Builder Partner Highlight: Owens Construction

At RDS, we believe that designing a home is one of the most satisfying parts of our work. We love growing our relationships with builder partners and working together with them to bring their clients’ dreams to reality. We want you to get an idea of what Owens Construction Cruise Director, Pam Shisler, thinks of their experience working with us. Together we can design and build a new home or remodel an existing one for our clients.

How has your experience been with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?

We have worked with RDS for many years and they are our design partner of choice for when we need outside design services. Jim provides a great insight into construction costs and is a great partner when we are working through value engineering projects. Residential Designed Solutions provides realistic quotes and is almost always right within budget. They are open to exploring alternative engineering solutions and ways to reduce costs for our customers.

Porch in progress

Before

Front elevation in progress

What services do you appreciate that RDS provides?

I appreciate that Jim always comes to our design meetings with the client to help explain the options/possibilities/restrictions that have informed the suggested design solutions. He is a great asset and an experienced professional.

“Jim provides a great insight into construction costs and is a great partner when we are working through value engineering projects. Residential Designed Solutions provides realistic quotes and is almost always right within budget. They are open to exploring alternative engineering solutions and ways to reduce costs for our customers.”

Before

After

Before

At Owens Construction, we typically create and complete two kinds of design/build projects. One is designed in house and is typically a simple single-story addition, front porch, or rear deck. For those projects, we need a partner who can translate our schematic drawings into CDs. The other type of design/build project incorporates a design professional such as RDS who can develop the initial schematics with our input, and then produce the final CDs. Most of our interior remodels are handled in-house.

After

After

After

How are challenges/issues/decisions/questions handled and communicated?

We are a small company and usually work through phone calls and emails to communicate our ideas/needs/conflicts etc. Issues/decisions/questions from our clients are usually run through us, or at least guided by us. We typically like to use RDS as a professional resource.

What is your overall experience working with RDS?

RDS is easy to work with and we appreciate them as a professional, creative partner.

Will you work with RDS again?

Yes, we are working on a project now!!

---

Thanks for the kind words, Pam! We are excitedly watching our latest project come together.

Are you a builder in need of a home designer to design your client’s remodel or new build? Let our designers help make your client’s dreams a reality.

Our Client's Remodel Experience

Jennifer and Dave loved their Worthington home but needed to make a few changes before it would be *perfect* for their family. After walking through their existing first floor and listening to their wants and needs, Jim was able to provide several options that would add functionality to their first floor, make the best use of the space, and come in at a budget they were comfortable with. Scroll down to see what before and after project photos and read what Jennifer and Dave had to say about their experience working with our team.

How was your experience working with Jim and RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
We had a great experience. When we reached out to RDS we were already working with a remodeling company, however, after debating forever about what walls should come down, we realized we needed a professional home designer. Upon entering our house Jim knew exactly what we needed to do. He told us he had designed many remodels for homes from the same time period with similar layouts. He confidently provided advice on how we could open up

our space and take advantage of the view to our backyard. His expertise was just what we needed at that point in our project.

Why did you choose RDS to complete your home design plans?

We saw the RDS signs around Worthington and knew he was a busy local home designer, which was the role we were missing with our remodeling team at that time.

“Upon entering our house Jim knew exactly what we needed to do. He told us he had designed many remodels for homes from the same time period with similar layouts. He confidently provided advice on how we could open up our space and take advantage of the view to our backyard. His expertise was just what we needed at that point in our project. ”

If you could change one thing, what would you change?
We wouldn’t change anything. We love how our home turned out and it was a great process.

What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home?
Make sure to enlist the services of an experienced professional architect or designer. Jim confidently told us of other similar projects, which is an important indication of experience. He provided a

series of sketches for options A – E and we had a second meeting to select elements from the different designs. It was a very efficient process.

What is your favorite aspect of your updated first floor?
Jim suggested putting in large windows and taking down the walls along the back of our home to maximize the natural light, and it looks amazing. We now have a perfect view out to our backyard from both our family room and kitchen.

Thank you for the kind words, Jennifer and Dave!

We strive to create designs that will add value to our clients lives, in addition to meeting their needs. If you’re interested in remodeling your home, please contact us to today to start the conversation.

Remodel by: Pat Scales Remodeling
Photos courtesy of: Pat Scales Remodeling

Builder Partner Highlight: Joel Walter, NJW Construction

Our success depends upon the expertise of the builder and contractor partners that we work with on a daily basis. They build the vision that we help create. The relationship we have with NJW Construction is a new one, but one we hope will continue for many years to come. Joel Walter offered some thoughts on his experience working with RDS. We really value this new partnership!

