When you imagine the process of creating your dream home, do you picture scattered meetings, disconnected plans, and a juggling act between multiple firms? You shouldn’t. But for many, that is the reality.
You should envision a seamless experience that feels personal, cohesive, and intentional from the first sketch to the final reveal. That includes a single point of accountability, a clear understanding of your vision, ease of communication, and every detail flawlessly executed.
That’s the difference an architect-led design-build firm delivers – and why it’s the smartest investment for your new custom home.
One Vision, One Team, One Roof
At Phil Kean Design Group, architecture, construction, and interior design all live under one roof. Our clients have one location to visit and one team to trust. This integrated structure means fewer moving parts, consistent coordination, and far less stress for you.
When the architect, builder, and interior designer are part of the same process from day one, every decision supports a single vision. Weekly team collaborations ensure that details aren’t lost, potential delays are mitigated, and unapproved design changes during construction are eliminated.
Preserving the Integrity of the Design
In a traditional process, an architect hands over the completed plans to an outside builder – and sometimes, the design intent gets lost during construction. Well-meaning builders may substitute materials, adjust layouts, or skip over nuances they think are unnecessary.
With an architect-led design-build, the architect and designers are intimately involved with you from beginning to end, ensuring the consistency of your design is maintained as the home unfolds. Every beam, tile, and finish aligns with the intent that inspired it.
Designing with Feasibility in Mind
Beautiful designs are only valuable if they are buildable.
Phil Kean Design Group has been designing and building custom homes in the Central Florida area and its beaches for over 20 years. Both Phil Kean, AIA and Principal, and Tommy Watkins, AIA and President, have firsthand construction experience, allowing us to ensure each home’s design is feasible before engineering or permitting.
Phil studied Architecture at Harvard and earned a Master of Architecture and Master of Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis. After designing homes for other builders, he earned his contractor license in 2005 and launched his own design-build firm.
Tommy earned both a Master of Architecture and Master of Construction Management from Washington University in St. Louis. In addition to designing homes, he visits our job sites regularly, making sure each build stays on point.
This approach avoids costly redesigns that result when plans can’t be engineered or built. From the start, we design with local considerations and real-world feasibility in mind.
Local Knowledge, Global Standards
With years of experience designing and building in Central Florida and its beaches, we know the local codes, permitting processes, and environmental considerations for sustainable building in Florida, inside and out.
Combined with an international design perspective and renowned creativity, we design all architectural styles well—from authentic regional and period-specific styles to transitional architecture—guaranteeing your home is both rooted in its environment and tailored to your personal style and tastes.
Client Care and Building Relationships
Our clients often tell us how much they value their team members and project management.
We understand that building a custom home is a very personal, and sometimes emotional, experience. Our expertise guides you confidently through each step of the process, helping you make decisions that bring long-term satisfaction.
In addition, President Tommy Watkins responds quickly and thoroughly to any questions or concerns. Knowing you have someone you can reach out to for definitive answers reduces overwhelm and assures you the direction you’re receiving is sound and reliable.
This level of personal involvement not only builds trust – it creates genuine relationships that last for years to come.
From Concept to Exceeding Expectations
Imagine following your home’s journey from the initial hand-sketch to a 3D architectural rendering, through finalizing selections, and finally walking through the finished space. That’s the beauty of a fully integrated process: you see your dream take shape without the disconnects and missed opportunities that happen when separate firms pass the baton.
By combining architecture, building, and interiors into one streamlined service, Phil Kean Design Group delivers homes that are as harmonious in process as they are in the finished form.
Your home is one of the most significant investments you’ll make.
Choosing an architect-led design-build firm protects that investment – making certain your vision is delivered, by a united team you trust, and your completed home is everything you imagined, and more.