Dream Design & Drafting
10/01/2011
Dream Design & Drafting began as an internal drafting department for a small construction company in 2004. Its sole purpose was to utilize the best 3D architectural C.A.D. (computer automated design) software to better help its clients visualize what their project would look like before construction began.
Prior to creating its own 3D drafting department the home or business owner’s only option was to work with the builder through a local lumber yard just to get a black and white set of two dimensional line drawings. That is typically where the lines of communication broke down. It was easy to see that most clients could not visualize a black and white set of line drawings on a piece of paper as their home or business.
The 3D design service was so successful internally the decision was made quickly to offer the service as retail business. By doing so Dream Design and Drafting made it possible for any homeowner or business owner the same opportunity to see their project in full color 3D before building regardless of who was going to general contract the project.
In late 2010, local businessman Joel McDowell was presented with the opportunity to purchase Dream Design and Drafting. Prior to purchasing the company Joel was utilizing his own design team and the same 3D design software for his real estate business.
For several years Joel’s area of focus in real estate has been assisting his client’s in finding the right lot or land to build on, designing the right home or office to fit the land, and marketing his client’s departure real estate before, during or after they build or renovate. (See Joel’s 2011 Home Ideas™ TV segment at www.mcdowellcompanies.com )
Today Joel has essentially become a client of one of his own companies. He continues to assist his own clients with what he calls the “3Ds”: Dirt, Design and Departure. They are typically the most critical components when it comes to building new or purchasing an existing property and improving.
Second in importance to the “3Ds” is financing. Prior to entering real estate sales and development, Joel spent 13 years at Wells Fargo wearing a number of different hats. His last five years there he managed a mortgage sales department. It was there he learned the ins and outs of construction as well as permanent mortgage lending. Another very useful skill set in real estate business.
Before his role as mortgage sales manager Joel spent several years in marketing and product sales management at Wells Fargo. “I really enjoyed selling, selling! It was my job to help the bankers and mortgage originators understand the importance of helping their clients choose the right product.”
Joel applies that same philosophy with his clients and customers today. “Utilizing cutting edge 3D design technology that reduces miscommunication and increases customer satisfaction has made my real estate business successful. And it is technology that I take great pride in sharing with builders and fellow REALTORS®.
Kent and Jami Metzger just recently moved into their new home in Timber Oak Estates located just southwest of 85th and Western Avenue. Their journey with Joel began a little more than one year ago. “I received a call from Kent. He wanted to know more about my 3D home design service. We agreed to meet and discuss the service.”
Joel showed Kent and Jami some examples of new homes, additions and renovation that his team had designed. From there Kent and Jami learned that Joel could assist in choosing the right lot in the right development and show the home on the lot in full color 3D. During the design process Joel and the Metgers discussed various builders that were members of the Sioux Empire Home Builders Association™. The Metzgers went with Preston Mettler of Mettler Construction.
Twelve months later the Metzgers have sold the lot they owned for years but chose not to build on, purchased the lot they did want to build on, designed a home for that lot, worked seamlessly with a quality builder, and sold their departure residence just prior to the completion of their new home.
“We were able to do all of this will Joel. The entire process went very smoothly. Being able to see our new home on our lot, inside and out in 3D really put our minds at ease,” said Kent.
Over two years ago, Joel received a call from Jay and Sarah Hutton. They had purchased and were living in an older but beautiful turn-of-the-century home that had been moved from downtown Sioux Falls to a beautiful acreage near Lake Alvin. Like most young couples their family was growing and they needed more room and had also grown tired of their detached 2-car garage. They really did not want to move because they loved their home and the location.
After meeting with Jay and Sarah, Joel’s team went to work. Together the Huttons and Dream Design and Drafting came up with a plan to move the garage next to the home and connect both with a new addition and major interior renovation. More importantly the look and charm of the home was preserved. All of this was seen in full color detailed 3D prints and virtual tours before any part of the construction began.
Again, the clients turned to Joel for a recommendation for who could complete this type of project. After meeting with a few different builders, Joel recommended the Huttons choose Charlie Beatch of Beatch Construction. The relationship did not end there. Charlie was able to consult with Dream Design and Drafting to get the detailed plans needed to complete the project. You can see this home on this year’s Showcase of Remodeled Homes™ October 8 and 9. Dream Design and Drafting will be on hand to demonstrate what the Hutton’s saw before renovating.
Whether you are a home or office owner that wants to improve your current home or office with an addition or renovation, need a simple exterior facelift or plan to sell what you have to build or renovate something else Dream Design and Drafting is a great place to start. If you are a builder, REALTOR®, or interior designer that has clients that need to see “as will be in photo-like 3D” renderings and virtual tours Dream Design and Drafting can help.
As always our service menu is ala carte. Pick and choose the services that work best for you. Bring your builder, REALTOR® and/or designer to utilize any of our services. Bring your existing black and white 2D line drawings that you can’t quite visualize. We will convert them into eye-popping 3D. If you have a home or commercial property that you know needs improvements to get top dollar call. We can design “virtual improvements” that will cost a far cry less than actual improvement and potentially attract buyers. More importantly virtual improvements can be changed to what the buyer is seeking.
Call for a no obligation consultation. Joel and his team will help you determine what makes the most sense for you. Together we can better ensure you make the right decision on what could quite possibly be your largest financial investment. Our design services typically reach as far as your imagination…..and in many cases beyond!
