Do I need an architect for my renovation?

Not always. Many home renovations can be planned without stamped architectural drawings, especially for interior remodels like kitchens, bathrooms, and basement finishes. Clear Build helps homeowners evaluate renovation ideas before hiring a contractor or architect. Through onsite consultation, floor plans, and interactive 3D models, we help you understand what’s feasible, identify potential constraints, and plan your project with confidence. If your renovation requires permits, structural changes, or stamped drawings, we can explain what’s typically required and help you determine whether an architect or engineer should be involved.

What do I actually get?

Every project starts with a field report from your onsite consultation: priority-ranked goals, existing conditions documented with photos, a site sketch with annotations, and an action plan with next steps. From there, you get interactive 3D models of both your existing space and proposed design, before-and-after floor plans, and a contractor-ready handoff package. Optional Render Lab add-ons include photorealistic AI renders and moodboards showing materials in your actual space.

How long does it take?

Most projects are delivered within 7 days after the onsite consultation. Larger or more complex projects may take longer depending on scope. Rush delivery is available for an additional fee.

How much does it cost?

Requesting an estimate and booking a consult are free. No payment is collected at booking. After you meet with your designer, one of three things happens: if the project isn't feasible, there's a $250 service fee and the project closes; if you want documentation only, the Field Report is $495; if you want the full package, the Field Report plus 3D Design Package is billed at $5 per square foot plus scope modifiers with a combo discount for bundling. For comparison, traditional architecture firms charge $15 to $21 per square foot and require five-figure engagements before you see any deliverables. Get a personalized estimate in 30 seconds with our free estimator above.

Is this worth it before I talk to a contractor?

Uncertainty is expensive. Homeowners who go straight to a contractor without a plan risk scope gaps, change orders, and budget overruns. Project costs increase an average of 15-25% from original estimates due to unforeseen risks or mid-construction design changes would cost you upwards of tens of thousands. A design investment of a few thousand dollars can save you money early by catching and solving problems on screen instead of on site. You get clarity on feasibility, cost, and design before committing to construction.

What's included in the consultation?

A 90-minute onsite walkthrough of your space, discussion of your goals and constraints, LiDAR scanning of the area, initial feasibility assessment, and a rough timeline and budget conversation. You walk away knowing whether your project is viable and what the next steps look like.

Do you handle permits?

Permits and code compliance are available as add-on services beyond the standard scope. During your consultation, we'll discuss whether your project needs permits and what that process looks like. The team can guide you through it or connect you with the right professionals.

Can you work with my contractor?

Absolutely. Every project includes a contractor-ready handoff package with 3D models, floor plans, and rough estimates that give your GC everything they need to price and plan. We can coordinate directly with your contractor or hand off a complete package. Many contractors send their clients to Clear Build first so projects start with realistic expectations.

What areas do you serve?

Denver Metro for onsite consultations. For projects outside this area, remote consultations with LiDAR scans (which you can capture with an iPhone) are available.

Do you work with contractors and realtors?

Definitely. Contractors refer their homeowner clients to us so projects start with clear visuals and realistic expectations before the build. Realtors tend to refer prospective buyers see the potential in their new home before costly purchases and mistakes happen. Clear Build is a great choice for any homeowner that needs a clear vision with a quick turnaround!

Clear renovation designs you can actually build

Delivered 7 days after on-site consultation

Instant Estimate

Veteran-ownedArchitectural designerDenver Metro & growing

0-day

Turnaround
for All Services

$0M

Renovation Budgets
Managed

Residential Projects
Completed

Ego, Cut Corners,
& Excuses

0-day

Turnaround
for All Services

$0M

Renovation Budgets
Managed

Residential Projects
Completed

Ego, Cut Corners,
& Excuses

Clear Build is a remodel consulting studio helping homeowners shape their ideas and align them with real-world budgets, before construction ever begins.

