Resources
for planning your home design

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A screened in porch with a table and chairs and lots of windows.

Planning a big remodel or a brand new home?

To give you a head start on your home project, we've gathered our favorite tips, guides, inspiration, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Organizing your home ideas


Pinterest boards and Houzz are easy tools to help gather and organize your home project inspiration and wish lists. Watch our video guide to getting started with your own Houzz Ideadbooks.

Planning your forever home


Want to make your home fit for aging in place? What features make a difference? What can you do on your own? When to call a pro? Click here to find answers and ideas in our guide.

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What's possible?
Need ideas?


Our Before and After gallery is filled with dramatic reveals and inspiring stories of major home remodels and additions. Including our HGTV Urban Oasis home.

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A green and brown house with a porch and stairs

What will it cost to get your dream home?


It can be overwhelming to understand all the costs involved in a major home remodel or new home design and build. In our guide to Understanding Costs, we break down the various costs related to home design, remodeling, and building new.

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Before you get started, you've got questions


  • When do you call an architect?
  • Do you need an architect for your remodeling project?
  • How do architects and interior designers work together?
  • and many more!


We know you have many questions when you are considering a major remodel or new home build, so we've shared our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Featured news

From our blog

Explore our blog articles to find more answers and inspiration to help as you plan for your home remodel or new dream home!

Ann Arbor Craftsman Home Renovation

What Does an Architect Actually Do During a Remodel?

By Dawn Zuber • July 28, 2026
Ever wonder what an architect really does during a home renovation or remodel? Studio Z pulls back the curtain from the first site visit to construction oversight.
White house with dark roof, front lawn, and a detached garage under a bright blue sky

Is Hiring an Architect Worth It? One Homeowner’s $50,000 Answer

By Dawn Zuber • July 9, 2026
Is hiring an architect worth it? One homeowner’s costly lesson shows why skipping architectural services turned a simple remodel into a $50,000 disaster.

The Hidden Costs of Buying Your Own Fixtures for Your Remodel

By Dawn Zuber • June 1, 2026
Think buying your own fixtures will save money? Learn why homeowners who purchase their own plumbing and lighting fixtures often regret it—and how to stay involved without the headaches.

Tell us about your dreams for your home—we’re here to listen and make them a reality.

Start your home design journey with Studio Z Architecture

Let's bring your vision of home to life!

What our clients say

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"When we decided to age in place in our current home, we met with Studio Z about designing accessibility into our home. Our first meeting was so thorough. Not to mention how comfortable we were working with Dawn. The team is timely, organized, professional, and oh so pleasant to work with!"

Homeowner, Ann Arbor
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"We've had a great experience with Studio Z. They really listened to what we wanted. Their first design concepts were exactly what we were looking for. Detail-oriented and organized, they helped us select a builder. Every detail was spot on with the plans. Studio Z is highly recommended by us!"

Homeowner
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"Studio Z did such an expert job of matching the existing design and spirit of what was there. They listened and helped us think through how the space would really be used. The result is a space we truly love. Thank you!!!”

Homeowner, Ann Arbor

"When we decided to age in place in our current home, we met with Studio Z about designing accessibility into our home. Our first meeting was so thorough. Not to mention how comfortable we were working with Dawn. The team is timely, organized, professional, and oh so pleasant to work with!"

Homeowner, Ann Arbor

"We've had a great experience with Studio Z. They really listened to what we wanted. Their first design concepts were exactly what we were looking for. Detail-oriented and organized, they helped us select a builder. Every detail was spot on with the plans. Studio Z is highly recommended by us!"

Homeowner