Great homes don’t happen by accident. Our elevated residential design services bring intention to every square foot, prioritizing architectural detail and lasting value. With designers and builders collaborating from day one, we make sure every idea is thoughtfully executed and beautifully realized.
We begin every project with our signature, hands-on design discovery process: an engaging, in-depth exploration focused on what you value most. This isn’t a cookie-cutter questionnaire or mood board exercise. It’s a collaborative session with our full design team, where you’ll explore materials, discuss function, and shape the vision for your space.
Our in-house team manages everything from permits to punch lists, uniting architects, designers, and builders under one roof. We know your home isn’t just a job site; it’s where your life unfolds. That’s why we protect your space, respect your routines, and work with care around your family and schedule.
STEP 1:
We start by taking a close look at your wishlist, budget, and lifestyle. If you’re unsure where to begin, we’ll help shape the vision and point you in the right direction.
STEP 2:
This is where ideas begin to take shape. We create architectural plans that define the scope of work and establish the framework for your budget.
STEP 3:
Next comes the part many clients love most. Material selections, samples, and fixture options bring the vision to life. You’ll see how everything works together and start to fall in love with the details.
STEP 4:
We manage construction with care, exceeding industry standards and keeping everything on schedule. Our team coordinates trades, manages materials, oversees inspections, and stays hands-on through the very end. Behind the scenes, our financial team keeps a close eye on your budget, because protecting your investment is just as important as the finished result.
Kendall Design + Build handles absolutely everything—from space planning to the last dot of paint on the wall and everything in between. Our clients tell us what they want, and our design build firm makes it happen!
While most clients hire Kendall Design + Build for our full-service design build remodeling, we may occasionally offer design-only or construction-only services depending on project scope and scheduling. Our integrated design-build process ensures the best results for high-end home remodeling projects in Metro Detroit, but we’re happy to discuss your needs.
Yes. Kendall Design + Build distributes 4 lines of custom cabinetry including a fully custom line, and our carpenters are second to none. We also have trade relationships with many design-only lines of furniture, décor and window treatments and we incorporate soft design into as many projects as possible.
Yes. Appliance selection is an important part of many kitchen remodeling projects. Our team works closely with trusted appliance partners to ensure appliances fit the design, budget, and installation timeline. Because our appliance specialists work directly from your architectural plans, we ensure seamless integration with cabinetry and layout.
Kendall Design + Build focuses on large-scale, high-end remodeling projects, with a typical minimum project investment of $50,000. For smaller home repairs or handyman services in Royal Oak or Metro Detroit, we recommend our sister company Hearth and Home Handyman Services.
Hiring a design-build firm means your designer, architect, and construction team work together under one roof. This integrated approach improves communication, reduces delays, and often lowers project costs. Communication is streamlined, construction processes and schedules are streamlined and clients never have to bounce back and forth between different groups to get answers or solve problems. The design-build team is doing that for you.
Also—putting everything under one roof saves clients on average 12-15% over hiring separate firms—and jobs are completed on average 20% more quickly.
Our design-build remodeling process ensures every project runs smoothly from concept to completion. We start by learning as much as we can about our client’s lives, needs, wants and budgets. We draw floor plans, blueprints, present detailed proposals, and then the real work starts.
While the build team is busy pulling permits, informing trades, and preparing the home for construction, the design team is honing in on material selections and creating detailed spec books, and making sure materials are on time and intact to accommodate construction schedules.
Throughout the construction process, we are managing the job site, monitoring for quality and ensuring that all inspections are passed, managing invoices, and keeping our clients up to date on everything happening. As the project comes to a close, we bring in our finishing detailers to make sure everything is as close to perfect as possible and our clients are happy.
Our designers , like most design teams, start with client inspiration photos and an interview. The next step is material selection presentations which are hands-on and very detailed. Sometimes we realize that a client loves a style they never thought they would -or wants to take a risk on something new, and we love these moments.
We tailor all of our work to each individual client—and are committed to providing each and every Kendall Design + Build client with a one-of-a-kind design.
Kendall Design + Build charges a flat design fee rather than hourly billing. This approach allows clients to fully explore design ideas, architectural layouts, and materials without worrying about accumulating hourly costs.
Our project management teams communicate regularly through the project and weekly schedule updates are provided. Some clients opt for weekly calls and the management and design team communicate regularly as well. We communicate and we’re on site.
That depends on the project. We set realistic scheduling expectations on every project, don’t overcommit ourselves (which can cause delays) and work steadily toward quality completions on every job.
We can start planning new projects within a month—always! Most remodeling projects begin with a design and planning phase lasting approximately two months, during which we develop architectural drawings and floor plans. Construction typically starts about 90 days after floor plans are done and contracts signed. During that 90 days we’re waiting for permits, prepping for construction and doing the heavy design work with you so you won’t be waiting.
Remodeling is always challenging, but Kendall Design + Build made the process as smooth as possible. Very responsive, helpful, and professional, and the subcontractors were great to work with as well.
—Karyn S.