Real Projects, Real Messy, Real Success
We don't just show you the pretty after photos.
We show you the hard conversations and the creative solutions that got them there.
The Multi-Gen Compound
Three generations wanting to live on 5 acres. Grandparents, adult children, and grandkids all close enough to help, but independent enough to breathe.
The Conflict
Six months into planning, the siblings hit a wall. One couple wanted high-end finishes, the other was budget-conscious. The grandparents felt stuck in the middle.
How We Solved It
- • Values Workshop: We paused design to facilitate a conversation about 'Why are we doing this?'
- • Design Strategy: Standardized building shells for efficiency, but allowed different interior finish budgets for each private unit.
- • Legal Structure: A Tenancy-in-Common agreement defining equity based on capital contribution.
The Lesson
Money disagreements are rarely about money. They are about values. We now force the budget conversation in Week 2.
"I cried during our first meeting. Not because anything was wrong, but because someone finally understood what we were trying to do."
The Retirement Reboot
Four lifelong friends (The 'Golden Girls' model) wanted to age in place together without relying on institutional care.
The Conflict
They assumed because they were best friends, they didn't need rules. A disagreement about 'overnight guests' (new partners) almost ended the project.
How We Solved It
- • Governance Framework: Drafted a 'Living Together Agreement' covering guests, pets, and quiet hours.
- • Space Planning: Redesigned suites to ensure acoustic separation so 'guest' noise didn't travel.
- • Exit Strategy: Created a clear legal process for if a partner needs high-level medical care.
The Lesson
Friendship does not replace structure. Friends need MORE structure to protect the relationship.
The Sibling Strategy
Four adult siblings inherited a large property. They wanted to build four separate cabins to use as a vacation compound.
The Conflict
Zoning only allowed one primary dwelling and one secondary unit. They were about to sell the land because they thought it was impossible.
How We Solved It
- • Zoning Strategy: We utilized a 'Cluster' approach, attaching units via a central breezeway to legally count as fewer structures.
- • Phasing: Built the main infrastructure first, with planned additions as finances allowed.
- • Usage Agreement: Created a calendar system for shared amenity usage.
The Lesson
Zoning is a puzzle, not a wall. There is often a design solution to a legal constraint.