Front Entry In Process, Worthington Remodel

How has your experience been working with Jim and RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
Our experience has been very positive. RDS helps with the design process to work through problems in a positive way, which is really important to me as a remodeler.

What projects have you worked on with RDS?
We are working on a mudroom and bathroom addition for a Worthington home. This is our first remodeling project with RDS. We did collaborate on a couple NARI sponsored events at Boo at The Zoo at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Jim designed the “not so scary zoo fun houses” and we built the temporary structures.

“I really appreciate Jim and his team being available on the phone (which doesn’t happen as frequently in the business world anymore) and taking the time to talk and discuss the project. They take care of questions and answers in a very timely manner, which makes my job that much easier.”

— Joel Walter, Master Certified Remodeler

Jim creates the architectural design work for us and really listens to the needs of the client. He incorporates those needs into the drawings which makes the project come together much easier.

Front Elevation Before, Worthington Remodel

We communicate by phone, email, and sharing photos on our phones. [Jim is] very receptive to thoughts, questions, issues and ideas. I like to say that some people work with you to complete a project and some people work against you, including designers, subcontractors, and suppliers. Jim and his team work with us to complete a project. In my world, this is a huge plus. He and his team are good at finding a solution to a problem, not saying, “we can’t fix it.” In the remodeling world, finding solutions are vital.  

What is your overall experience like when working with RDS?
My experience continues to be very positive. Jim is very thorough and dedicated to his craft and the needs of his clients [and] he has a great group of people working with him.

What advice would you offer to a builder/remodeler/tradesperson who is starting to work with a designer?
Bring as much information to the meetings as possible, including client selections, designs wishes, thoughts, reviews, inspiration, and photos. Having as much information as possible always helps the design process at the beginning.

Do you plan to work with RDS again?
Yes­–we had a very positive experience with RDS. Jim’s expertise and design has made our project move quickly and smoothly.

👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻And that’s something we are very happy to hear! If you’re interested in working with RDS and NJW, please give us a call today at 614.430.0027!

RDS & Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders - The Team You Need to Build Your Home

Our success for your new home depends upon the expertise of the builders and contractors that we work with on a daily basis. They build the vision that we help create. Close relationships with our builders and contractors are important to us, as together we create the vision for your new home. Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders is one of those custom homebuilders that we have worked with for many years. Here are some thoughts that Brian Jimenez has about working with us at RDS. We greatly value this relationship! If you are thinking about building a new home, why not let us help you create your dream?

Name: Brian Jimenez, Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders

How is your experience working with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?

I’ve worked with Jim for over 25 years, so that fact speaks for itself. My experience has always been exceptional. Jim creates very livable homes for the way families live today. He listens to clients, whether it’s my buyers or myself and doesn’t let his ego get in the way. He is very humble and is always able to follow the lead of the client. With that said, Jim is very true to the architectural integrity of his design, but not to the detriment of the client’s vision and budget. My company has worked with some architects and designers that are ego driven and just want their design out there to be recognized in the market. These designs can often end up being over budget and less flexible to cost reduce, but Jim is not like that at all. He is very talented and with his eye for architectural details, he can usually accomplish what we want without going beyond the budget. That’s really important, because our clients often have grandiose visions of what they want and are sometimes surprised by the actual cost of achieving that design. Jim works hard to meld the budget in with the design. This means we are less likely to design a house that clients fall in love with but then can’t afford to build.

What have you had designed or redesigned by RDS?

Jim has designed the vast majority of the homes that my company has built. He has created designs for everything on the spectrum from large, luxury custom homes, to empty nester patio homes, and our ranch condominiums in Walker Villas and Liberty Grand. He also designed a few remodeling projects, some that included room additions and others that involved partial and full teardowns.

What services do you appreciate that RDS provides? 

Jim is able to get the conceptual designs on paper right in front of the client as we are putting the client’s ideas and concepts together at the meeting. He is very adept at sketching those concepts as the discussion evolves. 

Another thing I like is that Jim always has a surprise concept element to add to the house that we usually find out when he presents the design to us. He’s always creative and loves when he can find something unique to add to the house. Sometimes he creates a space for something that we might not have even discussed. It might be a different way to fully utilize the floor plan space. He creates fun details and exciting ideas for the clients. As an example, a recent client received a special entry to a butler’s pantry. Sometimes it’s a simple thing like a featured window in a special place or a built in our clients weren’t expecting. 

What have your needs been and what are your future needs of an architect/designer?

Jim and his team design nearly all the homes we have built and going forward it will be more of the same. As my business evolves and changes, we will continue to utilize RDS to design a variety of homes for us. We continue to work on creating a portfolio of house plans that we can offer to our clients; both an exciting concept and a great value to our clients.

