DESIGN SERVICES

Bridging the Gap

Whether you're scaling up, meeting a deadline, or exploring a new direction -sometimes you need more than what your core team can cover. But that doesn't always mean hiring full-time. That’s where SDS comes in.

We offer plug-in architectural support that’s flexible, professional, and tailored to your needs. With licensed experience and a strong track record across project types, we help bridge gaps efficiently - so your team can stay focused and keep projects moving forward.

Great design isn’t just about momentum, it’s also about innovation. Your team delivers exceptional design, and we amplify their abilities by providing them the tools to make early design decisions with speed, insight, and clarity. SDS’ Data-Driven Pre-Design Modeling, offered alongside our traditional design services, transforms the way projects start, empowering your team and clients to make confident decisions from the start.

Flexible Design Support

Your design team is your most valuable asset - and burnout comes at a cost. SDS offers flexible support from an experienced design professional to ease workloads, maintain quality, and help your team stay focused, effective, and energized. We step into roles like: Assistant Project Manager, Project Architect, Predesign Planner, BIM Manager, Job Captain, or Design Support/Production. We specialize in the core tasks you need done right:

• Project-specific support, as-built modeling & feasibility studies
• Programming & space planning with an edge: We can do it the traditional way, or introduce you to a whole new playbook with our Data-Driven Pre-Design Modeling that cuts the Pre-Design cycle in half
• Revit standards, templates, family creation & QA/QC
• Revit training, support, and BIM execution planning
• Firmwide CAD-to-Revit transition support
• Bluebeam setup & training
• Presentation graphics (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, PowerPoint)
• Staff mentorship & research support
• Evidence-based design assistance
• Research and Development

We’ve Reinvented Pre-Design and It’s Changing Projects

Pre-Design is inexpensive but critical for project success. Slow, rigid workflows can leave early decisions rushed or incomplete, missing the best opportunity to define project success and boost client confidence. With our Data-Driven Pre-Design Modeling, your team iterates faster, clients give feedback sooner, and more design options are tested in less time when changes are cheapest - turning early decisions into confident ones and Pre-Design into your smartest advantage.

Flexible Support, Flexible Work Arrangement

Get the support you need, exactly when you need it. Hourly, weekly, or on retainer - our flexible arrangements put you in control, delivering experienced help that scales with your project and keeps momentum strong.

Hourly

Maximum flexibility with no commitment. Perfect for short-term needs, quick fixes, unexpected challenges, temporary gaps, or one-off tasks.

• No Minimum
• Billed at our Hourly Standard Rate

Weekly

Weekly blocks of time offering focus, value, and priority scheduling to fit your timeline. Great for fast-paced phases or when your team needs a temporary boost. This option keeps you moving with the bonus of discounted rates.

• Weekly Flat Rate for up to 40 hours
• Decide how many weeks and book them when you need them
• Additional hours for the following week billed at our Standard Hourly Rate
• 40% deposit due at booking

Retainer (3-month, 6-month, 12+month)

Our best value for sustained support and long-term strategic partnership. Affordable, flexible, and designed for ongoing collaboration with rollover benefits and priority scheduling. This option establishes long-term support that keeps progress steady - without the full-time commitment.

• 24 hours / month minimum
• Unused time rolls to the following month
• Discounted hourly rates available for bigger commitments
• Retainer due at booking
• Additional hours billed at our Hourly Standard Rate

Administrative Details

• Advanced booking is advised to avoid scheduling conflicts
• We primarily work off-site, but are available for key in-person client meetings or site visits by request and with prior planning
• Travel and other reimbursable expenses are invoiced separately
• Extended hours (beyond 40 per week) are limited. If available, those additional hours are billed at our Hourly Push Rate
• Need something unique? We build custom plans to fit your needs.

Software Capabilities

We’re equipped with our own tools, systems, and software, or can work with yours - whichever works best for you.

Tools: Revit, Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) Administration, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, VA-SEPS, Smartsheet, and MS Office Suite

Ready to take the next step? We'd love to hear about your project