Clear answers for a well-coordinated project.

Salida Plan Studio primarily provides residential architectural design services, with selective commercial work completed in collaboration with licensed architects and other required consultants. Depending on the project, services may include:

• Site and zoning research
• Feasibility studies
• Concept design
• Design development
• Construction documents
• Energy code compliance
• Consultant coordination
• Permit assistance
• Construction Administration (CA)

Every project is unique, so the scope of services is customized to your goals and can evolve as your project progresses.

Yes.

Some clients need assistance with initial planning or concept design, while others retain us from the earliest ideas through construction. Our services are flexible and can be tailored to meet the needs of your project.

The fundamentals of design remain essential, regardless of the tools used to develop and document a project.

Hand drawing, CAD, three-dimensional modeling, rendering software, and building information modeling are all tools—much like a pencil, hammer, or excavator. Each can be extremely effective, but only when guided by experienced hands and sound judgment.

Software can improve accuracy, coordination, visualization, and efficiency, and reliable existing CAD files can provide a useful starting point. But software does not understand proportion, circulation, light, views, privacy, scale, structure, or how spaces influence the people who experience them.

Technology helps carry out the work. Good design still comes from a strong understanding of design theory, construction, and how interior and exterior spaces function together.

For some projects, a stock house plan can be a perfectly reasonable solution. If your lot is relatively straightforward, your needs closely match an existing design, and you’re comfortable making modifications, a pre-designed plan may provide a cost-effective starting point.

Custom design becomes valuable when your property, your lifestyle, or your goals are unique.

Every building site presents its own opportunities and constraints. Topography, views, solar orientation, prevailing winds, drainage, access, local building codes, wildfire requirements, zoning regulations, utilities, and future site development all influence the design. A home that works beautifully on one property may require significant modifications to perform well on another.

A custom home is also designed around the people who will live there. We take the time to understand how you use your home—from entertaining and working remotely to aging in place, hobbies, storage needs, and your daily routines. Those decisions often have a greater impact on long-term satisfaction than square footage alone.

Just as important as the design itself is the quality of the construction documents.

A comprehensive, well-coordinated set of plans does far more than satisfy permitting requirements—it communicates the design intent to everyone involved in the project. Clear details, thoughtful specifications, and coordinated drawings reduce guesswork, improve coordination between trades, and help minimize costly misunderstandings during construction.

When drawings leave important decisions open to interpretation, contractors and tradespeople are often required to make judgment calls in the field. While experienced builders make these decisions every day, those choices may not always reflect the owner’s expectations or the designer’s original vision. Detailed construction documents help preserve the architectural character, structural integrity, material quality, and overall performance of the home by clearly communicating how the project is intended to be built.

We believe construction documents are just as important as the design itself. A beautiful design only becomes a successful home when it can be clearly understood and accurately built.

Our goal is not simply to design a beautiful home—it is to provide the information needed so your builder can construct it with confidence, helping protect your investment while reducing unnecessary questions, delays, and change orders throughout construction.

Yes.

We can evaluate existing house plans and, depending on the licensing restrictions of the original designer, help determine whether modifications are possible or whether a new custom design would better serve your project.

Sometimes a stock plan only needs minor adjustments. Other times, the number of required changes needed to accommodate your site, local building codes, energy requirements, lifestyle, and long-term goals makes a custom design the more practical solution.

We’re happy to discuss both options and help you determine which approach provides the greatest value for your project.

No, not every house in Colorado must be designed by a licensed architect.

However, designing a custom home requires much more than knowing how to operate drafting software. Homeowners should look for an experienced design professional with relevant credentials, technical knowledge, construction experience, strong communication skills, and a proven body of work.

Michael Cozart is a Certified Professional Building Designer (CPBD), Certified Construction Documents Technologist (CDT), Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA), and Certified Passive House Designer. These credentials reflect specialized knowledge in residential design, construction documentation, building performance, specifications, and the coordination of responsibilities throughout the design and construction process.

Some projects may also require a licensed architect, structural engineer, or other specialized consultant because of their size, complexity, occupancy, or local jurisdictional requirements. When those professionals are needed, Salida Plan Studio coordinates with them as part of the project team.

Professional titles and credentials are important, but true professionals also let the quality of their work speak for itself. Homeowners should consider experience, technical knowledge, communication, construction documentation, familiarity with local building practices, and the quality of completed work when selecting a designer.

Every project is different, but most custom homes require several months of design and coordination before construction can begin.

