Our Approach
Our approach to projects begins with a thorough exploration of the site to understand light exposures, maximizing potential vistas, landscapes, skylines etc. etc. and architectural design. We believe in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with our clients by exploring design concepts and building technique. Regardless of our clients’ intentions, we believe every home is an investment and we strive to maximize the home’s value.
Below: Projects at various stages of development from scouting to structure to design.
Our Studio
Our turn-key design + build model allows us to support our clients through all phases of their project. We have over 25+ years of expertise as developers in high end, complex construction projects with equal mastery of architectural, interior design and prewar/mid-century restoration services.
Our process is grounded in the lifestyle, habits and needs of our clients. At the outset, we will work with clients to identify the intended purpose of each room. With this in mind, we set out to develop a design forward home that flows together organically. From end-to-end, we are committed to bringing to life the harmony between form and function.
Unlike our competition, we have a developer’s mindset. That means we believe in meeting timelines that have been agreed to at the commencement of the project and we leave little room for overruns. This is achieved only through a commitment of being on-site near daily. It is this daily presence that can ensure that the most cost-effective, timely choices are made throughout the construction process. Our experience has taught us that overruns and extended completion dates happen when the developer is not present. Every project comes with its own surprises, but our expertise in every step of the design + build process makes it possible for us to stay nimble, make critical choices in real time, and save our clients time and money every step of the way.
Our Services
We offer expertise in real estate development, general contracting services, designing + build services, renovation and project management. Our principal, Steve Bouwman, has experience in a broad range of projects including: high-end condominium, single family, multi-unit residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail spaces. Natural problem solvers, we deal with challenges with finesse and efficiency, building upon 25+ years of experience in the design + build arena and expert technical knowledge of the building process. Our dynamic delivery allows the client to have a single point of contact, ensuring quality personalized results.
End-to-End Design + Build
Phase One: Design
Studio Veren begins our end-to-end projects by crafting detailed, thorough plans for the home through close collaboration with our clients. Layout, finishes and furniture placement are all discussed in advance, to ensure alignment throughout every phase of the design + build process.
Consultation
Whether our client’s home requires a complete gut renovation or is a new build from the ground up, Studio Veren’s process begins with a consultation to determine the “intention” and essence our clients are looking for in their new home. This conversation sets the overall tone for the design phase and becomes the template for deciding how every aspect of the home is planned out.
Layout
With our clients intentions in mind, we are ready to dive deeper into the fun stuff - determining the size of home, the priority and functionality of each room, positioning of the home to maximize lighting, sun exposure, views and finalizing overall layout. Using our background as a Developer first, Studio Veren will assess and suggest key areas to invest heavily as well as identify areas where value engineering can be utilized to maximize the ultimate value of the home.
From there, we’ll continue room by room to ensure that the flow of the home makes sense, and the details are emphasized to ensure a well thought out space.
Finishing Touches
With the layout set, we are ready to select finishes for the floors, walls, lighting, plumbing fixtures, appliances, cabinetry, and more – these are the details that bring a home to life.
At this stage we will also discuss landscaping design, working with our client to understand which specimens will be placed where, and what will flourish in the climate conditions of the surroundings, along with assessing the functionality of each area to determine outdoor seating, dining, pool design, and fire features.
The last step in the design process is furniture and art placement, which is determined in advance to ensure that space planning is functional and accomplishes the intention and tone our clients seek.
Once the design is complete, we engage with our preferred building and landscape architects to complete construction drawings which will be submitted for permit.
Phase Two: Construction
Once the plans have been approved; permits have been obtained; and bids from subcontractors have been received; we are ready to begin the construction process and bring to life the decisions made during phase one.
We believe it is critical to meet deadlines and ensure every detail is executed properly which is why we are proud to guarantee the support of a general contractor who is on site day-to-day to see the project to completion. Daily on-site presence sets us apart from our competitors and allows us to ensure that timelines are met, and details are addressed accurately.
Our 25+ years of experience have shown that regardless of how detailed construction and interior design drawing are, “in field” questions and decisions are required daily. We never take on more than two homes at a time to ensure we are available to provide high touch support to all our clients.
Phase Three: Interiors
While construction is underway, we work with our clients to select furniture, fabrics, period pieces and art for each room.
Finally, we work closely with a stylist whose expertise is the final layering of the home by accessorizing with linens, objects, artifacts, heirlooms, and other finishing details.
General Contracting
If a client has already engaged with an architect, landscape architect and/or interior designer, we can step in as the general contractor for the project.
We will coordinate and execute the construction portion of the project from beginning to end, obtaining subcontractor bids, managing all daily operations, including quality control, meeting deadlines and keeping the project on budget.
What sets Studio Veren apart from other GC’s is our keen understanding of good design and quality craftsmanship. We appreciate the importance of flexibility when working with construction drawings, and we are careful to interpret plans in a way that aligns with the vision of our client, architect and interior designer through close collaboration with each expert and attention to on-site conditions.
Owner Representation & Project Management Services
Whether a client is building a home remotely or localy, we offer project management services to help facilitate the workings between architect, landscape architect, interior designer and general contractors. We would be involved in all aspects of the project, including pre-construction activities, construction administration and post-construction.
We understand our client’s goals and priorities, and ensure that everyone involved in the project works in alignment.
We work throughout the entire project, managing resources, timeframe, budgets and guaranteeing the overall quality of the project. Project planning, working with vendors, handling logistics, delegating work, and keeping track of spending all fall under this scope.
What is Studio Veren?
Studio Veren derives its name from our affinity for flexibility, strength and connection in design.
Veren describes a pioneering spirit, a natural born leader, highly focused and achievement oriented. The name is given to those for whom creative problem solving comes naturally. The name, like Studio Veren’s founder, has Dutch roots. In the Netherlands, the word means Springs, a nod to the place Studio Veren calls home - Palm Springs.