Frequently asked questions

Start with a Construction Consult.

Our team will come to your site, and discuss the project in order to give you the “real talk.” We will answer any questions you may have about your project, and give you a clear understanding of what you can expect when it comes to viability, feasibility, costs, and timelines.

We provide an objective, comprehensive perspective — separate from the builder you will hire to perform the work — for the purpose of giving you unbiased, straightforward information that you can use to make informed decisions.

Phase One provides comprehensive planning and architectural design for both new construction and renovation projects.

The Construction Consult is a paid consultation with a General Contractor where we discuss structural and financial details of your project. 

Our goal is for you to understand the following after this consult: 

• A rough estimate of the project cost, and possible break down of project phases.
• If the project is logistically possible with the structure of your home.
• If the project can be done on your property within the setbacks, easements, and lot coverage and whether or not you will need a plat survey.
• What permits are needed and who would be responsible for getting those (homeowner/general contractor/designer/architect).
• How the existing plumbing/electrical/HVAC may affect the project.
• Are there any HOA or county regulations that need to be considered and who will be the point of contact for those approvals.
• An estimate for Phase One to design plans for your project (if needed). 

After the initial consultation, you will receive a detailed account of our findings.

If we mutually agree on moving forward with a project, we will send you a Phase One design proposal with cost estimate for the architectural design based on the size and scope of your project.

In South Carolina, an architect is not required for most residential situations.

All of our plans are created by our team of architectural designers with the oversight of a general contractor so that construction feasibility and cost are always front of mind.

If an architect is determined to be required for your project, we have an Architect of Record who partners exclusively with Phase One.

Your plans will be detailed architectural-quality plans that can be used to obtain permits for your project delivered both digitally and physically to all required parties. 

Yes, we provide 3D renderings so that you can visualize what your project will feel like, inside and out.

Yes! You don’t have to live in South Carolina to work with us.

We have had clients across the US (New York, New Jersey, Colorado, California, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina) who are moving to South Carolina, OR want us to bring our expertise to them.

Most of our out-of-state clients schedule video conference meetings when working with our team. They may travel in for one visit depending on the situation, but some have completed entire projects without ever meeting in person. 

Yes, certainly!

We have a broad network of local vendors and we only recommend the best. We won’t send you to someone that we wouldn’t use ourselves.

We are located at 2910 Rosewood Drive near the Publix at Rosewood Center. 

Access our parking lot from South Holly Street (see map below) and park behind the building. Follow the sidewalk up the hill around to our entrance on Rosewood. We look forward to meeting with you. 

2910 Rosewood Drive
Columbia, SC 29205 

During the construction consult we will discuss the many factors that will impact your construction cost