Design Build Architect

Widely Recognized Hudson Valley Architects Specializing in Sustainable, Luxury Design Creating Inspired Homes and Commercial Spaces That Elevate Lifestyles and Honor the Environment

Design Build Architect

At Wright Architects, we believe that architecture isn’t just about what you build—it’s about how you build it. As a leading design build architect in the Hudson Valley and New York City, we offer an integrated model that unifies creative vision with construction expertise under one roof. Why does that matter? Because when design and construction are siloed, things fall through the cracks—budgets drift, timelines slip, details are lost in translation. Our design-build model solves that by bringing all the moving parts together into one seamless process. From the first napkin sketch to the final punch list, we manage every phase of your project with the same commitment to quality, clarity, and care. We serve clients who want custom homes, sustainable buildings, and beautifully detailed spaces—delivered with accountability and artistry. One contract. One team. One beautiful outcome—built to last.

What Is Design-Build Architecture?

A Unified Approach to Designing and Building Smarter

In a traditional building project, design and construction are handled separately. You hire an architect to draw your vision, then shop for contractors who can interpret those drawings, hope for good communication, and brace for surprises.

Design-build architecture changes the equation.
In this model, your architect is also your builder’s strategic partner—working together from day one under one shared contract. That means your design, your budget, and your construction timeline are aligned from the start.

At Wright Architects, our Design-Build Services Include:

Site analysis and feasibility studies to determine what’s possible—and what’s wise
Conceptual and schematic design aligned with your vision and goals
Mechanical and systems planning, including Passive House and Net-Zero integration
Zoning, permitting, and regulatory compliance managed on your behalf
Construction documents, bid packages, and contractor selection support
On-site coordination, weekly reviews, and quality assurance throughout construction
Final inspections, walkthroughs, and project close-out support

This integrated approach results in fewer delays, greater cost control, and a project that reflects your values from the inside out.

Why Choose a Design-Build Architect?

The Benefits of a Better Process

When you work with a design-build architect like Wright, you’re not juggling multiple vendors or reconciling conflicting agendas. You’re getting a team that thinks holistically, communicates openly, and stays accountable to you every step of the way.

Here’s why more of our clients are choosing design-build:

One Team, One Contract, One Clear Line of Communication No silos. No finger-pointing. We speak your language and each other’s so you never have to play middleman.
Real-Time Budget Alignment
Every design decision has a cost implication. We help you weigh each option before it becomes a costly change order later.
Streamlined Project Timeline
Fewer handoffs mean faster mobilization, fewer errors, and tighter control from design through delivery.
Design Integrity Maintained
Your project isn’t watered down during handoffs between architect and builder. We carry the creative vision forward, all the way through construction.
Sustainability Built In
We’re not just high performance designers we’re Passive House and LEED professionals who integrate efficiency, comfort, and long-term value from day one.
Risk Reduction
Fewer unknowns. Fewer gaps in scope. Less miscommunication. That means fewer delays, and a smoother road from paper to reality.

Design-build isn’t just faster. It’s smarter and more aligned with how great architecture should be delivered.

What Wright Architects Delivers

End-to-End Architecture + Construction Leadership

Whether you’re designing your forever home, launching a commercial space, or restoring a historic structure, Wright Architects provides the strategic thinking, technical fluency, and creative excellence to deliver a beautiful result—efficiently.

Residential Design-Build Services:

Custom new home design and construction
Whole-home renovations and structural reconfigurations
Additions and ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Kitchen and bath remodels with spatial optimization
Energy-efficient, Passive House, and Net-Zero construction
Outdoor living environments and landscape integration
Contractor coordination and on-site construction observation

Commercial Design-Build Services:

Boutique offices, wellness centers, and hospitality spaces
Mixed-use, multi-tenant, and adaptive reuse projects
Retail and lobby transformations
Tenant fit-outs and phased build-outs
Historic preservation and modernization
Mechanical retrofits and envelope improvements for better energy performance

We coordinate directly with structural engineers, MEP consultants, energy experts, and trusted builders to ensure a cohesive, efficient, and elegant build experience.

Proven Results from Decades of Experience

Case Study: Net-Zero Home + Art Studio – Stone Ridge, NY

A creative couple relocating from NYC approached Wright Architects to design and build their forever home: a net-zero residence with a detached art studio on a wooded lot in the Hudson Valley.
Project Goals:

Blend into the natural topography and use local materials
Achieve full Net-Zero performance
Create two separate yet cohesive structures
Minimize stress and manage construction from afar

What We Delivered:

Full-service architectural design and energy modeling
Passive solar layout with a compact, thermally efficient footprint
Super-insulated envelope, triple-pane glazing, and HRV ventilation
Solar PV system and battery-ready infrastructure
Reclaimed wood siding and stonework using boulders from site
Delivered under budget and ahead of schedule through our design-build process

“The Wright Architects team made everything feel effortless—from initial design to the final punch list. The house is stunning, comfortable year-round, and completely aligned with our values.” — Homeowners, Stone Ridge, NY

WRIGHT ARCHITECTS

Words We Live By

We are as good as our last project. Our former clients are the best testament of our work and we will provide references upon request.

Anything is possible, it is just a matter of how long it will take and how much it will cost

There are different levels of sustainability and they all have quality of life and cost implications.

The cost of a project not only depends on its size but also on its level of detail.

We design with sustainable principles in mind without compromising the beauty of the structure and the spaces inside of it.

