They build the vision that we help create. The relationship we have with NJW Construction is a new one, but one we hope will continue for many years to come. Joel Walter offered some thoughts on his experience working with RDS. We really value this new partnership!
Front Entry In Process, Worthington Remodel
How has your experience been working with Jim and RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
Our experience has been very positive. RDS helps with the design process to work through problems in a positive way, which is really important to me as a remodeler.
What projects have you worked on with RDS?
We are working on a mudroom and bathroom addition for a Worthington home. This is our first remodeling project with RDS. We did collaborate on a couple NARI sponsored events at Boo at The Zoo at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Jim designed the “not so scary zoo fun houses” and we built the temporary structures.
“I really appreciate Jim and his team being available on the phone (which doesn’t happen as frequently in the business world anymore) and taking the time to talk and discuss the project. They take care of questions and answers in a very timely manner, which makes my job that much easier.”
Jim creates the architectural design work for us and really listens to the needs of the client. He incorporates those needs into the drawings which makes the project come together much easier.
Front Elevation Before, Worthington Remodel
We communicate by phone, email, and sharing photos on our phones. [Jim is] very receptive to thoughts, questions, issues and ideas. I like to say that some people work with you to complete a project and some people work against you, including designers, subcontractors, and suppliers. Jim and his team work with us to complete a project. In my world, this is a huge plus. He and his team are good at finding a solution to a problem, not saying, “we can’t fix it.” In the remodeling world, finding solutions are vital.
What is your overall experience like when working with RDS?
My experience continues to be very positive. Jim is very thorough and dedicated to his craft and the needs of his clients [and] he has a great group of people working with him.
What advice would you offer to a builder/remodeler/tradesperson who is starting to work with a designer?
Bring as much information to the meetings as possible, including client selections, designs wishes, thoughts, reviews, inspiration, and photos. Having as much information as possible always helps the design process at the beginning.
Do you plan to work with RDS again?
Yes–we had a very positive experience with RDS. Jim’s expertise and design has made our project move quickly and smoothly.
👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻And that’s something we are very happy to hear! If you’re interested in working with RDS and NJW, please give us a call today at 614.430.0027!
Room Addition: A Client Testimonial
Our clients, Barb and Kevin, came to us looking for some help to make their home function more efficiently for their family of four. We worked hard to design the best solution for their needs and lifestyle. Read on to learn about their experience with the RDS team.
“We had the great pleasure of working with Residential Designed Solutions during our recent home remodel. My husband and I were unsure of where to begin when it came to expanding our home, but Jim and his team helped us think through both the form and function of the space and worked to design a beautiful addition that includes a mud room, laundry room, full bathroom, and study space. The exterior design that Jim created is stunning and transforms the entire look of our home.
“The RDS team thought of every detail, took the time to learn
our needs and designed a room addition that was the ideal
extra space we needed, especially during this pandemic.”
“During the last few weeks, we have put this design to the test with home schooling and working from home, as well as hundreds of loads of laundry. We could not be more pleased with how the addition has enhanced our lives, as well as improving the functionality of our home. The RDS team thought of every detail, took the time to learn our needs and designed a room addition that was the ideal extra space we needed, especially during this pandemic.”
We were honored to help Barb, Kevin, and family with their room addition and are even more excited that they couldn’t be happier with the end result. Creating personalized solutions for clients like Barb and Kevin makes what we do much more than a job.
Please reach out today if you’re considering a home addition. We’d love to find the perfect solution for you. ❤️
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.
RDS Awarded a 2018 NARI ACE AWARD
Winning an award is always exciting! Being awarded a NARI ACE Award is one of those exciting moments-because it happened again this year! We couldn’t be more proud of this award here at Residential Designed Solutions; we do what we do because of our clients.
What is the NARI Ace Award?
NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) of central Ohio gives ACE (Achievement in Consumer Excellence) awards yearly. Clients complete a survey online describing the work performed by the company and rating the company’s quality of work, responsiveness/reliability, timeliness/punctuality, and professionalism.
This award is important to us because it is a recognition program based on our clients’ feedback. Being recognized with the NARI Achievement in Consumer Excellence Award helps more consumers be aware of us, provides us with valuable client feedback, and recognizes us for the quality work we do.
We are honored to receive this recognition again this year. We take our craft seriously - designing homes is what we do! Thank you to our clients for their trust in us and for taking the time to recognize our work and their belief in us at RDS.