Howitworks

01Consult

On-Site Consultation

A 90-minute walkthrough of your space with your personal designer

Prioritize your goals

Compare must haves, should haves, and nice to haves against cost ROI

Assess potential constraints

Discuss how your existing conditions could impact your goals and cost

Measure & document

Your designer captures site photos and advanced 3D LiDAR scans for accurate modeling

01Consult

On-Site Consultation

A 90-minute walkthrough of your space with your personal designer

Prioritize your goals

Compare must haves, should haves, and nice to haves against cost ROI

Assess potential constraints

Discuss how your existing conditions could impact your goals and cost

Measure & document

Your designer captures site photos and advanced 3D LiDAR scans for accurate modeling

S1Structural

Load-bearing wall identified in proposed removal area. Engineering assessment required before demolition.

Expert reviewStructural Engineer

Impacted priorities

Open up kitchen to dining room

Must have

Create open-concept living

Should have

H1HVAC

Supply vent routes through proposed wall removal area. Ductwork reroute required before framing.

Expert reviewHVAC Contractor

Impacted priorities

Open up kitchen to dining room

Must have

Improve airflow to living areas

Should have

P1Plumbing

Existing drain line conflicts with proposed island location. Reroute through slab required.

Expert reviewPlumber

Impacted priorities

Add kitchen island with sink

Must have

Relocate dishwasher

Should have

A1Accessibility

Doorway widths in hallway below 32″ minimum. Widening required for universal access.

Expert reviewDesign Review

Impacted priorities

Age-in-place modifications

Should have

Widen hallway passage

Nice to have

E1Electrical

Main panel at capacity. Kitchen appliance additions will exceed available circuits.

Expert reviewElectrician

Impacted priorities

Upgrade kitchen appliances

Must have

Add under-cabinet lighting

Nice to have

02Field Report

Existing Conditions Survey

A complete assessment of your project’s current state, like a mini home-inspection

Mitigate your risk

Identify HVAC, electrical, structural, layout, plumbing, and permitting obstacles early

View mapped constraints

See every issue pinned to its exact location on your floor plan

Receive a clear action plan

Understand recommendations and next steps for you and your contractor

S1Structural

Load-bearing wall identified in proposed removal area. Engineering assessment required before demolition.

Expert reviewStructural Engineer

Impacted priorities

Open up kitchen to dining room

Must have

Create open-concept living

Should have

H1HVAC

Supply vent routes through proposed wall removal area. Ductwork reroute required before framing.

Expert reviewHVAC Contractor

Impacted priorities

Open up kitchen to dining room

Must have

Improve airflow to living areas

Should have

P1Plumbing

Existing drain line conflicts with proposed island location. Reroute through slab required.

Expert reviewPlumber

Impacted priorities

Add kitchen island with sink

Must have

Relocate dishwasher

Should have

A1Accessibility

Doorway widths in hallway below 32″ minimum. Widening required for universal access.

Expert reviewDesign Review

Impacted priorities

Age-in-place modifications

Should have

Widen hallway passage

Nice to have

E1Electrical

Main panel at capacity. Kitchen appliance additions will exceed available circuits.

Expert reviewElectrician

Impacted priorities

Upgrade kitchen appliances

Must have

Add under-cabinet lighting

Nice to have

02Field Report

Existing Conditions Survey

A complete assessment of your project’s current state, like a mini home-inspection

Mitigate your risk

Identify HVAC, electrical, structural, layout, plumbing, and permitting obstacles early

View mapped constraints

See every issue pinned to its exact location on your floor plan

Receive a clear action plan

Understand recommendations and next steps for you and your contractor

03Model

3D Model Development

Your existing and concept spaces are modeled side by side in interactive 3D

Switch between before and after views

Instantly compare your current and future space

View floor plan, dollhouse, and walkthrough modes

Experience your space in user-friendly interactive modes

Review & approve

Explore your new space before greenlighting or revising the direction

03Model

3D Model Development

Your existing and concept spaces are modeled side by side in interactive 3D

Switch between before and after views

Instantly compare your current and future space

View floor plan, dollhouse, and walkthrough modes

Experience your space in user-friendly interactive modes

Review & approve

Explore your new space before greenlighting or revising the direction

04Renders

Photorealistic Visualizations

AI renderings imagine exactly what your finished space could look like

Control the creative direction

Include inspiration photos and guidance to shape your vision

Render from any perspective

Stage your digital space from different views or times of day

Share your vision

Select which renders appear in your handoff package

04Renders

Photorealistic Visualizations

AI renderings imagine exactly what your finished space could look like

Control the creative direction

Include inspiration photos and guidance to shape your vision

Render from any perspective

Stage your digital space from different views or times of day

Share your vision

Select which renders appear in your handoff package

Share Project

clearbuild.studio/scope/10

Created for Corison Harper

Kitchen & Dining Remodel

Field Report

3D Models

Render Lab

Project Goals & Solutions

Complete

Must Have3

Expand kitchen into existing dining room

Solution

Demo the partition wall and open circulation from entry through dining.

