---
title: "Custom Home Planning Center — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/custom-home-planning-center-pfvwus-pf~344145933
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~344145933.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Custom Home Planning Center"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/6c43cb3b0fff022b_3105-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "10297 Song Sparrow Ln, Higlands Ranch, Colorado 80129, United States"
latitude: 39.5397
longitude: -105.0109
phone: "(757) 686-8686"
website: http://
rating: 0
review_count: 0
followers: 85
last_updated: 2026-11-11
---

# Custom Home Planning Center

Original Houzz profile: [Custom Home Planning Center](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/custom-home-planning-center-pfvwus-pf~344145933)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Higlands Ranch, CO
- **Serves:** nationaly, on line services & consulting
- **Houzz rating:** 0.0 out of 5 (0 reviews)

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- 5 Ideabook Saves

Owner's expert for design/build and Investment education Started Owner Builder Center in 1976 one of the 1st in the eastern US
Over 30 year + experience field, classroom, one on one training and analysis
very good playing with the mouse ;

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Sustainable Design
- Floor Plans
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Bathroom Design
- Green Building
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Universal Design
- Multigenerational Homes
- Project Management
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Basement Remodeling
- Attic Conversion
- Site Preparation
- Passive Solar Heating & Cooling
- A1 Q&A building process

### Areas Served

- nationaly
- on line services & consulting

### Typical Job Cost

$100 - 5 million

Work is hourly on consultations $100/hr (remember a plumber or electronic c hourly is higher)
Flooor plans and preliminary home designs 1% for homes 2% for remodels based on estimated cost not counting land or other soft costs.  Detailed specifications 1.5%  On site management 2 to 6% based on level of assistance.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Custom Home Planning Center |
| Address | 10297 Song Sparrow Ln, Higlands Ranch, Colorado 80129, United States |
| Phone | (757) 686-8686 |
| Website | http:// |
| Followers on Houzz | 85 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Custom Home Planning Center](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/custom-home-planning-center-pfvwus-pf~344145933)
- **Website:** http://
- **Phone:** (757) 686-8686

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- 97 dept of energy /" Builder" 1st place design
- Finance investment training book series for pre teens

## Selected projects

- [non traditional passive solar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/non-traditional-passive-solar-pj-vj~5661395)
  - Location: Suffolk, VA
  - Photos: 7
- [Traditional blended](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-blended-pj-vj~606712)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9

[See all 2 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/custom-home-planning-center-pfvwus-pf~344145933)

## Ideabooks

- [book two](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4410735/list/book-two) — 72 ideas
- [john97's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3223588/list/john97-s-ideas) — 824 ideas

[See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/john97)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Island Possible?** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Help!  We have a 12' x 13.5' Kitchen that we are determined to fit an island into.  Is it possible?  Below is our initial design with a slight flaw, it doesn't account for the countertop over hang of 1.5".  This leaves us with only 33" between the island and other cabinets.  Any other suggestions?  The current layout of the kitchen is below with the AWFUL brown countertop and backsplash taking over the whole kitchen.  The only windows are in the table area which is in the space on the bottom of the design.

A: You don't have to think outside the
box just change what goes into it.

**Q: Kitchen Designers Drawing, SOMETHING IS OFF, can you help?** *(in Building a Home)*

I'm back again with my kitchen... On the main wall, I am still going to have them move the double ovens a bit higher. We are still undecided if we will keep or eliminate the right side "coffee station" or make it all pantry. If we keep it as shown - I'm okay with that area. The area that is really, really bugging me is the refrigerator wall. 

-Should I eliminate the stacked cabinets and go just on panel doors to the top.
\- Eliminate the glass and go with a single, vertical, lift style doors (can't recall what they are called)

The other part is bothering me is the staggered depths on that wall.  It appears they are 18", 21" and 24"

A: Ladder step stool in the kick
I agree the stepping is an artificial design choice too much.  I'd just do all 18" deep wall cabinets. Move the micro to the left end use the shelf the height of the micro right for the toaster shelf. Use two large pull out draws where you show the doors (top with bread boxes bottom for tupper wear) and next to it two slim Silverware draws and a bottom larger to match those on there left.  In this way you have a 2nd work triangle for sandwiches. I call this the short order triangle and set up the use of a smaller island salad sink on the opposite side.  If you have that pictured in your mind here the clincher.  Flip the whole wall refrigerator is on the far left where it has full access to the main work triangle.
I always try to do the double work triangles in larger kitchens.
A nice touch is to put the toaster on a pull out shelf for loading and to not over heat the above cabinets.

**Q: What cabinets should I get?** *(in Design Dilemma)*

We're replacing all of our cabinets and adding a few more.  We want quality painted cabinets that will last for decades as we are not apt to move and like a classic enduring look.
The designer/showrooms on my radar carry these brands:

Dura Supreme
Plain and Fancy
Wood-Mode
Crystal
Rutt

1\. What is the difference in quality between there brands, their construction, and customer service?
2\. I've read that the biggest difference is not so much the cabinet but a good designer who will go to bat if there are problems - is this true?
3\. Any thoughts on the pros and cons of going with a local cabinet maker instead of using a designer who deals with these larger manufacturers?
4\. I'm in Philly and open to any referral!






Thanks!

A: Consider loosing the shelves to the left of the fridge and adding a pantry.
If I was not going to move, I would go to the expense of under counter freezer and refrigerate so that I can have counter space all the way to the window.  That would open up the feel of the kitchen's space in a significant way.

**Q: Stainless steel sinks. single bowl or two...** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Okay heres the dilemma... stainless steel kitchen sink. Single drain style or the old standard two drain model.

A: If each bowel in the double will handle a 12" fry pan, I'd go double.  Somethings need to be soaked and you still have a working sink between.  This is why I go with apron sinks and not drop ins

**Q: ramp to basement** *(in Design Dilemma)*

going from living room to basement offfice

A: fire pole or trap door for those reluctant to work at home or a car lift salvaged from a defunct garage.

**Q: Which fireplace design? Need to know today!** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Trying to decide between these two designs. In the first design, we'd store firewood in the opening beneath the hearth. And wood mantel would be approx 8' 6" long. 
In the second design, firewood would go in the openings on either side of the fireplace opening. Wood mantel approx 6' long. I'll post pics in comments of our inspiration for each. Please help!

A: Don't forget the issue of the bugs that come with firewood. Putting it through a de bugging procedure is a necessary evil if your not burning it quickly. I tend to design a through the wall storage bin with sealable  doors on both side. Note: the exterior door has a lock.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-11.*