OUR PROCESS

How We Design Distinctive Gulf Coast Homes

Designing a custom home is a rare and rewarding journey. One that blends creativity, expertise, and a deep understanding of the place where you live. At Sunarc, our process is tailored for clients who want a home as unique as their site, lifestyle, and vision.

From our St. Petersburg studio, we work along Florida’s Gulf Coast from the soft sands of St. Pete Beach to the historic charm of Tarpon Springs creating architecture that responds to light, water, and the easy flow of coastal living.

We’ve refined our design process to ensure clarity, collaboration, and extraordinary results. Whether this is your first time working with an architect or your fifth, you’ll know exactly what to expect and when to expect it.

Phase 0 – Existing Conditions (Renovations & Additions)

Before we design, we document exactly what we’re starting with. For renovations and additions, this means creating detailed measured drawings of your current home. This includes walls, windows, ceiling heights, and even quirks in the structure.

In Florida’s coastal climate, this step often includes:

• Identifying existing materials and construction methods

• Reviewing FEMA flood zone requirements

• Noting any visible signs of settlement, storm damage, or water intrusion

This information forms the baseline for design decisions and ensures accuracy when it comes time for permitting and construction.

Phase 1 – Predesign & Schematic Design

This is where vision meets possibility.

Site Analysis

We study your property’s orientation, views, prevailing breezes, natural light, vegetation, and topography. Whether it’s a waterfront lot on Indian Rocks Beach, a bayfront property in Clearwater, or an inland site in Palm Harbor. We also review zoning codes, setbacks, and height restrictions to determine what’s possible within your jurisdiction.

Programming

We’ll discuss how you live, your daily routines, entertaining style, storage needs, and wish list. This becomes a functional “roadmap” that defines room sizes, adjacencies, and must-have features.

Concept Design

We translate the program and site opportunities into multiple design concepts. You’ll see these as sketches, schematic floor plans, and basic 3D views. Often, the final direction combines elements from multiple schemes into one cohesive vision.

Why this phase matters: It’s where big ideas take shape. Every hour spent here saves time and money later, because the design foundations are solid.

Phase 2 – Design Development

Now we bring precision to the chosen concept.

We refine every detail:

• Room proportions and ceiling heights

• Window placement for optimal daylight and views

• Exterior material palettes designed for coastal durability

• Interior layouts that support natural ventilation and easy flow

We also begin coordinating with specialists:

• Structural Engineer: Designs for hurricane wind loads, flood resistance, and long-term stability

• Civil Engineer: Plans drainage and utility connections, especially for waterfront or sloped sites

• MEP Engineers: Integrates HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems (particularly for larger or complex homes)

• Interior Designer: Aligns finishes, furniture, and fixtures with the architecture to create a cohesive whole

Why this phase matters: This is where your home becomes truly yours. Every decision is tailored to your lifestyle, location, and long-term comfort.

Phase 3 – Construction Documents for Permit-Ready Florida Architecture

The vision becomes a precise instruction manual for your builder.

We create a comprehensive set of drawings and specifications, which may include:

• Site plan, floor plans, roof plans, and exterior elevations

• Wall sections and construction details

• Window, door, lighting, and plumbing schedules

• Structural drawings from the engineer

• Material specifications chosen for performance in Florida’s sun, humidity, and storms

These documents are used to:

• Obtain building permits

• Solicit competitive, accurate contractor bids

• Guide construction to match the design exactly

Why this phase matters: It protects your investment. Detailed documentation means fewer surprises, fewer change orders, and a smoother build.

Phase 4 – Construction Observation for Quality Coastal Builds

Once construction begins, we remain your advocate and design guardian.

We visit the site regularly especially at key milestones to confirm that what’s being built matches the design intent and specifications. If unforeseen conditions arise (and they always do), we provide timely solutions that maintain quality and budget.

We also:

• Review contractor payment requests

• Issue clarifying sketches if adjustments are needed

• Oversee final punch lists to ensure every detail is complete

Why this phase matters: It ensures the finished home reflects the same care and attention to detail that went into its design from the first sketch to the final nail.