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Frequently Asked Questions

Why hire us?

Few people realize how complicated it is to design a space—until they find themselves overwhelmed by a maze of design choices, regulations, zoning laws, contractors, and more. No two projects are exactly alike, and there is no single, clear-cut path to follow. A custom home designer is the one professional with the education, training, experience, and vision to guide you through the entire design and construction process. From helping you define your vision to ensuring you get the most value for your investment, a designer brings expertise and creativity to turn your ideas into reality.

What should I consider when choosing a new design team?

When choosing a design firm, approach the process as carefully as selecting a physician or lawyer. Research their reputation, check references, and prioritize a personal interview. Custom home design is personal, so work with someone who listens to your vision rather than imposing their own. You'll spend considerable time with your designer, sharing important details of your life and ideas. Trust and comfort are key—professional qualifications matter, but a strong working relationship is just as essential.

How much will it cost to design a custom home?

Many factors influence the fees for a custom home, including site difficulty, home size, and project complexity. Please call our office at 407-647-0938 to schedule a meeting with our Lead Designer, Christian Tejkal, either by phone or in person, to discuss your project. After this initial consultation, we can provide a fee estimate based on your specific requirements.

Do you design homes outside of the United States?

With the technological advances of today it is not necessary to hire a local architect. We are licensed in many states (including California). We have also completed many projects abroad including Dubai, Europe, the Caribbean, and Argentina.

How much will it cost to build a custom home?

Construction costs vary due to dozens of factors in a custom home design. The exterior materials, the number of floors, the site, the interior finishes, the area of the country, the complexity of the design and the structural and mechanical systems used are only a few of the factors that influence the cost of constructing a custom home. Beware of anyone who will quote you construction costs for a home before they know a great deal about you and your home’s design.

How can we be sure our custom design can be built for our budget?

We highly suggest you involve a builder early in the design process. We work closely with experienced custom homebuilders during the design of your home, partnering with them to provide estimating for ongoing cost control and for advice on construction efficiency during the design process. We are happy to work with the builder of your choice, to help you select a qualified builder, or to refer you to someone we have worked well with in the past.

Will I need the services of other professionals?

In many areas of the country, a structural engineer is required for residential projects. Additionally, clients often find the expertise of an interior designer invaluable during the design process. For larger luxury custom homes, the seamless integration of elements such as fabrics, flooring, and finishes typically necessitates the skills of an experienced and detail-oriented interior designer. Nasrallah Design Studio provides interior design services and can also recommend or collaborate with trusted designers. High-end custom home projects often involve various specialists, including landscape architects, lighting designers, mechanical engineers, surveyors, soil engineers, pool consultants, audio/visual experts, and kitchen designers.

As the team leader, Nasrallah Design Studio coordinates all consultants and the builder to ensure a cohesive vision. This approach maximizes creativity and collaboration throughout the design process.

How long does the design and building process take?

This varies based on the size and complexity of your home design, and factors such as Design Review Boards and your ability to make timely decisions. Usually, from the time we begin design to the time we are ready to submit the finished construction drawings for a building permit is about 5-7 months. Most of our homes are built in 10-18 months.