The overall schedule can be influenced by:

• Project size and complexity
• Site conditions
• The pace of owner decisions
• Consultant and engineering coordination
• Revisions made during design
• Permit review requirements and timelines

Custom design is an iterative process. Early ideas are studied, tested, and refined as the drawings develop from initial concepts into coordinated construction documents.

We encourage homeowners to begin planning as early as possible, particularly when they hope to start construction during Colorado’s busy building season. Beginning early allows more time to study the site, explore design options, coordinate consultants, make informed decisions, and address permitting requirements before construction begins.

Good design takes time, but that investment can lead to fewer changes, better coordination, smoother construction, and a home that serves its occupants well for many years.

Construction documents are much more than floor plans and exterior elevations. They communicate how the project is intended to be built so the owner, contractor, consultants, and building department can work from a coordinated understanding of the design.

Depending on the project, a construction document set may include:

• Cover sheets and project information
• Code and energy-code information
• Site plans
• Floor plans
• Roof plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Wall sections
• Construction details
• Foundation and structural information
• Door and window schedules
• Interior information
• Electrical layouts
• Mechanical-system information
• Plumbing and drainage information
• General notes and specifications
• Consultant drawings and engineering

The exact contents vary according to the project, jurisdiction, construction type, and agreed scope of services.

A detailed and coordinated set of construction documents helps reduce ambiguity, improves communication between trades, supports more accurate pricing, and gives the contractor clearer information from which to build.

We believe construction documents are just as important as the design itself. A beautiful concept only becomes a successful building when it can be clearly understood and accurately constructed.

Detailed construction documents help protect the homeowner’s investment by clearly communicating the materials, assemblies, dimensions, relationships, and performance expectations that are fundamental to the project.

When important information is not documented, it must often be interpreted in the field. That can lead to different assumptions among contractors and trades, inconsistent pricing, substitutions that do not reflect the owner’s expectations, or construction methods that compromise the architectural character, durability, efficiency, or performance of the building.

Thorough drawings and specifications reduce the number of decisions that must be improvised during construction. They also provide a clearer basis for contractor pricing, product selection, consultant coordination, construction questions, and the review of proposed substitutions.

Detail does not eliminate every question. Each custom home is a prototype that has never been built before, and questions are a natural part of construction. Good documents provide a strong foundation for those conversations and make it easier to resolve questions while preserving the design intent.

A successful set of plans should do more than obtain a permit. It should help the owner and builder understand what is being constructed, protect the integrity of the design, and provide the information necessary to build it with confidence.

Every project is unique, so there is not a single fee that applies to every custom home.

Design fees are influenced by factors such as:

• The size and complexity of the home
• Site conditions and topography
• Structural requirements
• Energy-performance goals
• The level of drawing and documentation required
• Consultant coordination
• Permit requirements
• The scope of services requested

Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, Salida Plan Studio prepares a proposal based on the specific property, project goals, and anticipated scope of work.

Thoughtful design and coordinated construction documents should be viewed as an investment in the project. Decisions made during design can influence construction cost, energy use, durability, maintenance, comfort, and how well the home supports everyday life.

The best starting point is a conversation about the property, desired scope, priorities, budget, and anticipated schedule. From there, we can recommend an appropriate scope of services and prepare a project-specific proposal.

On many projects, the contractor coordinates the permit application and inspection process.

Salida Plan Studio prepares permit-ready construction documents and can also submit permit applications, respond to plan review comments, and help coordinate the approval process if requested.

Every project is a little different, and responsibilities are discussed at the beginning so everyone understands their role.

Yes.

If revisions or clarifications are requested during plan review, we can work directly with the building department, update the drawings as needed, and coordinate with consultants or the contractor to help move the project toward approval.

Absolutely.

We regularly collaborate with structural engineers, civil engineers, surveyors, energy consultants, mechanical designers, and other professionals to create a coordinated, permit-ready set of construction documents.

Depending on the project, consultants may be retained directly by the owner or coordinated through Salida Plan Studio.

Possibly.

Whether an Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU, is allowed depends on the property’s zoning, lot configuration, existing development, and current City of Salida requirements.

Factors such as setbacks, building size, height, parking, access, utilities, lot coverage, and the relationship between the primary residence and ADU can all affect what may be permitted.

Before beginning design, we can review the applicable zoning requirements and help determine what may be possible for your property.

Whether you are considering a detached guest house, garage apartment, rental unit, or multigenerational living space, the design should respond to both your goals and the specific requirements of the site.

