Custom Home Design-Build Firm in Traverse City & Northern Michigan
J.R.N. Design Associates is a licensed design-build firm specializing in custom homes, major renovations, and construction planning throughout Traverse City, Interlochen, and Northern Michigan. For more than 25 years, we have helped homeowners turn ideas into practical, buildable designs — guiding projects from initial concept through construction while keeping costs aligned with real-world budgets.
Our integrated approach eliminates the confusion of working with multiple companies. Instead, you get one experienced team focused on delivering a home or renovation that reflects your vision, fits your property, and stays financially manageable.
Complete Design-Build Services — From Concept to Completion
Design-build combines architectural design, engineering coordination, budgeting, and construction planning into a single streamlined process. This collaborative model reduces delays, prevents miscommunication, and creates a clear path from ideas to finished results.
Whether you are building a new custom home or improving an existing property, we tailor every project to your goals, lifestyle, and site conditions.
Services List
Design and Build Services
Custom Home Design
Construction Management
Design-Build Program
Remodeling Plans
Design/Planning
Framing
Plumbing
Mechanical Service
Electrical Services
Concrete Excavation
Drywall
Foundation Work
Kitchen Cabinetry
Custom Home Design & New Construction
Building a custom home is a significant investment — financially and emotionally. Our team works closely with you to develop a home that balances beauty, functionality, energy efficiency, and long-term value.
We assist with:
- Site evaluation and feasibility analysis
- Conceptual home design
- Detailed construction drawings
- Structural coordination
- Energy-efficient planning
- Material selection guidance
- Budget development
- Construction oversight
From contemporary lakefront homes to traditional Northern Michigan retreats, we design residences that complement both your lifestyle and the surrounding environment.
Construction Management Services
For clients who already have plans, we provide professional construction management to coordinate contractors, schedules, materials, and inspections.
Our role is to protect your investment, maintain quality standards, and keep the project moving forward efficiently.
Remodeling, Renovations & Additions
If your current home no longer meets your needs, remodeling can transform your space without relocating. Our design-build process ensures new work integrates seamlessly with your existing structure.
Common projects include:
- Whole-home remodels
- Kitchen renovations
- Bathroom upgrades
- Home additions
- Basement finishing
- Accessibility and aging-in-place improvements
- Energy-efficiency upgrades
By addressing design and construction together, we reduce surprises and deliver cohesive results that enhance both comfort and property value.
Build on Budget by Design®
One of the biggest concerns for homeowners is cost overruns. Our planning process emphasizes realistic budgeting from the very beginning, helping you understand what your project will truly cost before construction starts. Through value-engineering strategies and informed material choices, we align design decisions with your financial goals. The result is a carefully planned project that balances aesthetics, durability, and affordability.
Why Homeowners Choose J.R.N. Design Associates
Homeowners throughout Northern Michigan trust our team for thoughtful planning, transparent communication, and dependable results.
Key advantages include:
- More than 25 years of local experience
- Licensed design-build expertise
- Single source for design and construction coordination
- Customized solutions tailored to your property
- Strong focus on energy efficiency and long-term value
- Proven process that reduces delays and unexpected costs
We take pride in creating homes and living spaces that support everyday living while respecting the character of the region.
Our Proven Design-Build Process
Every project follows a structured approach to ensure clarity and success.
01
Initial Consultation
We discuss your goals, budget range, timeline, and property details.
02
Site Evaluation & Feasibility
An assessment determines opportunities, constraints, and design direction
03
Conceptual Design
Preliminary layouts explore how your vision can become a buildable plan.
04
Budget Planning
Cost considerations are integrated early to avoid surprises later.
05
Detailed Plans & Engineering
Construction documents are prepared for accurate pricing and permitting.
06
Construction Coordination
We oversee contractors, schedules, and quality control.
07
Project Completion
Final inspections and walkthrough ensure expectations are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is design-build more cost-effective than traditional construction?
Yes. Integrating design and construction improves budgeting accuracy, reduces delays, and minimizes costly changes during the build.
Do you help with permits and approvals?
We assist with planning and coordination to ensure your project meets local requirements.
Can you work with an existing design or architect?
Yes. We can collaborate to refine existing plans or manage construction based on completed designs.
How long does a custom home project take?
Timelines vary depending on size and complexity. Renovations may take several months, while custom homes typically require a year or more from planning to completion.
Serving Traverse City & Northern Michigan
Based near Traverse City in Interlochen, we serve homeowners across the surrounding region, including:
- Grand Traverse County
- Leelanau County
- Benzie County
- Petoskey
- Charlevoix
- Other Northern Michigan communities
Our familiarity with local building conditions, climate factors, and permitting requirements helps projects proceed smoothly.
Client’s Testimonial
One Of A Kind Designer/Builder
Integrity and honesty in any business are hard to find. Not the case with Jeff.
From the beginning of my home design project, Jeff put me in the driver's seat. Jeff encouraged, coached, and lent expert advice throughout the whole process. He has a natural eye for artistry and a refined program to keep you on budget. In a world that asks you to spend more for less, Jeff enables you to spend less for more. At every turn, if there was good news or bad, Jeff had suggestions on how to refine the plan to stay on track. We never got too far ahead in the design to where we couldn't make a change.
If you are looking to build a custom home yourself or with a builder I would highly recommend you use JRN Design Associates to work with you. Whether your budget is small or large if you are not "building on budget by design" you're doing it wrong! Thank you, Jeff!
Mar 22, 2022 by Jeremy S. on JRN Design Assoc LLC
Start Planning Your Project Today
If you are considering a custom home, major renovation, or construction project in Traverse City or Northern Michigan, J.R.N. Design Associates LLC offers the experience and guidance needed to move forward with confidence.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin transforming your ideas into a thoughtfully designed, buildable reality.
