The Frontline Design+Build Process
Exceptional renovation begins with an intentional process. From initial consultation to final walkthrough, we guide you through a structured approach designed to deliver certainty, clarity, and craftsmanship.
Your Renovation Should Be Inspiring, Not Overwhelming
Luxury renovation doesn't have to mean luxury stress. When you partner with a design-build firm, you eliminate the chaos of coordinating separate designers, contractors, and vendors. You work with one integrated team accountable for every detail—from initial sketches to final installation.
Our process is built on three principles: transparency, collaboration, and accountability. You'll know what to expect at every phase. You'll understand your investment before construction begins. And you'll work with the same team from concept through completion.
This is how renovation should work.
Our process is built on three core principles:
How We Work
A Four-Phase Approach
A Four-Phase Approach
Our design-build process transforms the traditional renovation experience by integrating design thinking with construction expertise at every stage. You're not managing multiple relationships or decoding miscommunication between separate teams. You're collaborating with one partner who owns the complete journey.
Our design-build process transforms the traditional renovation experience by integrating design thinking with construction expertise at every stage. You're not managing multiple relationships or decoding miscommunication between separate teams. You're collaborating with one partner who owns the complete journey.
Discovery & Design
We begin by understanding how you live in your space. Our initial consultation explores your vision, functional needs, and aesthetic preferences.
Execution with Excellence
Our carefully vetted team and subcontractors work with the same attention to detail you'd expect in your own home.
Our carefully vetted team and subcontractors work with the same attention to detail you'd expect in your own home.
Detailed Planning
Every element is selected before construction begins—from cabinetry and countertops to hardware and lighting.
Every element is selected before construction begins—from cabinetry and countertops to hardware and lighting.
Final Walkthrough & Beyond
We don't consider a project complete until you're delighted. Our post-project support means we're available when you need us.
We don't consider a project complete until you're delighted. Our post-project support means we're available when you need us.
Phase 1: Discovery & Consultation
Understanding Your Vision & Your Home
We answer every question honestly. If your project isn't the right fit for Frontline—whether due to timeline, budget, or scope—we'll tell you directly and help point you toward appropriate resources.
Here's what happens:
Initial Consultation
We begin with a conversation about how you live in your space. What works? What doesn't? What have you imagined? Our design team asks thoughtful questions to understand not just what you want to build, but why. This isn't a sales call—it's a discovery session.
Site Assessment
We visit your home to understand its architecture, assess structural considerations, and identify opportunities you may not have considered. Our team examines existing conditions, takes detailed measurements, and evaluates how your vision aligns with your home's potential.
Lifestyle & Functional Needs
We discuss how you actually use your spaces. Do you entertain frequently? Is your kitchen the heart of your home? Do you need more storage, better flow, or enhanced natural light? These conversations inform every design decision that follows.
Preliminary Concept Development
Based on our consultation and site visit, we develop initial layout concepts. You'll see multiple approaches to your space—different configurations, spatial relationships, and design directions. This gives you options to respond to rather than starting from a blank slate.
Investment Discussion
We provide a preliminary investment range based on scope, complexity, and quality expectations. This early transparency ensures we're aligned before investing significant time in detailed design.
Phase 1: Discovery & Consultation
Understanding Your Vision & Your Home
We answer every question honestly. If your project isn't the right fit for Frontline—whether due to timeline, budget, or scope—we'll tell you directly and help point you toward appropriate resources.
Here's what happens:
Initial Consultation
We begin with a conversation about how you live in your space. What works? What doesn't? What have you imagined? Our design team asks thoughtful questions to understand not just what you want to build, but why. This isn't a sales call—it's a discovery session.
Site Assessment
We visit your home to understand its architecture, assess structural considerations, and identify opportunities you may not have considered. Our team examines existing conditions, takes detailed measurements, and evaluates how your vision aligns with your home's potential.
Lifestyle & Functional Needs
We discuss how you actually use your spaces. Do you entertain frequently? Is your kitchen the heart of your home? Do you need more storage, better flow, or enhanced natural light? These conversations inform every design decision that follows.
