The design-build process
What You Can Expect Working with Sixteen On Center
One team, start to finish. Design and construction working together from the first conversation to the final detail—for over 20 years.
WHY SIXTEEN ON CENTER
What makes us different.
One Team, Start to Finish
The people designing your project and the people building it work together from day one.
Rooted in Architecture
Our team brought the architectural backgrounds of its members into the construction practice. That shapes how we think about every project, from the first sketch to the last detail.
Budget Clarity
Because design and construction are a continuous conversation, your project is grounded by an established budget.
THE PROCESS
What to expect when you work with us.
Every home is unique. The process remains the same.
01
Consultation
We start with a conversation to understand your project, your vision, and whether we’re the right fit. At the initial site visit, we’ll walk through the space with you and discuss:
- How you currently use it
- What’s working and what isn’t
- What specific elements you want to improve
- How you plan on using the space in the future
- What you’re looking to invest
If the scope, budget, and timeline align, we’ll assemble a project scope and design contract, and can provide a projection of what your total project will cost. Once the design contract is signed, we move forward together.
02
Design Development
We measure the site, document existing conditions, and develop 2–3 design directions for your review. Once you choose a direction, we develop it further—refining the design while building toward an accurate budget. Drawings you can expect to review include:
- Existing conditions
- 1–3 proposed schemes
- Construction documents
Before drawings are finalized, a budget is agreed upon and the scope of work is confirmed. That budget informs every decision that follows—material selections, finish specifications, and the details that get resolved at the drawing table or on-site when you can walk the space and feel how it’s coming together. Where the project includes custom millwork, shop drawings are produced and fabricated in-house.
03
Budgeting & Estimating
Before a permit is pulled, you’ll have a budget with clear allowances. Because our design and construction teams work together from the start, the numbers reflect how the project will be built. An itemized project cost estimate is presented for your review. Once a contract model is selected and signed, the construction phase begins.
04
Construction
A dedicated project manager guides your project from the first day onsite through the final walkthrough. They handle contractor scheduling, budget tracking, and all the day-to-day coordination—so you don’t have to.
Regular progress meetings keep you informed. You’ll always know where things stand and what’s coming next.
SERVICES
What we build.
From full home renovations to new construction, kitchen redesigns to primary suites—we take on projects where design and execution matter, and owners want one trusted team to carry the project from conception to completion.
Additions
Expanding your footprint while respecting what’s already there—in character, structure, and detail.
Home Renovations
Full-home and room-by-room renovations for homes that need to work differently than they do now.
Kitchens
Design-led kitchen projects that consider how you cook, gather, and move through the space.
Primary Suites
Private retreats designed from the inside out—layout, light, materials, and finish.
Outdoor Living
Porches, decks, and outdoor spaces that extend how you use your home across the seasons.
ADUs & Guest Houses
Accessory dwellings designed with the same care as the main house—not as an afterthought.
Entries & Mudrooms
First impressions and functional transitions—spaces that set the tone and take the load.
Where we build.
We work along the coastal corridor from Providence and East Bay, Rhode Island, to Little Compton, Tiverton, and Westport, into Dartmouth and the Southcoast of Massachusetts. Our work focuses on the communities we know, creating homes that stand out.
Primary Service Area:
Barrington · Bristol · Dartmouth · East Providence · Little Compton · Marion · Mattapoisett · Middletown · Newport · Portsmouth · Providence · South Dartmouth · Tiverton
Questions homeowners ask us most.
What’s the difference between design-build and hiring a contractor?
When you hire and manage a designer and a contractor separately, you are responsible for coordinating the two teams. Design-build means one team handles both. At Sixteen on Center, the people designing your project and the people building it work together from day one. The design is grounded in how things get built, and the build reflects the design intent throughout.
How early should I reach out?
As early as possible. The earlier we’re involved, the more influence we can have over your budget, timeline, and design outcome. Many clients contact us when they’re still in the “thinking about it” stage—that’s exactly the right time. The first conversation is free and low-commitment.
How does budgeting work in a design-build process?
Because design and construction happen together, we build cost awareness into the design from the start—not after the plans are finished. By the time you have a finalized budget, it’s been shaped by the actual design and real construction knowledge. You’ll see a clear budget with defined allowances before work begins, so there are no adjustments once the crew shows up.
Will I have one point of contact throughout?
Yes. A dedicated project manager is assigned to your project and remains with it through completion. They handle scheduling, coordination, and budget tracking—and they’re your single point of contact from start to finish.
Do you work outside East Bay, RI, and Southcoast, MA?
Our primary service area is East Bay, Rhode Island, and Southcoast, Massachusetts. We occasionally take on projects on Cape Cod, depending on scope and fit. Reach out, and we’ll let you know.
Can I bring my own plans?
Yes—we can work with existing architectural plans and manage the full construction process. We can also develop custom designs or help refine plans that need further development before building. Whatever stage you’re at, we’re happy to have a conversation about how we can help.
Ready to start a project?
Most projects start with a simple conversation. Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll tell you whether we’re the right fit.