Surprise and Inspiration at RDS 2018
As 2018 comes to an end, we look forward to what 2019 is going to bring. We’ve been reflecting on 2018 here at Residential Designed Solutions, asking the question to our designers and staff, "What has surprised/inspired you this year and how, both professionally and personally?” Our answers are as varied and unique as all of us and we want to share them with you. Ask yourself the same question! You might be surprised by the answer.
Jim Wright
A new design challenge always brings a little extra adrenaline to the process. With the Evans Farm development coming online this year and providing the opportunity to design a Parade of Homes house, I’m finding that absorbing and working within the very specific architectural guidelines is adding some design excitement! It is always inspiring to be part of the initial design process in a master planned community.
On the personal side, we welcomed our first grandchild in February, a very handsome and inquisitive little boy. He is telling us all about a lot of things, is crawling, and has just discovered that floor registers are removable! We enjoy spending as much time with him as possible, as you can imagine.
Hylas Stemen
This year at RDS has brought new responsibilities. Some have allowed me to grow in areas that are new; others have allowed me to revisit areas that I thoroughly enjoy. The Front Porch Friday videos have been fun and challenging at the same time. I often prefer the behind the scenes approach and there is nothing behind the scenes about being on camera! Providing clients with color selection assistance for their new projects has given me another avenue to use my creativity. From tiles to granite, to cabinets and paint colors, it’s been a pleasure helping clients see their projects really come together. I am hopeful that both avenues will continue to help RDS grow our business and brand to the public, as well as within the building industry.
Personally, in May of 2017, my 16-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia. After extensive treatments last year, trips to Philadelphia for immunotherapy over the winter, and missing the entire school year, he received a bone marrow transplant in March of this year. He is back to school cancer-free this fall and doing very well. We are enjoying the good days! His experience has taught me the valuable lesson that ‘Every Day is a Gift.’ We continue to pray that his good health remains, and continues to get better.
Michelle Bush
Professionally, I was inspired by our Front Porch Friday series. I have learned a lot from them and even though I was a fan of DIY projects to begin with, after a little research on different topics, I feel even more confident to take on more projects on my own. I also feel as though from learning all of these new things that I am also a little wiser on not taking on some projects that I would have otherwise because now I know what is actually involved.
Personally, I’d say I’m a little surprised at how much life can change in one year. Justin and I had been planning to start a family, but planning and having it actually begin to happen are two different things. It has been a year full of mixed emotions and excitement. I am excited for what the remainder of the year holds for us.
Caleb Frost
On April 2nd, seven months ago, I stepped out of my car and walked into Residential Designed Solutions. I was on the edge of a new beginning personally and professionally and didn’t fully appreciate the challenges and rewards that awaited me.
One of my favorite childhood pastimes was to sit at the window in my room and daydream about house designs. One day it would be a rugged mountain cabin defying its natural surroundings and the next day a quaint getaway by a peaceful trickling stream. I would then sketch these simple conceptions in my graph paper notebook. As is true of most sketches these were simple representations of space and form, completely devoid of the detail necessary to make such structures stand in the real world. Now this romantic love of childhood was going to be what I would do every day. The stage for my surprise and future inspiration was set.
Working at RDS hasn’t been all a daydream through the windows of imagination. There has been a lot to learn about the practice of architectural drafting. Along the way I have come to appreciate the detail and accuracy that goes into even the simplest construction drawing sets. I’ve been brought face to face with some of my personal weaknesses; acknowledged them and endeavored to use them to become stronger. The journey has encouraged me to continue growing personally and professionally.
I am blessed to work with the team here at RDS. They work continually to create strategies and procedures that enable us to meet the demands of an ever- changing market. Their commitment to providing a higher quality of service for the amazing people we work with inspires me. There have been many lessons from this that I have taken for myself. To each of my coworkers here at RDS and those of you I get to work with a big thank you. This November I’m thankful to be a member of the RDS team.
Dominic Luppino
Watching my two daughters grow into adulthood, each adjusting to new challenges this year (one starting college, the other beginning a career as a pharmacy technician) has both surprised and inspired me. They have reached far with bravery and enthusiasm and that inspires me in my work and personal life.
Barb Marquis
In the past year, I have been inspired professionally by witnessing fair and honest business practices. Whether the account is large or small, the consistency of doing business with honesty and integrity is considered a core value of the company.
On a personal note, these values are also practiced when interacting with associates of RDS. It is an honor to be a part of the RDS team.
All of us here at RDS wish you the best for these last days of 2018. As 2019 approaches, should you be in the need of home renovation plans or a new house plan, our designers would love to surprise and inspire you with our thoughtful and well-designed house plans!