Preliminary Concept Development
Based on our consultation and site visit, we develop initial layout concepts. You'll see multiple approaches to your space—different configurations, spatial relationships, and design directions. This gives you options to respond to rather than starting from a blank slate.
Investment Discussion
We provide a preliminary investment range based on scope, complexity, and quality expectations. This early transparency ensures we're aligned before investing significant time in detailed design.
Phase 1: Discovery & Consultation
Understanding Your Vision & Your Home
We answer every question honestly. If your project isn't the right fit for Frontline—whether due to timeline, budget, or scope—we'll tell you directly and help point you toward appropriate resources.
Here's what happens:
Initial Consultation
We begin with a conversation about how you live in your space. What works? What doesn't? What have you imagined? Our design team asks thoughtful questions to understand not just what you want to build, but why. This isn't a sales call—it's a discovery session.
Site Assessment
We visit your home to understand its architecture, assess structural considerations, and identify opportunities you may not have considered. Our team examines existing conditions, takes detailed measurements, and evaluates how your vision aligns with your home's potential.
Lifestyle & Functional Needs
We discuss how you actually use your spaces. Do you entertain frequently? Is your kitchen the heart of your home? Do you need more storage, better flow, or enhanced natural light? These conversations inform every design decision that follows.
Preliminary Concept Development
Based on our consultation and site visit, we develop initial layout concepts. You'll see multiple approaches to your space—different configurations, spatial relationships, and design directions. This gives you options to respond to rather than starting from a blank slate.
Investment Discussion
We provide a preliminary investment range based on scope, complexity, and quality expectations. This early transparency ensures we're aligned before investing significant time in detailed design.
Phase 2: Detailed Planning
Understanding Your Vision & Your Home
We don't rush selections. This phase takes the time it needs to get every detail right. A well-planned project executes smoothly—a hastily planned project creates stress and surprises.
Here's what happens:
Detailed Design Planning
Once we've agreed on the direction, our design team develops comprehensive plans. This includes refined floor plans, elevations, detailed drawings, and 3D renderings that help you visualize the finished space. Nothing is left to imagination or chance.
Material & Finish Selection
We guide you through every selection—cabinetry, countertops, tile, flooring, fixtures, hardware, lighting, and paint. Our team curates options aligned with your aesthetic and budget, then helps you make confident decisions. We schedule selection appointments at our preferred showrooms where you can see and touch materials in person.
Technical Coordination
Our construction team reviews designs for buildability, code compliance, and structural considerations. We coordinate with our trusted electricians, plumbers, and specialty trades early to identify any site-specific challenges before construction begins.
Engineering & Permitting
We handle all architectural drawings, engineering requirements, and permit applications. You don't navigate municipal processes—we do.
Final Budget Confirmation
With every element designed and specified, we provide a fixed-price proposal. No vague allowances. No "we'll figure it out during construction." You know exactly what you're investing and exactly what you're receiving.
Phase 2: Detailed Planning
Understanding Your Vision & Your Home
We don't rush selections. This phase takes the time it needs to get every detail right. A well-planned project executes smoothly—a hastily planned project creates stress and surprises.
Here's what happens:
Detailed Design Planning
Once we've agreed on the direction, our design team develops comprehensive plans. This includes refined floor plans, elevations, detailed drawings, and 3D renderings that help you visualize the finished space. Nothing is left to imagination or chance.
Material & Finish Selection
We guide you through every selection—cabinetry, countertops, tile, flooring, fixtures, hardware, lighting, and paint. Our team curates options aligned with your aesthetic and budget, then helps you make confident decisions. We schedule selection appointments at our preferred showrooms where you can see and touch materials in person.
Technical Coordination
Our construction team reviews designs for buildability, code compliance, and structural considerations. We coordinate with our trusted electricians, plumbers, and specialty trades early to identify any site-specific challenges before construction begins.
Engineering & Permitting
We handle all architectural drawings, engineering requirements, and permit applications. You don't navigate municipal processes—we do.
Final Budget Confirmation
With every element designed and specified, we provide a fixed-price proposal. No vague allowances. No "we'll figure it out during construction." You know exactly what you're investing and exactly what you're receiving.
Phase 2: Detailed Planning
Understanding Your Vision & Your Home
We don't rush selections. This phase takes the time it needs to get every detail right. A well-planned project executes smoothly—a hastily planned project creates stress and surprises.
