Architectural rendering of the front exterior of a modern farmhouse design-build project in Westfield, NJ, by Michael Robert Construction

Architectural Planning

Architectural Planning for New Jersey Renovations & Custom Homes

A considered home begins with a considered plan.

MRC manages architecture and engineering through our design-build process. You do not need to assemble the team before you call us: we document existing conditions, test feasibility and zoning, develop the design, and coordinate the architect of record, structural engineering and the other licensed professionals a project needs, each for their defined scope, alongside the construction planning. We work seamlessly with our architect of record so that clients have one point of contact: MRC. If you already have an architect, we build from their drawings instead.

Annotated front elevation drawing of a New Jersey home for Michael Robert Construction, with roof pitches, window schedule numbers, trim sizes and notes on the siding and roof still to be selected — A working elevation. The roof pitches, the window schedule, the 4-inch corner trim and the 6-by-6 post on its metal standoff are already fixed; the siding, the shingle and the post wrapping still read “to be selected by owner.” That is what the planning stage is for — settling what has to be built to, and leaving open what does not.

Drawn first

Drawn, Then Built

The same house, from the drawing to the finished exterior. The entry, the porch and the windows either side are where the drawing put them — a rendering is only useful if the house can actually be built to it.

Architectural rendering of the front elevation of a Westfield, NJ home before construction, showing the gabled wings, the entry porch with cedar posts and the glazed stair volume

The same Westfield, NJ home built, photographed from the front walk, with the entry porch, cedar posts and gabled wings as drawn

PlannedBuilt

The approach

Planning with the whole home in mind

Circulation, daylight, connections, proportion and the relationship between new and existing space — the decisions a plan either gets right early or lives with.

From concepts to coordinated documents

Concepts developed and options reviewed, then the drawings, engineering and specifications a project needs, coordinated into one set.

Renderings as a decision tool

A rendering helps compare ideas and communicate intent. It is a concept illustration — not a guarantee of exact materials, approvals or the finished result.

Construction input before design is final

Feasibility, constructability and anticipated investment evaluated with the project team while the drawings can still change easily.

Work creatively within the property constraints

Zoning review is an early design tool. We study the property constraints and explore layouts and forms that work within the applicable requirements while meeting your priorities. Where practical, we look for a compliant design that can avoid the added steps of a variance application. Some projects still require relief or other approvals, and municipal review remains part of the process.

Test structural ideas alongside the design

Opening a room or removing a wall begins with understanding what the structure is doing. MRC coordinates with a licensed structural engineer to evaluate the proposed change and the support it may require. We consider the effect on the layout, construction scope and cost, then review the options with you before moving forward.

The work

From plan to finished home

Projects where the planning and the construction were coordinated from the start.

One detail, start to finish

An office elevation and the completed built-ins

A millwork elevation lets the team review cabinetry before installation. In this Summit office, the drawing shows the storage arrangement and lighting positions; the finishes sheet and completed workspace show how that plan carries through to the room. This is one example of the detail coordination within a larger renovation.

Office millwork elevation.
The millwork with finish selections.
The completed office built-ins.

See the full Summit renovation

See all projects

The MRC team were very detail oriented, helpful and excellent throughout renovation. They assisted during the process with decision making and recommendations. …

Cynthia, Westfield, NJ

Two ways to begin

Start with us, or bring your architect’s plans

MRC Design-Build

Coordinated architectural planning and construction, so cost and constructability are tested against the design as it develops.

How design-build works

Build From Your Architect’s Plans

Bring the drawings and engage MRC as your construction partner. Early scope review, construction input and budgeting help align the project before work begins.

Building from your plans

Alongside either pathway

Optional EMD Construction Consulting & Furnishings

Michael Robert Construction and Ellie Mroz Design work together as MRCxEMD. EMD Construction Consulting and Furnishings are optional services available with either MRC Design-Build or construction from your architect’s plans. We also welcome collaboration with your existing architect and interior designer.

Construction Consulting

Interior design decisions that affect the build — cabinetry, kitchens and baths, lighting, plumbing, tile, flooring and finishes.

Furnishings

Furniture, window treatments, rugs, art and accessories, with procurement, installation and final styling.

Construction, interiors & furnishings

Questions

Architectural planning FAQs

How are architectural services coordinated with MRC?

MRC leads the design-build coordination, including floor plan development, exterior massing and detailing, and construction planning. We coordinate with the architect of record for the architectural services and permit documents required for the project, and with a licensed engineer for structural engineering. The licensed professionals are responsible for their respective work, including required signatures and seals. Your project agreement defines the services and responsibilities.

Can MRC remove a wall to create a more open floor plan?

We can evaluate the possibility. The answer depends on the existing structure, utilities, required support, applicable requirements and your budget. When structural changes are proposed, a licensed engineer evaluates the approach. We then discuss feasibility and cost before the design is finalized.

What is the difference between an early design and construction drawings?

Early design establishes direction: layout, massing and how the spaces relate. Construction drawings develop the information needed to build and support required reviews. They serve different purposes, and early concepts should not be treated as a complete construction scope.

Will a rendering show exactly what the finished home will look like?

A rendering helps communicate design intent and compare choices. The final result depends on the approved drawings, selections and construction details. Use renderings as a decision tool, with the supporting information developed as the design progresses.

Can my own architect work with MRC?

Yes. Our existing-plans path supports clients with outside architects, including those whose drawings are still developing. We bring construction input to the collaboration and respect your architect's design role.

Plan your next step

Tell us about the property, the goals and where you are in the design process. Where a project needs professional services we do not provide, we will say so and help coordinate them.

Design fees sit outside the construction cost and are worth planning for separately.

Plan Your Next Step

Tell us the town, the scope you have in mind, where the architecture has got to and the construction investment you are anticipating.

start a project

Or call 908 232 0134. How the process runs · Where we build · Building from your architect's plans