Yes, if requested.

Many clients choose to have Salida Plan Studio remain involved during construction through Construction Administration services. This allows us to answer questions, clarify the drawings, review proposed changes, and help preserve the original design intent as the project is built.

Construction Administration, commonly called CA, is the designer’s continued involvement during construction to support the owner, contractor, and consultant team.

Construction Administration may include:

• Answering contractor questions
• Responding to Requests for Information (RFIs)
• Reviewing shop drawings and product submittals
• Evaluating proposed substitutions
• Preparing clarification sketches
• Reviewing field conditions
• Coordinating questions with engineers and consultants
• Visiting the site at key milestones
• Assisting with final walkthroughs
• Helping develop and review punch lists so incomplete work, needed corrections, and final follow-up items are clearly documented before project completion

Michael Cozart is certified by the Construction Specifications Institute as both a Construction Documents Technologist and a Certified Construction Contract Administrator.

These credentials reflect specialized knowledge of construction documents, project delivery, specifications, contractual relationships, and the roles of the owner, designer, contractor, and consultants throughout a project. This background helps us understand and clearly define how the different members of the construction team work together from the earliest stages of design through construction, project closeout, and the broader life of the building.

The level of Construction Administration involvement can be tailored to the needs of each project. Its purpose is not to complicate construction, but to keep communication clear, address questions before assumptions are made, and help the completed work remain consistent with the construction documents and original design intent.

Yes, if requested.

We can visit the site to observe progress, answer questions, and help confirm that the work generally aligns with the construction documents.

These visits provide another level of collaboration and communication throughout construction and complement the contractor’s ongoing coordination and the inspections performed by the local building department.

Absolutely.

Questions and requests for clarification are encouraged whenever something in the drawings appears unclear or could be interpreted more than one way.

We work hard to produce a thorough, coordinated, and buildable set of construction documents, but every custom home is essentially a prototype—it has never been built before. As construction progresses, questions are a natural part of the process, and open communication is always preferable to making assumptions in the field.

We encourage contractors to become familiar with the drawings before construction begins and to review upcoming phases of work in advance. Addressing questions early helps maintain the construction schedule, minimize delays, and reduce unnecessary rework.

If requested, we can review proposed substitutions during construction.

Our review considers whether the proposed product is generally consistent with the design intent, performance expectations, and applicable code requirements. When appropriate, we also coordinate with the project’s engineering consultants.

Yes.

Changes sometimes occur because of owner preferences, product availability, budget considerations, or unforeseen site conditions. If requested, we can prepare revised drawings and help coordinate those changes with the project team.

Whenever possible, making design decisions before construction begins is the most efficient approach, but changes during construction can be managed successfully through good communication.

Unexpected conditions are common, particularly in remodels, additions, and projects involving existing structures.

If something unforeseen is uncovered during construction, we can work with the owner, contractor, and consultants to evaluate the situation and develop practical solutions while keeping the project moving forward.

Yes.

We enjoy collaborating with builders and believe that the best projects result from open communication between the owner, designer, contractor, and consultants.

Early contractor involvement often improves budgeting, constructability, scheduling, and overall project coordination.

Yes.

Over the years we’ve built relationships with many talented contractors, engineers, surveyors, and other professionals throughout Colorado. We’re happy to recommend team members who we believe are a good fit for your project, location, and goals.

Ultimately, we want you to have a project team that communicates well, works collaboratively, and shares the same commitment to quality.

Absolutely.

Building science and energy performance are integral to our design approach. Depending on your goals, we can incorporate strategies such as advanced insulation systems, air sealing, passive solar design, high-performance windows, thermal bridge reduction, balanced ventilation, and efficient mechanical systems to create homes that are comfortable, durable, and energy efficient.

Yes.

Michael Cozart is a Certified Passive House Designer through the Passive House Institute.

Whether you’re pursuing full Passive House certification or simply want a healthier, more efficient home, we can incorporate proven high-performance design principles that improve comfort, durability, and long-term operating costs.

The earlier, the better.

Bringing your designer onto the project early allows important decisions about site planning, budget, building orientation, energy performance, and constructability to be made before they become costly to change.

Even if you haven’t purchased property yet, we’re happy to help evaluate potential building sites.

It begins with a conversation.

We’ll discuss your goals, budget, timeline, property, and vision for the project. From there, we’ll prepare a proposal outlining the recommended scope of services and guide you through the design process step by step.