Here's what happens:
Detailed Design Planning
Once we've agreed on the direction, our design team develops comprehensive plans. This includes refined floor plans, elevations, detailed drawings, and 3D renderings that help you visualize the finished space. Nothing is left to imagination or chance.
Material & Finish Selection
We guide you through every selection—cabinetry, countertops, tile, flooring, fixtures, hardware, lighting, and paint. Our team curates options aligned with your aesthetic and budget, then helps you make confident decisions. We schedule selection appointments at our preferred showrooms where you can see and touch materials in person.
Technical Coordination
Our construction team reviews designs for buildability, code compliance, and structural considerations. We coordinate with our trusted electricians, plumbers, and specialty trades early to identify any site-specific challenges before construction begins.
Engineering & Permitting
We handle all architectural drawings, engineering requirements, and permit applications. You don't navigate municipal processes—we do.
Final Budget Confirmation
With every element designed and specified, we provide a fixed-price proposal. No vague allowances. No "we'll figure it out during construction." You know exactly what you're investing and exactly what you're receiving.
Phase 3: Pre-Construction Preparation
Setting the Stage for Seamless Execution
We don't start until everything is ordered, scheduled, and coordinated. Preparation prevents problems.
Here's what happens:
Material Procurement
We order all long-lead items—cabinetry, countertops, tile, fixtures, and specialty materials—before construction begins. This prevents delays waiting for backordered items mid-project.
Trade Partner Coordination
Our trusted network of master electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, and craftspeople are scheduled and briefed on your project. Everyone understands the scope, timeline, and quality expectations before the first day of work.
Site Protection Planning
We establish site protection protocols specific to your home. This includes dust barriers, floor protection, designated material staging areas, and daily cleanup procedures. Your home is treated with the respect it deserves.
Project Timeline Confirmation
You'll receive a detailed schedule outlining each phase of construction, from demolition through final finishes. We identify key decision points, inspection requirements, and milestone completions.
Communication Protocol
We establish how you'll stay informed—whether through daily text updates, weekly check-ins, or project management software access. You choose the level of involvement that gives you peace of mind.
Phase 3: Pre-Construction Preparation
Setting the Stage for Seamless Execution
We don't start until everything is ordered, scheduled, and coordinated. Preparation prevents problems.
Here's what happens:
Material Procurement
We order all long-lead items—cabinetry, countertops, tile, fixtures, and specialty materials—before construction begins. This prevents delays waiting for backordered items mid-project.
Trade Partner Coordination
Our trusted network of master electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, and craftspeople are scheduled and briefed on your project. Everyone understands the scope, timeline, and quality expectations before the first day of work.
Site Protection Planning
We establish site protection protocols specific to your home. This includes dust barriers, floor protection, designated material staging areas, and daily cleanup procedures. Your home is treated with the respect it deserves.
Project Timeline Confirmation
You'll receive a detailed schedule outlining each phase of construction, from demolition through final finishes. We identify key decision points, inspection requirements, and milestone completions.
Communication Protocol
We establish how you'll stay informed—whether through daily text updates, weekly check-ins, or project management software access. You choose the level of involvement that gives you peace of mind.
Phase 3: Pre-Construction Preparation
Setting the Stage for Seamless Execution
We don't start until everything is ordered, scheduled, and coordinated. Preparation prevents problems.
Here's what happens:
Material Procurement
We order all long-lead items—cabinetry, countertops, tile, fixtures, and specialty materials—before construction begins. This prevents delays waiting for backordered items mid-project.
Trade Partner Coordination
Our trusted network of master electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, and craftspeople are scheduled and briefed on your project. Everyone understands the scope, timeline, and quality expectations before the first day of work.
Site Protection Planning
We establish site protection protocols specific to your home. This includes dust barriers, floor protection, designated material staging areas, and daily cleanup procedures. Your home is treated with the respect it deserves.
Project Timeline Confirmation
You'll receive a detailed schedule outlining each phase of construction, from demolition through final finishes. We identify key decision points, inspection requirements, and milestone completions.