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!
Thanks to Our Builders and Industry Friends
To all our building, remodeling and industry friends that we have had the opportunity to work with over this past year we say thank you! It is always a pleasure and honor for us to be allowed to play a part in your construction projects. We enjoy working with you, as one of your team members, to help your homeowners realize their dreams.
We wish all of you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving and the happiest of holiday seasons!
Another Dose of Inspiration - NARI Home Improvement Tour
Dave Osmond Builders RDS Design
NARI Home Improvement Tour
The NARI Home Improvement Tour is the 15th and 16th of September, and this year’s show has all the hallmarks of being another amazing show. This one is perfect for those of us that love where we live, love many things about our home, but are looking for some inspiration and changes to our beloved home. Ooh and aah as you view a new great room and covered porch, a whole house remodel, a stunning master suite, a gorgeous kitchen and family room renovation, and more. You’ll definitely find some inspiration here!
Do you want to change the footprint, add a room, renovate a space, or just update your existing rooms with new paint and décor? Then this show is for you!
When: Saturday, September 15th 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday, September 16th 12:00pm-5:00pm
Where: Drive to 11 newly remodeled homes on this tour. Homes are located in Delaware, Powell, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Clintonville, and Worthington. See them all or just the ones you are interested in.
Check out the website for details about each home, tickets, and more!
https://www.trustnari.org/event/2018-fall-home-improvement-tour/
Our Downloadable Form for the Home Improvement Tour
Since so many of you commented on and used our RDS downloadable Parade form, we’ve created one for you to use for this tour. Jot down what has inspired you, whether it’s the room itself, the colors used, the decor, the flooring, wall treatments, or finishings.
Our RDS NARI Home Improvement Form Click on the link and use this sheet to keep track of everything that you want to think more about and not forget!
Still Need Inspiration?
Are you still on the search for more ideas? We’ve got them! We pride ourselves on doing the very best for our clients. Check out what we are inspired by and what we’ve designed for our clients.
Visit our:
· Website
Our designers are here and ready to bring your dreams and inspirations to life. Contact us and we will get the process started, whether it is to redesign one room or create a new home, all while keeping your budget and needs in mind.
Inspiration Sources! #beinspired
Are you ready to make some changes to your home or sell yours and build a new home? Do you know where to find inspiration for new ideas? We love inspiration and are always looking for new sources to help our clients visualize what they have been dreaming about or provide them with ideas when they didn’t know they needed them. Luckily, there is inspiration available everywhere!
2018 BIA Parade of Homes
One of the biggest sources of inspiration is right around the corner. The BIA Parade of Homes is an ultimate source of creativity whether you are looking to find ideas for building a home or just making updates to your own home. Colors, designs, floorplans, use of space, furniture styles, fantastic appliances; you name it and you will see what is new, trending, coming soon, and timeless, classic features.
When: September 1st-16th, 2018
Where: Eversole Run at Jerome Village. Jerome Village is located in Jerome Township, in the Dublin City School District. Jerome Village is stunning, with 13 neighborhoods and a community center with pool, fitness center, and restaurant.
What better way to find new ideas than by winding your way through this year’s seven stunning homes?
This year’s participants are:
· 3 Pillar Homes
· Arthur Rutenburg Homes
· Bob Webb Homes
· Coppertree Homes
· Manor Homes
· Memmer Homes
· Romanelli & Hughes
For more information about this year’s event, click here. http://www.biaparade.com/aws/BIA/pt/sp/biaparade_home
Our Downloadable Form for the Parade
While you’re visiting each home, why not jot down ideas and floorplans that inspire you? In order to make this easier for you, we’ve created a form for you to download and use at the Parade. Love the lighting, the floorplan, the paint colors, design pieces, outside areas, and more?
Use this sheet to keep track of everything that you want to think more about and not forget! Parade Form
More Inspiration
Can’t make it to the Parade this year? Don’t worry! See what inspires us and what we have designed for our clients. We’d love to meet with you and help your inspirations come alive.
You can visit our:
NARI Home Improvement Tour
Another event to remember, and we will share more information with you soon, is the upcoming NARI Home Improvement Tour on September 15th & 16th. (We’re even creating a form for you to use at this event.) https://www.trustnari.org/consumers-and-homeowners/home-improvement-showcase/
All of us here at RDS love creating designs for new homes and remodeling projects. Call us and let’s get your ideas down on paper, revealing your dreams and turning them into your reality.