How we work: Designing the perfect home for you

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A kitchen with green walls and black cabinets and a wine cellar.

Let us help you create a space that's truly your own!

The most important ingredient in your home design is you!


Our job starts by asking questions and listening — to hear and understand you. It's not about imposing our design solutions on you. Instead, we translate what we learn into designing a home that’s a perfect fit for you.


We want to know everything: What you like, what you don’t like, what you treasure, what you disregard, your favorite places, and your dream spaces.


Our success comes from the heart and out of the deep connections and close relationships we have with our clients. We've designed our process to discover the very things that make you, you!


There is no doubt that we love design, but what really motivates us is the experience of sharing your joy and amazement throughout the process, and especially at the final reveal.

Creating a home to fit your life and your lifestyle

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Love where you live

Have you outgrown your home, but still love your community, friends, and neighbors?


You dread the idea of leaving the place you’ve called home only to start over in a new location … not to mention having to deal with moving!


We get it. We know that changing the functionality and flow of your home can open things up so you can stay right where you are, in the place you love to live.

Two women are standing next to each other at a table.

Growing pains

Welcoming a new addition to your family might have you thinking about expanding your space—whether that means adding onto your existing home or designing a brand-new custom home built for your future.


We know this is an exciting time in life, but it can also push the limits of your current space. As you start exploring how to make it all work, we’re here with creative solutions to help your home—new or existing—adapt beautifully to your family’s evolving needs.

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A home of your own

Whether living alone is a new journey or a familiar landscape, your home should reflect your unique needs and lifestyle.


Maybe you’re ready to remodel and upgrade your current home as you downsize, or perhaps you’re considering building a brand-new custom home designed just for you.


We specialize in listening to your vision and creating personalized home designs that make you feel truly at home—whether by transforming your existing space or starting fresh with a custom-built design.

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Aging in place

More and more homeowners are choosing to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own home rather than transition to assisted living.


If you love your current home, we can redesign and adapt it to support you for years to come. If you're thinking of something new, we'll work with you to create a custom-designed home that’s thoughtfully planned for you and your future needs.


Start with our guide to updating your home to fit your future!

Great things our clients & collaborators say

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"I’ve had the opportunity to work with many architects over the years, and without a doubt, Dawn and her team at Studio Z stand out as the absolute best. Their attention to detail, professionalism, and thoroughness are unmatched. Every set of plans we receive is clear, well thought-out, and comprehensive, making the construction process smooth and efficient from start to finish. It’s a breath of fresh air to work with a team that not only understands great design but also how it translates in the field. Studio Z truly sets the standard."

Jeremy Larabell, LHS Remodeling
A white brush stroke on a white background.

"The team at Studio Z were wonderful to work with—personable, professional, knowledgeable and respectful of our time and our costs. The process was clearly explained, the home design options reflected our styles. They helped us find our way in a sometimes overwhelming project. We have been thrilled with the outcome. We recommend this team a hundred times over."

Homeowner, Ann Arbor

"I’ve had the opportunity to work with many architects over the years, and without a doubt, Dawn and her team at Studio Z stand out as the absolute best. Their attention to detail, professionalism, and thoroughness are unmatched. Every set of plans we receive is clear, well thought-out, and comprehensive, making the construction process smooth and efficient from start to finish. It’s a breath of fresh air to work with a team that not only understands great design but also how it translates in the field. Studio Z truly sets the standard."

Jeremy Larabell, LHS Remodeling

Ready to start creating your dream home?


Tell us about your vision and request your consultation.

Why work with an architect to design your new home, major home remodel or addition?

Check out our articles for more about our architecture and interior design services and masterplanning.

A hallway with hardwood floors and stairs in a house.

Home architecture design tips: Add privacy without closing off your space

By Dawn Zuber • April 11, 2025
Whether you’re designing a new home or rethinking your current layout, this article explores how architectural design can provide privacy solutions for your space while maintaining a sense of openness and flow in your home.
A woman is writing on a piece of paper with a purple pen

The difference between working with an architect or a draftsperson

March 27, 2025
Not sure whether to hire an architect or a draftsperson for your home project? Learn the key differences and why you probably want to invest in an architect.

Ideas to maximize space in your small house – Expert tips for new builds and remodels

By Dawn Zuber • January 6, 2025
Learn how to maximize space in a small house without adding square footage. Simple ideas to transform your home into a functional haven.
A large house with a lot of windows is surrounded by trees.

How to plan a custom home you’ll love: Six key points your architect considers that you might not

By Dawn Zuber • December 19, 2024
Discover the 6 key things architects consider when designing and building a custom home to make your future home one you’ll love.
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