Communication Protocol
We establish how you'll stay informed—whether through daily text updates, weekly check-ins, or project management software access. You choose the level of involvement that gives you peace of mind.
Phase 4: Construction & Completion
Bringing Your Vision to Life
We don't consider a project complete until you're completely satisfied. No detail is too small to address. No question goes unanswered. We stay until it's right.
Here's what happens:
Demolition & Preparation
Our crew begins with controlled demolition and site preparation. We protect adjacent spaces, manage debris removal, and maintain a clean, organized work environment.
Structural & Systems Work
Framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work proceeds according to plan. Our project manager conducts regular inspections to ensure quality at every stage. All work must meet or exceed code requirements.
Installation & Finish Work
This is where your design comes to life. Custom cabinetry, countertops, tile, flooring, and fixtures are installed by craftspeople who understand the difference between good and exceptional. Our finish carpenters handle millwork, trim, and detail work with the precision these homes deserve.
Daily Communication
Your project manager provides regular updates on progress, addresses questions immediately, and keeps you informed of any discoveries that require decisions. You're never left wondering what's happening.
Quality Control
Throughout construction, we conduct internal quality inspections. Our team catches and corrects issues before you ever see them. We're our own toughest critics.
Final Walkthrough
Before calling your project complete, we conduct a comprehensive walkthrough together. Every detail is reviewed. Any punch-list items are documented and completed promptly.
Phase 4: Construction & Completion
Bringing Your Vision to Life
We don't consider a project complete until you're completely satisfied. No detail is too small to address. No question goes unanswered. We stay until it's right.
Here's what happens:
Demolition & Preparation
Our crew begins with controlled demolition and site preparation. We protect adjacent spaces, manage debris removal, and maintain a clean, organized work environment.
Structural & Systems Work
Framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work proceeds according to plan. Our project manager conducts regular inspections to ensure quality at every stage. All work must meet or exceed code requirements.
Installation & Finish Work
This is where your design comes to life. Custom cabinetry, countertops, tile, flooring, and fixtures are installed by craftspeople who understand the difference between good and exceptional. Our finish carpenters handle millwork, trim, and detail work with the precision these homes deserve.
Daily Communication
Your project manager provides regular updates on progress, addresses questions immediately, and keeps you informed of any discoveries that require decisions. You're never left wondering what's happening.
Quality Control
Throughout construction, we conduct internal quality inspections. Our team catches and corrects issues before you ever see them. We're our own toughest critics.
Final Walkthrough
Before calling your project complete, we conduct a comprehensive walkthrough together. Every detail is reviewed. Any punch-list items are documented and completed promptly.
Phase 4: Construction & Completion
Bringing Your Vision to Life
We don't consider a project complete until you're completely satisfied. No detail is too small to address. No question goes unanswered. We stay until it's right.
Here's what happens:
Demolition & Preparation
Our crew begins with controlled demolition and site preparation. We protect adjacent spaces, manage debris removal, and maintain a clean, organized work environment.
Structural & Systems Work
Framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work proceeds according to plan. Our project manager conducts regular inspections to ensure quality at every stage. All work must meet or exceed code requirements.
Installation & Finish Work
This is where your design comes to life. Custom cabinetry, countertops, tile, flooring, and fixtures are installed by craftspeople who understand the difference between good and exceptional. Our finish carpenters handle millwork, trim, and detail work with the precision these homes deserve.
Daily Communication
Your project manager provides regular updates on progress, addresses questions immediately, and keeps you informed of any discoveries that require decisions. You're never left wondering what's happening.
Quality Control
Throughout construction, we conduct internal quality inspections. Our team catches and corrects issues before you ever see them. We're our own toughest critics.
Final Walkthrough
Before calling your project complete, we conduct a comprehensive walkthrough together. Every detail is reviewed. Any punch-list items are documented and completed promptly.
Take a look at our portfolio
Luxury kitchen & bathroom transformations from all around the Pittsburgh area & neighborhoods.
Take a look at our portfolio
Luxury kitchen & bathroom transformations from all around the Pittsburgh area & neighborhoods.
Take a look at our portfolio
Luxury kitchen & bathroom transformations from all around the Pittsburgh area & neighborhoods.