New Build + Renovation
FAQ’s

Vela specializes in full-service residential renovations, new construction homes, comprehensive furnishing projects, and concept-driven commercial environments including hospitality, retail, and workplace design. We partner best with clients who value strong creative direction, thoughtful detailing, and a process that is as considered as the outcome.

Vela operates as an independent design studio, collaborating closely with architects, builders, and trades throughout the process to create homes that feel cohesive, thoughtful, and well executed. Unlike a design-build firm, where design and construction services are housed under one company, Vela serves as a dedicated design partner focused exclusively on the creative vision, spatial experience, and detailed refinement of the project.

This structure allows us to work collaboratively alongside the broader construction team while remaining deeply focused on the integrity and continuity of the design from concept through completion. We believe the strongest projects happen when talented professionals across design and construction bring their respective expertise together in a highly coordinated, mutually respectful way.

Earlier is almost always better. For renovations, we ideally become involved before architectural plans are finalized or construction begins. For new builds, we prefer to collaborate during the early planning stages alongside the architect and builder. Early involvement allows us to shape layout, sightlines, functionality, architectural detailing, lighting, material continuity, and overall project cohesion from the start — decisions that are far more difficult and costly to revisit later.

Absolutely. Collaboration is central to how we work. We regularly partner with architects, builders, contractors, and specialty consultants to ensure the design vision is carried through accurately and with care during execution. We deeply value experienced build teams — and we believe the strongest homes are created through clear communication, mutual respect, and shared expertise, not competition between disciplines.

We view builders and contractors as essential partners in the success of every project. Exceptional homes are not created in isolation — they are the result of genuine collaboration between design, construction, and craftsmanship.

Vela works closely with builders throughout the process to ensure decisions are aligned, details are fully coordinated, and the project moves forward with clarity and confidence. We come prepared: with organized documentation, clear specifications, and a team that understands construction realities and communicates directly. Our goal is always to make the builder's job easier, not harder.

Proactively. We don't wait for problems to surface — we stay close to the process, answer RFIs promptly, review details thoroughly, and maintain continuity between the design intent and field conditions as they evolve. We understand that exceptional execution requires both creativity and practicality, and we hold both to the same standard.

Yes. Depending on project scope, Vela develops detailed drawing packages and specifications to support construction and implementation. These may include finish plans, lighting plans, millwork drawings, elevations, plumbing selections, tile layouts, and decorative detailing. Our drawings are produced in Revit and AutoCAD and are designed to be used in the field — not just presented in a client meeting. We coordinate closely with the builder and consultants throughout to support accurate pricing, efficient decision-making, and clean execution.

Yes. Most of our renovation and new build projects include furnishings, lighting, window treatments, and styling. We believe strongly that architecture and furnishings should feel intentionally connected — not treated as separate phases with separate sensibilities.

In some cases, yes. That said, our strongest work happens when we are involved holistically. Many of the details that make a home feel cohesive — ceiling heights, lighting placement, built-in proportions, material transitions — are influenced long before a single piece of furniture arrives.

Our clients are typically busy people who want a deeply considered home without managing every detail themselves. We guide the process, curate options with intention, and streamline decision-making — ensuring clients feel informed and confident without being overwhelmed. Your job is to share your vision and trust the process. Ours is to bring it to life.

Our process is intentionally curated. Rather than presenting an overwhelming number of options, we guide clients toward well-resolved solutions that are aligned with the architecture, lifestyle, and goals of the project. This creates clarity, supports construction momentum, and leads to a more cohesive result than a process built around endless choices.

By staying ahead of it. Vela structures the design process in phases that support construction timelines, keep selections moving proactively, and minimize avoidable delays. We remain actively involved throughout execution — coordinating with the build team, anticipating what's needed next, and keeping communication clear across all parties.

Budgets vary widely depending on scope, architecture, location, and level of finish. We discuss investment expectations candidly early in the process to ensure alignment before moving forward. We are not the right fit for every budget — but for the projects we take on, we are fully committed to delivering work that justifies the investment.

Yes. We work closely with builders and clients to prioritize investment thoughtfully and align design decisions with overall project goals. Our objective is not simply to reduce costs — it is to help clients invest intentionally in the areas that will have the greatest impact on how a space looks, functions, and feels over time. Thoughtful prioritization early in the process leads to stronger outcomes and smoother execution throughout.

Design fees are tailored to project scope and complexity. Depending on the project, fees may be structured as flat fees, square-foot-based fees, hourly billing, or a hybrid approach. We provide clear proposals outlining scope, phases, and expectations prior to engagement — no surprises.

Every project is different, but high-end residential projects often take significantly longer than clients initially anticipate. New builds commonly span 18–30+ months from planning to completion, while major renovations may take 9–18+ months depending on complexity, permitting, and construction conditions. We believe in setting honest expectations from the start — a well-executed home is worth the time it takes to do it right.

Yes. Vela remains actively involved throughout construction — reviewing progress, answering design-related questions, coordinating with trades, reviewing shop drawings and submittals, and ensuring the design intent is being executed accurately and with care.

Yes. In addition to residential work, Vela designs concept-driven commercial environments — including hospitality concepts, luxury retail, wellness spaces, and workplaces that bring a hospitality mindset to the way people experience their professional environment. Our commercial process is equally rigorous and equally personal. If you're a brand or business looking to make your space do more work, we'd love to talk.

Yes. While Vela is based in Excelsior, Minnesota, we work on select projects nationwide depending on scope and fit.