Residential Design

Rustic Modern

Location: Elma, NY

Rustic materials and iconic roof lines distinguish this home situated on a sloped site overlooking rustling waters of a beautiful creek.

David Fleming of DRF DESIGN is a consummate professional architect. He was easy to work with, respectful of our wishes, and very tactful in our discussions. He is reasonably priced and very considerate of individual taste and budget limits. We had a very challenging home for him to design, in terms of the landscape and diverse taste between me and my wife. He blended these superbly and surpassed our expectations. I would highly recommend him.
Doug M.

Mid House

Client: Home-builder

A young home-builder intent on making a name for himself commissioned us to design a ranch home based on the Mid-Century Modern style.

Breaking Ground Soon!

Craftsman

Location: Elma, NY

Our design references signature features of the Craftsman style while embracing the present. Unique features of the floor plan include a walk-in pantry, laundry room and mudroom clustered between the Kitchen and Garage. A large second floor bonus room and remote Primary Suite were crucial to our client.

After months of looking at home plans online and in books, we knew what we wanted, but there were no plans out there that included all our wants and needs in the design style we wanted. When I first talked to David, I knew he was the right architect to design our home. He listened to us and put our ideas on paper. He was great to work with… We now have the home of our dreams.”
Monica T.

rendering of new modern house being built on the niagra river in Grand Island NY

Southern Resort

Client: Waterfront Property Home Owner

The Great Room, Dining Room and Primary Bedroom all face forward toward the waterfront and road on this relatively narrow property. The second floor exterior balcony with glass handrail is accessible from the Primary Bedroom and interior balcony overlooking the Great Room.

Construction Started in August 2024

Neoclassical – Modern Traditional

Location: Clarence, NY

Upon returning from a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, our client asked us to design their dream home in a classical style. Their program also required 11’ tall first floor ceilings, 10’ tall second floor ceilings, as well as a ramp from the garage to the basement to accommodate boat storage. The curved portico, grand interior and exterior staircases and ornamentation make this house feel like a genuine Neoclassical style home.

Modern Multi-Generation House

Location: Waterfront

This home is designed for a 3 generation family, including 2 master suites, 7 total bedrooms, a walk-out basement, and a third floor party deck and loft.

Country Tangent

Location: Akron, NY

An abundance of covered and uncovered windows surrounding the two-story Great Room create unique natural lighting in this home designed for a Landscape Architect.

DRF has knocked it out of the park for my wife and I. We have been working with them on the design of our forever home and could not be happier. Their openness to our changes and offering of great ideas in response to our questions was incredible. The personal touch was so welcome. I would recommend these guys to anyone!
Drew L.

Lebrun House

Location: Amherst, NY

Our client requested tall narrow windows and hip roofs, so we bounced the living ceilings up and kept the sleeping and utility ceilings low. By adding a third roof height at the front entry, we created a pleasing composition.

We really enjoyed the whole process working with David and Hope. Seamless communication and collaboration, as the original design evolved! Our home design is amazing and one of a kind!! We cannot wait to break ground!!
Much thanks to the whole DRF Team!!
Patty J.

The Burg House

Location: Clarence, NY

Based on a modest Colonial Williamsburg home with a wood burning fireplace at the center, we packed in almost 3,000 square feet and accommodated a glamour kitchen with large island and walk-in pantry, as well as a 3 car garage.

David @ DRF with Daniel were an absolute pleasure to work with on the design of our new home. We live out of state and had zero communication issues. We were treated like their only client at all times. We had all questions answered and concerns addressed. We will post pictures of our masterpiece upon completion. If looking for a design firm look no further! DRF is under priced for the level of detail and attention you will receive!
Mario R.

Mondrian House

Location: Orchard Park, NY
Client: Tim M.

Our client, a young musician, asked us to design a modern home with flat roofs. We used a painting by Piet Mondrian as inspiration for our design. The Great Room features 13’ tall ceilings with clerestory windows.

Accessory Dwelling Unit – ADU

Location: Eggertsville, NY

The first of many in-law suite additions we designed in WNY, this project was designed in 2009 and built in 2010.

Contemporary Cape

Location: Clarence, NY
Client: Dan S.

This home has many popular features including metal roofing to accent the front covered porch, board and batten siding, first floor Primary Suite, 3-car attached garage, 3-car detached garage and huge covered rear porch.

Atrium House

Location: West Seneca
Client: Vince C.

At 4,617 square feet, this home design has it all, including a two-story Great Room with second floor balcony overlook on three sides. Construction was completed in 2023 and professional photos will be ordered soon!

David and his team have been a pleasure to work with for our new build. They are readily approachable, keep up well with communication, creative, and knowledgeable. They helped transform our vision into a reality. Would highly recommend DRF Design and I already plan to utilize their services again for an upcoming project.

Vast U House

Location: Clarence, NY

Inspired by the principles of Vastu Shastra, the U shaped living spaces surround a courtyard and Koi pond. The exterior walls showcase Shou Sugi Ban siding and brick. Solar panels on the southern facing roof planes produce electrical power that is stored in the basement.

Lakeside Lookout

Located on Lake Erie, about a half mile from
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff ⧉

This home offers breathtaking views from many vantage points, including a rooftop deck above the second floor, accessed by an interior stair.

Shingle Home

Location: Attica, NY
Client: Mary D.

At 1,734 square feet, this house makes up in charm what it lacks is size. Cathedral ceilings, exterior balconies with cable guard rails, and walk-out basement make this home live much larger than its heated area.

River View 1

Location: Grand Island, NY
Client: Mark M.

We were originally hired to design an addition and renovation to the existing home on this waterfront property. After construction cost estimates were completed, our client decided it was worth it to tear down the existing house and build a new house. So we were asked to design a new house to take advantage of specific views of the Niagara River, including a view of the Grand Island Bridge.

Guest Home

Location: Mast Drive, Placida, FL

The owner of this single family home wants a separate but connected home for his elderly mother. This In-Law Suite includes a bedroom with accessible bathroom, walk-in closet, Dining Room, Living Room, Kitchen and Laundry Room. This is just one of several In-Law Suites we have designed in New York and Florida. We expect this housing solution to continue to grow in popularity in the future.

Timing: Construction of this project is expected to begin by the end of 2024.

Contracting with an Architect to design a new house plan

Initial Consultation

We will ask the right questions and give you the appropriate feedback to move your project forward. We encourage you to bring interior and exterior pictures you admire. We request that you provide us with a copy of the survey of your property. Be prepared to discuss your construction budget and time schedule. This initial consultation will allow us to define the scope of the project and determine the design fee.

Schematic Design Phase

The Schematic Design Phase is a creative and interactive process. We will explore multiple design solutions that address the needs you expressed in the Consultation Phase. Our design solutions begin with floor plans, followed by exterior drawings. You are encouraged to carefully review the drawings. We will discuss potential changes with you. Several revisions may take place until you are comfortable and satisfied with the design.

3D renderings are an optional service offered during this phase.

Construction Documentation Phase

This phase begins by refining the approved schematic design with more detailed information. For instance, structural information is added to the drawings, including foundation and roof details; floor joist and beam sizes. Interior elevations are drawn for kitchens and bathrooms. The exterior envelope is detailed including the thermal insulation selected. The final construction documents are often referred to as “Blueprints” “Construction Drawings” or “Permit Drawings” and include the architectural, thermal and structural design documents required in order to receive a building permit.