How are challenges/issues/decisions/questions handled and communicated?

At the beginning, communications are best handled together at the design table and Jim is very articulate and will sketch options right in front of the clients. During construction he is always available for onsite meetings to assist with design changes and construction changes. Jim is quick to get any necessary engineering or building department support if a code issue or any other questions need to be resolved. He places a high priority on supporting his builders when they run into code issues involving design changes or handling changes clients may request. When building, timing is always of the essence, so he will drop everything to assist.

What is your overall experience like when working with RDS?

Overall, it is very professional because he has a professional and experienced team. It is easy to communicate with them. They believe in the importance of serving and supporting his clients. 

His designs are very buildable. He recognizes and appreciates what goes into not only the design, but also the construction process. Because of Jim’s past experience working for a builder, he thinks through the design process with a builder’s perspective in order to make the end result happen. He understands that each line he draws has meaning and assists his builder with each objective in a cost effective way.

What advice would you offer to a builder who is having RDS design a home or redesign a space in the home?

Come in and tell Jim your vision and what your objectives are up front. Trust in Jim and his process from the design and budget standpoint. Jim will work within the parameters of what you’ve set for him and still be creative, because that’s just who he is! He will at times challenge some design elements that may stretch the budget, but will do what the budget demands and what the client desires. 

Will you use RDS again?

YES! 

To see a recent project we completed on a luxury home in Dublin, click here to read this article in the October/November Greater Columbus Housetrends Magazine.

What Our Clients Have to Say

At RDS, we believe that designing a home is one of the most satisfying parts of our work. We love building relationships with our clients, and working with them to bring their dreams to reality. We want you to get an idea of what our clients think of their experience working with us. As you will read, we can design a home for you to build anywhere!

Name: Kirk and Nadine Shepard

How was your experience with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
Our experience with RDS was superb! Working with Jim Wright and his crew was an easy and pleasurable process in designing our homes. After working with Jim on our home in Ohio, we were fortunate to have him design our next home in Connecticut (which was due to a business transfer). His calm and professional manner made this step to homebuilding a joy. Jim was so very helpful in providing suggestions and listening to our needs, which made our finished homes exactly what we had imagined.

What space(s) did you have redesigned or did you have a new home designed?
We have had two new homes and a renovation for a family cottage designed with RDS.

What is the favorite aspect of your new home design?
We loved the general floor plan of our homes; they were functional for a family of six (4 sons!) and were spacious enough to give everyone their own area when needed. Both homes have a warm, comfortable feel about them.

If you could change one thing, what would you change?
After living in the first home in Ohio designed by Jim, we went back to him to see if he could design the same home in Connecticut for us on the property we had purchased. Being the ultimate professional in his craft, at our first meeting, Jim asked us this question. “After living in our home for 2 ½ years, what changes would you want to make?” There were two small changes; he really designed it right the first time!

What was your overall experience like?
Kirk and I have been very satisfied. We have recommended RDS to others and have told them they would not be disappointed.

What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home? 
1. Know that there would be many decisions to be made during the design process; it would help to get your ideas and requests down on paper. Start looking at home design magazines, internet sites, drive through some neighborhoods, even visit some open houses to get ideas of your likes and wants for your own home. 

2. Get an architect or residential designer that is reputable (do your homework before signing any contracts) and that you feel you have established a good rapport within the initial meetings. This will make the difference in a wonderfully pleasant home building experience, or a complete nightmare. 

Who else did you reach out to for designing your home?
We were fortunate to have a neighbor who was a home builder who we admired and trusted, Mr. Ed Lynch, Lynch Builders. Ed recommended Jim Wright, Residential Designed Solutions, as the one to work with. After meeting with Jim, we never needed to contact anyone else.

Would you do it again?
Yes, most definitely!

We’re thrilled that Kirk and Nadine have such confidence in us and have been happy with their homes. Let our designers help you make your dreams a reality. We’d be honored to work with you!

Westport Homes Testimonial

We would not be successful without the expertise of the builders and contractors that we work with on a daily basis. They build the vision that we help create. Our relationship with our builders and contractors is important to us. Westport Homes is one of the builders that we work with and here are a few of their thoughts about working with us at RDS. 

Name: Susan Hall, Director of Architecture, Westport Homes

How was your experience with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
Our Westport Homes Columbus Division’s experience has been a positive one with RDS for the last 5 years. They are conscious of our schedules and help with many aspects of our architectural needs in the partnership we have established. 