$$$High Cost

Walk-in pantry with open shelving

Solution

Expand pantry into the entry closet zone and absorb the existing column.

$$$Low Cost

Island/peninsula with seating open to dining

Solution

Remove wall between kitchen and front room to create a continuous prep zone.

$$$Medium Cost

Should Have4

Reconfigure entry closet

Solution

Reframe walls to create a cleaner closet + pantry split with better flow.

$$$Low Cost

Uniform recessed lighting across cathedral ceiling

Solution

Add dedicated lighting circuits and rebalance fixture spacing for even coverage.

$$$Low Cost

Pendant lighting over dining table

Solution

Add a pendant drop centered over the new dining zone with separate switching.

$$$Low Cost

New counter-height south window

Solution

Adjust framing and sill height to align with countertop elevation.

$$$Medium Cost

Nice to Have1

Relocate existing dining window to south wall

Solution

Reuse window dimensions and match sill heights for consistent elevation lines.

$$$Low Cost

3D Models

Complete

High

Low

MOVE

LOOK

Action Plan

Complete

Summary: The Corison Harper kitchen remodel opens the kitchen into dining with a new peninsula, larger pantry, and improved light while keeping circulation clear from entry to living spaces.

Structural: Load-bearing wall removal at S1 requires an engineered beam and early coordination with framing and inspection.

Mechanical: HVAC routes at H1-H4 need rerouting to support the new opening and integrated bench without reducing comfort.

Electrical: Existing panel capacity is near limit. Lighting and appliance upgrades should include circuit review before demo.

Recommended Sequence:

Engineer beam sizing and permit requirements
Confirm panel and lighting circuit plan
HVAC reroute during demolition
Frame pantry + island and coordinate rough-ins
Install finishes and final fixtures

Budget Guidance: Target contractor bids typically land in the mid-to-high five figures depending on finish level, beam scope, and electrical upgrades.

3D modeling & AI renders for home renovation projects

Visit clearbuild.studio

05Handoff

Bid-Ready Handoff Package

Share non-sensitive information about your project with potential builders

Get speedy, accurate bids

Remove scope creep and ambiguity with your project detail page

Define one source of truth

Align contractors, designers, and tradesmen with a single, clear vision

Protect sensitive information

Your address, invoicing, and cost estimates remain hidden

Share Project

clearbuild.studio/scope/10

Created for Corison Harper

Kitchen & Dining Remodel

Field Report

3D Models

Render Lab

Project Goals & Solutions

Complete

Must Have3

Expand kitchen into existing dining room

Solution

Demo the partition wall and open circulation from entry through dining.

$$$High Cost

Walk-in pantry with open shelving

Solution

Expand pantry into the entry closet zone and absorb the existing column.

$$$Low Cost

Island/peninsula with seating open to dining

Solution

Remove wall between kitchen and front room to create a continuous prep zone.

$$$Medium Cost

Should Have4

Reconfigure entry closet

Solution

Reframe walls to create a cleaner closet + pantry split with better flow.

$$$Low Cost

Uniform recessed lighting across cathedral ceiling

Solution

Add dedicated lighting circuits and rebalance fixture spacing for even coverage.

$$$Low Cost

Pendant lighting over dining table

Solution

Add a pendant drop centered over the new dining zone with separate switching.

$$$Low Cost

New counter-height south window

Solution

Adjust framing and sill height to align with countertop elevation.

$$$Medium Cost

Nice to Have1

Relocate existing dining window to south wall

Solution

Reuse window dimensions and match sill heights for consistent elevation lines.

$$$Low Cost

3D Models

Complete

High

Low

MOVE

LOOK

Action Plan

Complete

Summary: The Corison Harper kitchen remodel opens the kitchen into dining with a new peninsula, larger pantry, and improved light while keeping circulation clear from entry to living spaces.

