Design-Build Contractor in Hudson Valley, NY

Timber Design + Build operates as a design-build firm — one team manages design and construction under one contract from first drawing to final walkthrough. Amanda Barton leads the design process using Chief Architect software, producing full 3D renderings before any construction begins. Jeff Wiegmann and Chris Rall manage construction, self-performing site work, framing, and custom millwork through our in-house Millwork Division.

One contract. One point of accountability. No coordination gap between designer and builder.

Why Design-Build Produces Better Outcomes

The traditional project delivery model — hire an architect, take drawings to a contractor for bid, manage the relationship between them during construction — creates a structural gap between design intent and construction reality. The architect designs without knowing exactly what the contractor will charge for specific details. The contractor builds what the drawings say without the design authority to resolve ambiguities in the field without the client's involvement.

In the design-build model, the design team and the construction team are the same organization. When a design decision has cost implications, the construction team's input is available immediately — not after drawings are complete and the contractor is bidding. When a field condition requires a design adjustment, the design team can respond immediately.

The most measurable benefits: fewer change orders (design decisions are made with construction knowledge), more predictable budgets (no gap between design assumptions and construction pricing), and faster overall project schedules (no design-to-bid delay). Read the full comparison with the traditional GC model.

Timber's Design-Build Team

Amanda Barton, Design Coordinator: leads the design process from initial concept through construction documents. Works with clients to develop floor plans, material selections, and 3D renderings using Chief Architect software. Amanda is the primary design contact throughout the project.

Jeff Wiegmann + Chris Rall, Co-Founders and Licensed General Contractors: manage construction, oversee all trade coordination, and make field decisions during construction. Both are licensed general contractors in New York State with hands-on involvement in every Timber project.

Timber Millwork Division: produces custom cabinetry, built-ins, and specialty millwork in three dedicated facilities — Marlboro (cabinet shop), New Paltz (furniture and built-ins), and Wallkill (2,500 sq ft finishing facility). Custom millwork production is coordinated directly with the construction schedule. Learn about the full design-build process at Timber.

Design-Build Across the Hudson Valley

Timber provides design-build services throughout Ulster County, Dutchess County, Orange County, Greene County, and Sullivan County. Our design-build process works equally well for custom home construction, whole-house renovations, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, and additions.

The design-build advantage is most pronounced in renovation projects on older Hudson Valley homes in New Paltz, Kingston, Woodstock, Rhinebeck, Beacon, Saugerties, and surrounding towns — where existing conditions are unpredictable and the ability to resolve design-construction conflicts immediately saves significant time and money. Learn how to evaluate a design-build firm before making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is design-build?

Design-build is a project delivery method where one firm manages both the design and the construction under a single contract. The alternative is the traditional model: a separate architect designs, then a separate contractor bids and builds. Design-build eliminates the gap between those two parties and places accountability with one team.

Is design-build more expensive than hiring separately?

Not systematically. The total cost of design fees plus construction in a design-build model is comparable to separate architect fees plus construction contract in the traditional model. Design-build can produce cost savings through tighter design-to-construction integration that reduces change orders.

What software does Timber use for design?

Chief Architect — a professional residential design platform that produces floor plans, elevations, sections, and full 3D walkthroughs. We walk you through your home digitally before any construction begins.

Can Timber design and build a project if I already have an idea of what I want?

Yes — most of our clients come in with a concept, inspiration images, or a general sense of direction. The design process takes that starting point and develops it into detailed drawings and specifications that can be built.