In the Northeast, there is considerable electricity the sun can generate during a winter season. Reducing the energy load of the structure through insulation and orientation is the best approach; the electricity generated by the sun coupled with battery backup is the icing on the cake.

Architecture is a form of Art that can be developed into amazing forms and spaces filled with texture and light; achieved by listening to not only the client but also to mother nature.

Tools, Certifications & Trusted Partnerships

We Build Smarter—By Design

Wright Architects combines the imagination of a design studio with the precision of a seasoned project manager. We don’t just hand off drawings—we lead the entire process with confidence, backed by the right credentials, software, and collaborators to ensure your success.

Our Credentials & Capabilities Include:

Licensed Architect – New York State
We meet the highest professional standards in design, code compliance, and project documentation.

Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC)
For clients seeking energy-efficient, Net-Zero, or high-performance homes, we offer deep expertise in building science and long-term resilience.
LEED-Accredited Professionals (LEED AP)
We integrate sustainable materials, healthy systems, and site-sensitive strategies from the earliest planning phases.
BIM & Revit 3D Modeling
Our Building Information Modeling process reduces errors, increases transparency, and lets you visualize your project before construction begins.
Energy Modeling & Mechanical Coordination
We model envelope performance, system sizing, and renewable integration for comfort, cost-savings, and performance.
Permit-Ready Documentation
From zoning research to DOB filing to energy code compliance, we prepare detailed documentation that accelerates approvals and avoids delays.
Construction Oversight & Quality Assurance
We visit the job site regularly, track milestones, and communicate openly with you and the builder—so nothing gets lost between paper and reality.
Trusted Partnerships
We work with a tight-knit network of builders, engineers, and specialty consultants who understand the level of quality and collaboration our clients expect.

From concept to completion, our toolkit is built to serve one thing: your peace of mind.

Let’s Build Something Beautiful—Together

If you’re searching for a design build architect who can bring your vision to life—and actually make the process enjoyable—you’ve found your team.

At Wright Architects, we guide you through every phase with clarity, creativity, and care. Whether you’re in Ulster County, Dutchess, Westchester, or New York City, we’re here to help you design smarter, build better, and enjoy the journey.

Let’s create something timeless, tailored, and built to last.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between a design-build architect and a traditional architect?

In a traditional project model, you typically hire an architect to design your home or building and then separately hire a general contractor to build it. While this can work, it often leads to communication gaps, misaligned priorities, and change orders during construction because the design and build teams operate independently.
By contrast, a design-build architect like Wright Architects provides both services under one integrated contract.

This means:

Your design and construction teams work together from the start
You benefit from a more cohesive process and single point of accountability
There's greater cost control, since budgets are developed alongside design
Your project moves faster with fewer surprises and better outcomes

With design-build, we don't just hand off drawings—we stay with you through the entire journey, ensuring that the design you fell in love with is the one you get when construction wraps.

Q: Is design-build faster?

Yes—significantly. Our clients routinely experience 20–30% faster delivery compared to traditional design–bid–build models. Why?

Design decisions are made with construction in mind from the beginning
Permit documents, builder selection, and cost analysis happen in parallel—not sequentially
Fewer handoffs mean fewer delays due to miscommunication or conflicting interpretations
The builder is involved early, so constructability issues are resolved on paper—not on the job site

We streamline every phase of the process, from zoning research to material procurement to construction punch lists. The result? A smarter schedule, a calmer process, and a space delivered when you actually expected it.

Q: Will I still have control over the design?

Absolutely. Working with a design-build architect doesn’t mean sacrificing creative freedom—it means enhancing it with better execution.
As licensed architects, we prioritize your goals, preferences, and lifestyle from the first conversation. You’ll still:

Approve all concepts, floor plans, and finishes
Be involved in budget conversations and design decisions
Have access to 3D models, design visuals, and performance projections
Set the tone, style, and feel of your home or building

Our role is to guide, advise, and protect your vision—not override it. We bring it to life with the added benefit of knowing exactly how to build it.

Q: Is design-build more expensive?

Not necessarily. In fact, it’s often more cost-effective over the full course of a project. Here’s why:

Design-build minimizes costly change orders because construction considerations are baked into the design
You get pricing feedback early, so you can make informed choices before drawings are finalized
The integrated team reduces the risk of budget overruns caused by miscommunication or scope gaps
Scheduling efficiencies save on carrying costs and time-related expenses

While high-end materials or performance upgrades can increase cost—as with any project—our process helps ensure every dollar is working hard for you, and surprises are the exception, not the rule.

Q: Where do you offer design-build services?

We proudly offer design-build architecture throughout New York State, with a special focus on high-performance residential and commercial projects in:

📍 Ulster County — Kingston, Stone Ridge, Woodstock

📍 Dutchess County — Rhinebeck, Beacon, Millbrook

📍 Westchester County — Bedford, Tarrytown, Chappaqua

📍 New York City — Brooklyn, Manhattan, Harlem, Queens

📍 Destination Projects by Invitation – We occasionally accept projects outside our core areas, including vacation homes, rural estates, creative studios, and legacy properties throughout the Northeast.
Whether your project is nestled in the woods or situated on a tight urban lot, we tailor our team, tools, and schedule to meet the demands of your location and your goals.

Design Build Architect

Widely Recognized Hudson Valley Architects Specializing in Sustainable, Luxury Design Creating Inspired Homes and Commercial Spaces That Elevate Lifestyles and Honor the Environment