Structural: Load-bearing wall removal at S1 requires an engineered beam and early coordination with framing and inspection.

Mechanical: HVAC routes at H1-H4 need rerouting to support the new opening and integrated bench without reducing comfort.

Electrical: Existing panel capacity is near limit. Lighting and appliance upgrades should include circuit review before demo.

Recommended Sequence:

Engineer beam sizing and permit requirements
Confirm panel and lighting circuit plan
HVAC reroute during demolition
Frame pantry + island and coordinate rough-ins
Install finishes and final fixtures

Budget Guidance: Target contractor bids typically land in the mid-to-high five figures depending on finish level, beam scope, and electrical upgrades.

3D modeling & AI renders for home renovation projects

Visit clearbuild.studio

05Handoff

Bid-Ready Handoff Package

Share non-sensitive information about your project with potential builders

Get speedy, accurate bids

Remove scope creep and ambiguity with your project detail page

Define one source of truth

Align contractors, designers, and tradesmen with a single, clear vision

Protect sensitive information

Your address, invoicing, and cost estimates remain hidden

Am I a good fit?

Clear Build supports renovation projects that need clarity and direction before construction without the scope of a full-service architecture firm.

Already know what you’re building?

Hire a contractor

Paid to build, not brainstorm
Obstacles uncovered mid-build
Skills isolated to trade, not architecture
Scope can drift without a clear plan

Need design clarity without the time and cost?

Start with Clear Build

Paid to ideate, validate, and de-risk
Obstacles immediately mitigated
Personal, 1:1 guidance from an architectural designer
7-day turnaround from consult date

Have an unlimited timeline and budget?

Hire an architecture firm

Paid to bloat scope, not align expectations
Obstacles identified after contract is signed
Project knowledge spread across roles
Months to ideate, design, and handoff

Am I a good fit?

Clear Build supports renovation projects that need clarity and direction before construction without the scope of a full-service architecture firm.

Already know what you’re building?

Hire a contractor

Paid to build, not brainstorm
Obstacles uncovered mid-build
Skills isolated to trade, not architecture
Scope can drift without a clear plan

Have an unlimited timeline and budget?

Hire an architecture firm

Paid to bloat scope, not align expectations
Obstacles identified after contract is signed
Project knowledge spread across roles
Months to ideate, design, and handoff

Need design clarity without the time and cost?

Start with Clear Build

Paid to ideate, validate, and de-risk
Obstacles immediately mitigated
Personal, 1:1 guidance from an architectural designer
7-day turnaround from consult date

Meet the Founder

Allisa Lacey

“I started Clear Build because I was tired of seeing homeowners get lost between architects who overcomplicate and contractors who underprepare. You shouldn’t need a six-figure budget and six months of confusion just to see what’s possible. Every project we take on starts with someone trusting us with the place that matters most to them and that’s not something we ever take for granted.”
Allisa Lacey
Founder, Clear Build

Education

Master of Architecture

University of Colorado, Denver

Bachelor of Science, Architecture

University of Colorado, Denver

Credentials

US Air Force, Retired

Disabled Veteran

American Institute of Architects

AIA Member

Meet the Founder

Allisa Lacey

“I started Clear Build because I was tired of seeing homeowners get lost between architects who overcomplicate and contractors who underprepare. You shouldn’t need a six-figure budget and six months of confusion just to see what’s possible. Every project we take on starts with someone trusting us with the place that matters most to them and that’s not something we ever take for granted.”
Allisa Lacey
Founder, Clear Build

Education

Master of Architecture

University of Colorado, Denver

Bachelor of Science, Architecture

University of Colorado, Denver

Credentials

US Air Force, Retired

Disabled Veteran

American Institute of Architects

AIA Member

Start Clear.Build Smart.

Free Instant Estimate

Your renovation starts here

See what's possible in 30 seconds, for free.

Currently serving the Denver Metro area

“Allisa proposed an innovative solution that maximized the space while keeping costs down.”

Heidi C. · Boulder, CO

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing, process, timelines, and what you actually get.

Still have questions? Get in touch and we'll be happy to help.