What did you have designed or redesigned by RDS?
We have had numerous master architectural construction document sets developed, options to master plans added and individual specific contracts created.

What services do you like best that RDS provides?
They have assigned one lead designer to our account that takes personal ownership. They oversee our account by knowing all of our specifications, subdivision requirements, and develop out lot specific homeowner standard options and custom options selections with great care to the details. They have even visited our model homes and like to keep up with new model openings so they can stay “on top” of our products offered to home buyers.

Who else did you use or speak with in planning the design of the home before choosing RDS?
Westport Homes Columbus Division has not used any other company for our architectural needs.

What have your needs been and what are your future needs of an architect/designer?
Our needs have been to have help in developing out our preliminary designs into architectural construction document sets, adding numerous options to our existing master home plans, and developing individual lot specific plans. Our future needs are to continue to use RDS in the same manner but at a higher volume of lot specific plan development. I also foresee using their design services for future development of plan offerings to our clients.

How were challenges /issues/decisions/questions handled and communicated?
We handle most of our communications via email. We also communicate by phone as well as meetings in person. RDS has always met our needs and been available to us during our partnership with them. In fact, with our growing volume this past year, they have added additional staff to work on our account during peak times to meet deadlines.

What was your overall experience like?
Our overall experience with RDS has been a positive partnership in meeting the architectural needs for the development of master homes plans, adding standard options to the master plans, and creating individual lot specific plans with standard options, custom options, and local municipalities’ requirements.

What advice would you offer to a builder who is having someone design a home or redesign a space in the home?
We have and will continue to advise anyone needing architectural services to reach out to RDS. RDS has been in Columbus for almost thirty years and they know the building codes and local municipality requirements. RDS is actively involved in the building industry and have the personnel and expertise to help in any aspect of providing design services.

Would you use RDS again?
Westport Homes will most certainly continue to use RDS for our architectural needs.

We take pride in the services we provide our builders, contractors, and clients. Our designers will work with you to help your visions become reality. We’d be happy to talk with you and see what services we can offer. We thank Westport Homes for their continued support and confidence in us. The feeling is mutual; they are a fantastic group to work with.

What Our Clients Have to Say

At RDS, we believe that designing a home is one of the most satisfying parts of our work. We love building relationships with our clients, and working with them to bring their dreams to reality. We want you to get an idea of what our clients think of their experience when working with us. 

Name: Katy & Jamie Burrier

How was your experience with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
Our experience was amazing. From our first meeting to the final touches, Jim and his team understood our vision. They were incredibly professional and responsive to all of our needs.

What space(s) did you have redesigned, (if applicable) or did you have a new home designed?
We had a new home designed from scratch.

What is the favorite aspect of your new home design?
Our favorite part was the initial drawing that Jim provided because it was designed by hand and was a true reflection of our dream come true on paper!

If you could change one thing, what would you change?
Honestly, we had to think hard to answer this question! I think the only thing we would say is that when the invoices are created, having line item details for invoicing would help with understanding changes.

What was your overall experience like?
We felt like we were in GREAT hands with Jim and his team. We always felt like we mattered as a customer. If it weren’t for Jim’s experience and creativity we wouldn’t be building where we are. We were stuck with how to split the lot and make our house work while leaving a nice sized lot for other buyers (or we wouldn’t have been able to buy the property). In 15 minutes on-site, Jim had an idea that saved our dream lot and made it possible. You don’t see that every day. 

What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home?
The most important thing is to spend time ahead of your first meeting looking at floor plans, Pinterest, and Houzz and know in general what your vision is. We actually cut out floor plans and brought our favorite parts of each one to our first meeting, which we believe helped Jim understand our vision from the start. And he’s simply THAT good. Did you know he can draw like a pro upside down so you can be involved in the conversation as we talked through options?

Who else did you reach out to for designing your home?
We did not consider another architect after meeting Jim. We knew he was a good fit for us and had the experience and referrals to back that decision up! 

Would you do it again?
If and only if it was with RDS!

Let our designers help you make your dreams a reality. We’d be honored to work with you! 

What Our Clients Have to Say

At RDS, we believe that designing a home is one of the most satisfying parts of our work. We love building relationships with our clients and working with them to bring their dreams to reality. We want you to get an idea of what our clients think of their experience working with us. 

Name: Kris Cassady

How was your experience with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
We were remodeling our old 1800’s brick home and the foundation collapsed. I was not confident in staying with the architect that has done our original plans and needed a new architect quickly. We were homeless in a matter of minutes. 

I found Jim with RDs after some online research. I looked him up on Houzz and loved his designs. I called, explained our situation, and Jim arrived at our home site the following morning with his engineer. 

