When homeowners embark on the journey of designing and building their dream home, most assume that hiring an architect is the logical first step.
Yet, the harsh reality is that 80% of projects that go through a traditional architectural design phase are never built.

That means countless hours, emotions, and financial resources are poured into designs that never materialize. The problem isn’t the talent of the architects—it’s the inefficiency of the traditional design-bid-build model, where architects, interior designers, and contractors operate separately and in their own best interests, rather than the clients.

At Hill & Harbor Design Build, we’ve flipped this outdated model on its head. Our fully integrated design-build process ensures that 99.9% of our projects are successfully built, and we have the data to prove it. Here’s how we’re redefining luxury homebuilding, delivering **magazine-worthy homes in 12 to 14 months—**sometimes even ahead of schedule—while traditional architect-led projects can take up to three years.

The Problem with the Traditional Architect-Led Model

Most homeowners working with an independent architect end up navigating a fragmented and frustrating process:

1. Architectural Design Phase (12-24 months)

The architect creates a vision, but there’s no early collaboration with builders or interior designers.
Homeowners fall in love with the design, unaware of its feasibility or true cost.

2. Bidding & Value Engineering (6-12 months)

Once designs are complete, the project goes out to bid, and the sticker shock sets in.
The project either gets redesigned (starting the process over) or abandoned.

3. Construction (16-24 months, if it happens at all)

If the project moves forward, delays are common due to design gaps, misalignment, and unexpected cost overruns. Communication breakdowns between the architect, contractor, and interior designer create inefficiencies.

Typical Design - Bid - Build Timeline (in months)

Hill & Harbor Design + Build Timeline (in months)

A top interior designer we’re bringing onto our team recently told us:

“I’m tired of the triangular architect-designer-contractor model. It takes up to three years to complete a project this way. Hill & Harbor’s design-build process eliminates that waste of time and keeps clients happy through the entire process.”

The Hill & Harbor Design Build Difference:
99.9% of Projects Built, Faster & More Seamlessly

Rather than working in silos, our design-build process integrates architecture, interior design, and construction under one roof. The result? Stunning, custom homes completed in a fraction of the time.

Our Proven Process: From Concept to Completion in 12–14 Months
Unlike traditional approaches, we combine design, budgeting, and construction planning from the start, ensuring every project is feasible, cost-efficient, and executable.

Phase 1: Conceptual Design & Feasibility (4-6 Weeks)
We work with the client to establish a realistic vision, budget, and timeline upfront. Our in-house team ensures every design decision aligns with buildability from day one. No wasted time on unbuildable designs or surprises down the road.

Phase 2: Design Development & Pricing (8-12 Weeks)
We simultaneously develop the architectural, structural, and interior design plans while refining real-time construction costs. This eliminates the dreaded ‘sticker shock’ of the traditional bid process. Our project pricing is locked in before a single shovel hits the ground.

Phase 3: Pre-Construction Planning (4-8 Weeks)
All permits, material selections, and trade contracts are finalized before breaking ground. Our strategic pre-planning prevents costly delays, making construction as seamless as possible.

Phase 4: Construction Execution (9-12 Months)
With our streamlined approach, projects stay on time and on budget—often finishing ahead of schedule. Magazine-quality homes—the kind we have been featured in like Elle Decor, Ocean Home, and Rhode Island Monthly Magazine—are being designed and built by us in just 12–14 months. Compared to the 3-year timeline of architect-led projects, our clients move into their dream homes years ahead of that schedule.

Faster, More Efficient, and Built to the Highest Standards 

Our process isn’t just about speed—it’s about quality. With our integrated team of architects, designers, and builders working together from day one, we achieve:

Faster Project Timelines – 12-14 months vs. 3 years
✅ Budget Certainty – No surprise overages or redesigns
✅ A Smoother Experience – One team, one vision, one seamless process
✅ Unmatched Success Rate – 99.9% of our projects are built

Conclusion: Your Dream Home, Delivered Without the Nightmare

If you’re considering designing and building a home, the choice is clear.
You can roll the dice with the traditional architect-led process and risk never building at all, or you can work with Hill & Harbor Design Build and move into your dream home in just over a year.

With a proven 99.9% success rate, an efficient, magazine-worthy design-build approach, and a seamless process that eliminates wasted time and budget overruns, Hill & Harbor is redefining how luxury homes are built.

Want to learn more about our process and how we can bring your vision to life?
Let’s talk. Reach out today and take the first step toward a home that’s designed, built, and ready to enjoy—on time, on budget, and beyond expectations