on the Lake
The homeowners had very specific goals and design elements in mind for their new home, starting with the front door and continuing through to their lake view.
They had built before, but they were planning for this time to be the last time. They wanted to make sure the floor plan fit their vision — and their lifestyle needs long term.
Forever Home
When the initial plans from the architectural designer didn’t quite fit their vision, the homeowners had me review the plans and make suggestions. Based on my review, we collaborated with the architectural designer to redesign the layout.
The final plans not only made the most of the narrow, steeply sloping lot and lake view, they also included all the design elements the homeowners wanted.
The Journey
“Dixie listened to what we wanted in our home. Working with her took so much stress off of us and she made our vision even better.”
The Outcome
True Measure Strategy - Finish Work Tier
Strong Foundation Project Planning - Finish Work Tier
Steady Build Support - Finish Work Tier
Clear Line Communication - Finish Work Tier
The Services
THE STORY
Billie and Joe weren’t new to the home-building process—they were already living in a home they had built—but this time, they wanted to avoid some of the missteps they had encountered before. They had a clear vision for their forever home, with specific design elements and goals in mind. Billie, in particular, had a strong passion for design and wanted to be deeply involved in the process. However, with a demanding, travel-heavy job, she also recognized the need for expert guidance to help refine choices and ensure the project stayed on track in her absence.
The initial building plans were created by an architectural designer, tailored to the lot’s unique shape and size. While the structure was in place, the homeowners needed a strategic approach to decision-making, ongoing support throughout construction, and a streamlined way to stay involved, even from different time zones. That’s where I came in.
A Clear Plan for a Seamless Process
Our work together started with a True Measure Strategy Session to align their vision with a structured plan. We outlined their priorities, addressed potential challenges from their previous build, and ensured they had a roadmap that would keep them informed and empowered throughout the process.
From there, I transitioned into Strong Foundation Project Planning to refine design details and ensure all selections were well-documented. One of Billie’s non-negotiables was a specific front door she had seen in a magazine—one she couldn’t imagine her home without. Tracking it down wasn’t as simple as pulling a model number. Through persistent research, I found the original architect, who pointed me toward the small Georgia-based manufacturer that produced the door. After coordinating directly with the manufacturer to gather the necessary details, I shared the specifications with the builder so the order could be placed. When Billie found out, she was absolutely thrilled!
Keeping Communication Smooth—No Matter the Time Zone
With Billie’s frequent travel schedule, staying in the loop could have been a major challenge—but thanks to Clear Line Communication, it wasn’t. I provided structured updates, well-organized FF&E schedules, and detailed tear sheets so decisions could be made efficiently, even from thousands of miles away. Regular check-ins and site visits ensured that I could oversee progress, address any issues, and keep the builder and vendors aligned. No matter where she was in the world, Billie always had the information she needed at her fingertips.
Earning the Builder’s Trust Through Structure & Strategy
At the start of the project, the builder wasn’t entirely convinced that my involvement would make much of a difference. In fact, he thought I might be more of a hindrance than anything else. As construction progressed, though, he saw firsthand how Steady Build Support kept everything running smoothly. Because we had planned and documented details properly from the beginning, he always had the answers he needed—whether in a structured report or just a quick text away. By the end of the project, he was completely on board, acknowledging that my role had made the entire process more efficient. When we worked together again on a future project, he was more than happy to have me on board.
A Home Built with Intention
When the project wrapped up, Billie and Joe moved into a home that truly reflected their vision—one that blended Billie’s love for design with practical, well-thought-out solutions. The entire process was smoother, more organized, and more enjoyable than their first home build, and they were grateful for the support that allowed them to stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
This project was a perfect example of how a structured, expert-led approach can turn a complex home build into a seamless experience—ensuring that every decision, big or small, is made with clarity and confidence.