Frequently Asked Questions

From the  National Council of Building Designer Certification website:

Everyone enjoys talking about a new home or addition they’re planning, and most people have definite ideas about what they like. But there’s much more to designing a living environment than arranging rooms and drafting construction documents. A Certified Professional Building Designer has displayed to a panel of examiners their ability to visualize space – form, scale, and balance, but also structural design, building code requirements and building science.

As you sit back and consider the scope of your building project, you realize a flood of questions. A professional certified in residential and light commercial design has training to take you through this maze. From planning and design, through construction, to eventual occupancy, a Certified Professional Building Designer can help your dreams become a reality in ways you never thought possible.

No two construction projects are wholly alike. The same is true for building designers. So how do you determine which building designer is right for your project? Ask these five questions:

1. Do you have more than six years of building design experience and education?
2. Do you follow performance standards set forth by the building design industry?
3. Is your primary source of income from building design?
4. Do you get more than eight hours of continued competence learning each year?
5. Are you a Certified Professional Building Designer?

The NCBDC professional certification mark is your assurance that a dedicated professional is working to satisfy your needs, protect your investment, and increase the resale value of your property.

Cima Design, Inc. specializes in custom residential designs in plantation communities as well as coastal and beach houses.

We understand that budgeting is a crucial aspect of any project. Our team works closely with clients to identify their budget and develop a plan that maximizes their resources while ensuring high-quality work.

While there are many factors that can affect the time it takes to complete a project, most designs take around 3-6 months from start to finish.