About Designed and Built

Architecture / Construction / Practical guidance

Designed and Built explains how buildings are designed, documented, priced, permitted, and constructed—so you can make better decisions about your project.

Behind Designed and Built

Meet Robert.

AIA, NCARB

Licensed architect
More than 20 years in practice
Residential & commercial projects

I’m Robert, a licensed architect with more than 20 years of experience working on residential and commercial projects. My experience includes custom homes and additions, construction documentation, project coordination, plan review, and solving construction challenges.

I created Designed and Built to share what that work has taught me. Plans, permits, budgets, materials, and construction methods are easier to navigate when you understand how they fit together.

The site is for homeowners, students, builders, and emerging professionals looking for practical information about the design and construction process.

Explore the site

What you’ll find here

Follow a topic from the first planning questions through construction and closeout.

  1. DesignProject planning, layouts, and the architectural design process.
  2. Drawings & CodesUnderstanding plans, drawing references, and permit documentation.
  3. CostConstruction budgets, pricing, and the expenses owners need to plan for.
  4. ConstructionAn introduction to building systems and materials.
  5. Project ManagementProject roles, decisions, and coordination from planning through closeout.

A useful place to begin

Start with a question.

If you’re new here, Start Here will help you find a useful first guide. You can also browse the planning checklists and worksheets.

Have feedback or a topic you’d like explained?

Send Robert a message →