Before you jump into design or hire a contractor, there’s one essential step most people miss,
and it’s the reason so many home projects go off the rails.

This is your chance to start differently.

Whether you're renovating or building from scratch, the Pre-Design Phase is where your project truly begins. It's where you get clear on your goals, budget, property details, and overall vision—before you spend time or money on plans that may not work.

In this short, actionable course, I’ll walk you through the 10 steps I use with my own architecture clients to set every project up for success.

You'll receive immediate access to the full course upon sign-up.

👋 Who is this for?

• You're planning a renovation or new build and want to feel in control of the process

• You want to avoid expensive mistakes and surprises down the track

• You’re not hiring an architect, but still want a professional process to guide your planning

• You are working with an architect, and you want to be prepared to clarify your goals, organize your priorities, and communicate more effectively to get the most out of the design process

• You’re overwhelmed by where to start, or worried you’ll forget something important

🧭 What You’ll Learn

This course walks you through 10 practical steps that form the foundation of every well-run project:

1. Get Organized – Set up your digital project folder to keep everything in one place

2. Define Your Purpose & Goals – Get clear on your “why” and what success looks like

3. Understand Your Site or Home – Purchase land (if building) or document existing conditions (if renovating)

4. Do Zoning & Code Research – Learn what your land allows before you design

5. Create a Realistic Budget – Understand your numbers before you commit

6. Analyze the Site – Use passive strategies to your advantage

7. Create a Program of Spaces – List the rooms you need and how they connect

8. Gather Visual Inspiration – Start building your design language

9. Assemble Your Team – Learn who you’ll need (and when)

10. Build a Project Schedule – Outline your realistic timeline

🎁 Bonus Included with Your Enrollment

The Pre-Design Canva Template – Your Project Brief, Made Simple

As a special bonus, you’ll get access to a customizable Pre-Design Canva Template—a beautifully organized, easy-to-use tool that lets you plug in everything you’ve worked through in the course.

Use it to:

• Summarize your goals, budget, timeline, and room needs

• Upload site photos, sketches, and inspiration images

• Clearly communicate your vision with your architect, designer, or builder

Whether you're working with a professional or managing your own project, this template helps you present your ideas clearly and stay on the same page with your team from the start.

It’s like handing over a project brief—without needing to write one from scratch.

You'll find the template inside the course, ready to use and fully editable in Canva.

🛠 Why Pre-Design Matters

Most homeowners skip this phase and regret it later.

Without pre-design, people rush into plans and decisions that don't align with their needs, site conditions, or budget. But when you take the time to do this work upfront, everything else flows more smoothly—from design and approvals to construction.

This is your roadmap to move forward with clarity and confidence.

👩‍💼 Meet Your Guide

Hi, I’m Kate, an architect with over 20 years of experience helping clients design and build healthy, sustainable buildings. I created this mini-course to give you the same trusted process I use with my own clients—so you can feel prepared, organized, and ready to take on your project with confidence.

💡 By the end of this mini-course, you’ll:

✔ Know exactly what you want to build (and why)
✔ Understand your site and any restrictions
✔ Have a realistic budget and timeline
✔ Be ready to start design without second-guessing
✔ Avoid costly missteps and delays

🎯 Get started today for just $47

This isn’t a full course on design.  It’s the essential groundwork that makes good design possible.
If you’re ready to start your project the right way, this mini-course will guide you every step of the way.