Cynthia Bennett FAQ’s
Q: What type of warranty do you offer?
We stand behind the quality of our work with a 10–year workmanship warranty. However, our commitment to our clients doesn’t end when the warranty expires.
Even years later, we are happy to help troubleshoot issues that may arise. For example, if a shower fixture stops working, we’ll contact the manufacturer to determine whether it’s covered under their warranty and if possible, obtain a replacement at no cost. If a replacement isn’t covered, we’ll help you select a suitable new fixture and coordinate its installation. While labor and replacement materials are billed as needed, we’re always here as a resource. We believe in building long-term relationships with our clients and are committed to helping you enjoy your home for many years to come.
Q: What makes your firm different from hiring an architect, interior designer, and contractor separately?
We operate as a single, integrated team — your architect, interior designer, and construction team work together from day one under one contract and one vision. This eliminates the communication gaps, finger-pointing, and costly design-to-build translation errors that commonly arise when multiple firms hand off a project. The result is a more cohesive outcome, fewer surprises, and a significantly smoother experience for you.
Q: Do you offer architecture, interior design, or construction as standalone services?
No. Our model is built around the full project — from initial concept through completed construction. We’ve found that the quality and integrity of the finished work depend on our team controlling the entire process. Clients who come to us are looking for one trusted partner, not a collection of vendors.
Q: Why is the integrated model better for high-end projects?
At the level of detail and quality our clients expect, design decisions have real construction consequences — and construction realities have real design consequences. When those conversations happen internally within one team, problems get solved earlier and more creatively. Material selections, structural choices, lighting design, and finish specifications are all considered together rather than reconciled after the fact.
The Process
Q: How does a project typically begin?
It starts with a discovery conversation — we want to understand how you live, what you value, how you use your spaces, and what you’re hoping this project will make possible. From there, we move into a feasibility and visioning phase before any formal design work begins. This ensures we’re aligned on scope, priorities, and investment level before significant time or resources are committed.
Q: What are the major phases of a project?
Our process begins with an in-home consultation where we discuss your goals, lifestyle, vision, and the scope of your project. As a full-service design-build firm, we then prepare a preliminary ballpark budget to ensure we design a project that aligns with your investment before moving into the detailed design phase.
Once the ballpark budget and design retainer are approved, we measure the existing space and develop as-built drawings, followed by proposed floor plans and 3D renderings. We work closely with you to refine the design until every detail meets your needs.
After the floor plan is finalized, we complete the construction documents, including elevations, electrical and mechanical plans, and submit them to the appropriate jurisdiction for permit approval.
While permits are being processed, we finalize all material selections and obtain subcontractor bids so the project is ready to begin as soon as permits are issued.
Once permits are approved, construction begins, and our experienced team manages every phase of the project through completion, providing a seamless experience from concept to finished home.
Q: How involved do I need to be during the project?
As involved as you’d like to be in the creative decisions — and as uninvolved as you’d like to be in the day-to-day complexity. We handle contractor coordination, inspections, scheduling, and problem-solving so you don’t have to. Most clients prefer structured check-ins at key milestones rather than daily updates, though we adapt to your preferences.
Q: Do you handle permitting and approvals?
Yes. Permitting, agency submissions, HOA approvals, and coordination with local authorities are all managed by our team as part of the process.
Investment & Budget
Q: What level of investment do your projects typically involve?
Our projects are scoped for clients making a meaningful, long-term investment in their home or property. While every project is unique, the combination of custom architecture, full interior design, and high-quality construction means our work is best suited to projects where the budget reflects the ambition. We’re happy to have a candid conversation early on to ensure there’s a genuine fit.
Q: Can you give me a ballpark cost before we get started?
Yes. During our initial consultation, we’ll discuss your goals, project scope, and desired level of finishes. Based on that information, we can provide a preliminary ballpark budget before we begin the design process. As a design-build firm, we believe it’s important to establish a realistic budget early. This allows us to design a project that aligns with your investment and helps avoid spending time and money developing plans that exceed your budget.
Once the design is underway and the project has been measured, detailed, and priced, we’ll provide a more accurate construction budget based on actual material selections and subcontractor bids.
Q: How is your fee structured?
Our process begins with a Design Retainer, which is due when we come to measure your home. This fee covers the preparation of all plans and construction documents required to obtain a building permit, as well as material specifications and the subcontractor bidding process.
Once the design is complete, materials have been selected, and bids have been finalized, we present a detailed construction contract. The contract includes a down payment followed by scheduled weekly progress payments throughout construction.
Before any agreements are signed, we review every cost, fee, and payment schedule with you, so you have a complete understanding of the investment and know exactly what to expect.
Q: What factors most affect the cost of a project?
The primary drivers are square footage, site conditions (slope, access, existing structures), level of finish and material specification, structural complexity, and timeline. Custom millwork, specialty lighting, imported materials, and smart home integration can also have a significant impact. We’ll help you understand the trade-offs so you can make informed decisions about where to invest.
Timeline
Q: How long does a typical project take from start to finish?
Design and documentation typically take 6–12 months depending on complexity and decision-making pace. Sometimes we are able to go over the counter and the permit is immediate, but this is only when we are not demolishing walls or moving plumbing or electrical. Construction adds another 5-12 months for most custom projects. We’ll help you understand the realistic timeline for your specific project upfront.
Q: Can the timeline be accelerated?
In some cases, yes — particularly if decisions are made efficiently, and site conditions are favorable. That said, we don’t compress timelines in ways that compromise design quality or construction integrity. Some phases simply require the time they require and rushing them creates problems that are expensive to fix later.
Scope & Geography
Q: What types of projects do you take on?
Our work includes custom new homes, whole-home renovations and additions, and significant estate or compound projects. We focus on residential work where the full design-build model adds the most value. If you’re unsure whether your project is the right fit, a brief conversation will tell us both quickly.
Q: Do you work outside your immediate area?
No, we work in the Pasadena area and surrounding areas only
Q: Do you work on commercial or hospitality projects?
Our primary focus is residential. However, we consider private hospitality and boutique commercial projects — such as a personal winery, private club, or owner- occupied workspace — on a case-by-case basis.
Working Together
Q: How do we know if we’re the right fit for each other?
The best projects happen when there’s genuine alignment on vision, process, and trust. We’re selective about the projects we take on, and we encourage you to be equally selective about the firm you choose. Our initial conversations are as much about fit as they are about feasibility — we want to make sure this is a relationship both parties feel confident entering
Q: How many projects do you run at one time?
We intentionally limit the number of active projects to ensure every client receives the attention their project deserves. Our principals are involved throughout — not just at the start — and that requires managing our capacity carefully.
Q: What does the client experience actually look like day to day?
You’ll have a dedicated point of contact who visits your job every day. During construction, you’ll receive regular site updates and have the ability to visit on scheduled walkthroughs. We aim to keep you informed without overwhelming you.
Q: What happens if something changes during the project?
Change is normal in custom work. Our process is designed to surface decisions early so changes during construction — where they’re most costly — are minimized. When changes do arise, we document them clearly with updated cost and schedule implications before proceeding. There are no surprises buried in the final invoice.
Getting Started
Q: How do I start a conversation with your firm?
The best first step is to reach out through our contact page or give us a call. We’ll set up an initial conversation — no commitment, no pitch — to understand what you’re working toward and whether we might be the right team for it.
Q: What should I bring to our first conversation?
Anything that helps us understand your vision — inspiration images, a description of how you live and what you’re hoping to change, any site or property information you have, and a general sense of your timeline. You don’t need drawings, a finished brief, or a precise budget. That’s what we help you develop.