makeUP design operation
architecture, see it sooner
architecture, design & visioning from beginning to end that brings excitement, clarity, and confident decisions by helping you see sooner
a family chapel design study - 15 minute watercolor + 2 ai renders
design charrette sketch + ai render
design as shared understanding
early in a project, uncertainty isn’t usually about design quality — it’s about communication. ideas live in different heads, words mean different things, and hesitation slows progress. this work focuses on making design visible early, using sketches, conversation, and selective visualization to create shared understanding. when ideas are clear, excitement becomes productive and decisions move forward with confidence.
projects tend to fall into one of two engagement types — either clarifying and giving form to ideas already in motion, or helping shape vision from the very beginning. each path reflects a different role for design leadership, with scope, pace, and outcomes shaped by what the project needs most at that moment.
for homeowners
residential projects are personal. design decisions affect daily life, budgets, and long-term comfort. early design clarity helps homeowners see their ideas before committing, making conversations easier, alignment faster, and choices feel exciting rather than overwhelming. the goal is confidence - knowing what you’re building, why it feels right, and when you’re ready to move forward.
2d cad elevation + ai render video clip
site example
inside example
drawings to renders
perspective sketch + ai render
for developers
development decisions are rarely about design alone - they involve risk, timing, capital, and consensus. early visualization helps translate intent across teams, boards, and stakeholders, making abstract ideas tangible before commitments are locked in. by clarifying massing, character and potential early, projects gain momentum faster and decisions are made with greater confidence and less friction.
for decision-makers
when decisions are shared across groups or communities, clarity becomes essential. early visualization helps align perspectives, surface questions sooner, and move conversations forward — often before funding, timing, or approvals are fully resolved. by making ideas visible early, this work supports confident decisions and sustained momentum.this often includes boards, non-profit boards, leadership teams, pastors, heads of school, housing authorities, and families navigating shared decisions.
housing sketchup model + ai renders
sketchup model + ai render
design studies
selected design studies showing ideas before they are fixed, tested through early visualization
simple perspective sketch + ai render
axonometric graphic + ai gameday render
results
From securing difficult board approvals to helping families visualize complex renovations, this process has consistently turned hesitation into momentum. Client reflections of design impact coming soon,
perspective drawing + ai material & seasonal renders
Making
making is the point where ideas move from discussion into something people can respond to - sketches become clearer, options take shape, and conversations shift from abstract to practical. this stage allows ideas to be tested, refined, and understood before decisions are finalized - creating momentum without pressure, and maybe having a little fun in the process.not all design visualization work is the same - some engagements interpret direction, others help discover it. the appropriate level of engagement depends on the question being asked.
partnering
partnering means working alongside clients at moments where clarity matters and decisions carry weight
visualization
- transforming sketches, drawings, models, etc. into clear, strong visuals
- used to test ideas, align stakeholders, and support early decisions
- can be targeted and brief, or part of a larger exploration
engagement types
interpretive visualization - when you already have sketches or a design direction, i translate that material into visual studies that clarify design intent and support communication. this approach is focused and efficient - ideal when the concept exists and needs clear depiction
generative design + visualization - when ideas are still emerging, i help shape the project design itself - exploring options and design directions before final decisions are made. this requires deeper design engagement and iteration
concept design
- early sketching and visual studies to explore massing, character, and direction
- helps surface options, tradeoffs, and questions before details are fixed
- often used when a project is still forming or stalled
design architect
- shaping the overall direction and intent of a project
- clarifying what matters most before committing to form, scope, or cost
- suited to clients seeking guidance beyond a single image or decision
tailored engagement
- a flexible level of involvement shaped around the specific question at hand
- can range from focused advisory to full architectural participation
- adapts as clarity develops and needs evolve
community impact
we believe design clarity shouldn't only be a luxury. a portion of our studio time is dedicated to visualizing transitional and supportive housing projects, helping non-profits secure funding and approval faster
sketchbook
in an era of growing digital possibilities, the human hand remains the most honest tool for design. this collection of rapid, 15 minute sketch studies represents the raw 'source code' of the creative process - where structure, light, and atmosphere are negotiated instantly on paper. these sketches serve as the architectural underlay for the digital work, showing that every high-fidelity concept begins with a rigorous understanding of form and scale.
conversation
most conversations begin with a sketch, a question, or a half-formed idea. i am glad to talk through what level of engagement makes sense for you & your project