We met and designed options to build onto what was left of our house at the time. (We were awaiting all of the reports from the various structural engineers so we could determine if we could actually build onto the remaining structure.) I was really excited about the design we’d come up with.

After the reports were in, we decided that we would be better off to tear down what was left of our old home and build a new one. 

We discussed our options with Jim. Unfortunately, we were not in a position to do a complete custom design as my builder either needed to get started or put us on for the following year. I wanted to go home, so I needed plans fast!

Jim was going to send me a couple of plans that he had from The Plan Drawer, their sister company that sells stock plans. I was wrapped up in insurance stuff and kept checking my email but never received anything. So in a frantic state of mind, I ordered plans online instead of calling Jim. Then after talking to my builder about those online plans, I ordered a second set. At the 2 week mark (from talking to Jim), I emailed Jim early on a Sunday morning. He responded right away. Jim had no idea that I did not receive the plans that he had sent. Jim was able to get me the plans that same Sunday. 

THANK GOODNESS!! Both plans were amazing and now we had to make a decision that we would live with for the rest of our lives. 

What space(s) did you have redesigned, (if applicable) or did you have a new home designed?
We had a new home designed. Jim will forever hold a special place in my heart. 

What is the favorite aspect of your new home design?
I love every single thing about our home design. 

If you could change one thing, what would you change?
I made a change to the 2-story fireplace on the back wall and placed windows and a patio door there instead. I want the fireplace (and I will more than likely have my builder back to put it in). 

What was your overall experience like?
Nothing short of amazing! With all of our chaos, we ended up with one minor mistake on our plans, which was a small window in a bedroom upstairs. The plans showed it as normal size like the rest of the windows, but we didn’t accommodate for the small roof over the eat-in dining. 

None of us caught the error. Not myself, not Jim, not even my builder. It was found the day my builder was roughing in the windows. 

When I called Jim to discuss, he offered to pay for the window, taking ownership of the error. We kindly declined. 

What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home?
First and foremost, do your homework like I state below, and go with your first choice!

Go to open houses, model homes, and visit websites. Really think about how you live and use your space. Don’t build something because it is popular or trending right now, as your love for something will more than likely change when a new trend comes around. I am not a trendy girl, thank goodness. Make sure you are practical when making decisions and know your local codes. Pinterest is big for some people and I used it for some ideas, which was great. I saw a picture of a master bath with this beautiful small chandelier over the tub. When I discussed this with my builder, most codes do not allow a light fixture over the bathtub. (Makes sense now that I know.) But you can put one right where it clears the tub. 

Who else did you reach out to for designing your home?
No one. I did everything else myself. I’ve never considered myself a decorator or designer at all but I have received a ton of compliments from people who have visited our home. People always ask who designed my interior and I just smile and say ME! 

Would you do it again?
Funny that you ask! I would prefer not to do it again under the rare circumstance of our house collapsing. But, Jim came to our rescue with an already busy schedule. My builder is local in our community and has been building for 35-40 years. He is a tough cookie and likes details. He usually picks architects apart as he likes the plans a certain way. Well, my builder really liked Jim and had no complaints about his plans. When my builder did have a few questions, he was able to call Jim and discuss them right away. Amazing teamwork! If we were looking to move and build again, I would probably build the other design that Jim sent me that I didn’t choose as I know it would be beautiful as well. I would use Jim and have recommended RDS many times since my experience. 

We are so happy that Kris is happy with her new home after going through so much. Let our designers help you make your dreams a reality. We’d be honored to work with you!

What Our Clients Have to Say

At RDS, we believe that designing a home is one of the most satisfying parts of our work. We love building relationships with our clients, and working with them to bring their dreams to reality. We want you to get an idea of what our clients think of their experience working with us. 

 Name: Abbas Fallah 

What was your experience with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
The team at RDS was very pleasant to work with. They listened to our plan and our dream for our new home. They gave us feedback to understand the implications of our design and moved on forward with the project.

What space(s) did you have redesigned, (if applicable) or did you have a new home designed?RDS designed our new home.

What is the favorite aspect of your new home design?
Our favorite is the layout and flow of the home allowing us to take advantage of the backyard view from each room.

If you could change one thing, what would you change?
Nothing, the plan is well suited for the lot.

What was your overall experience like?
Great!

What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home?
The more you know what you want (really), and what you may compromise on, makes it easier for planning.

Who else did you reach out to for designing your home?
I do not recall their names. But, I reached out to two other designers.

Would you do it again?
Yes, I am working with them on a new home plan.

We are so happy that Abbas is happy with his home. Let our designers help you make your dreams a reality. We’d be honored to work with you!