The Whiteford Process
At Whiteford Associates, our mission is straightforward: to deliver exceptional architectural design and construction services throughout Northern Michigan—executed with style, precision, and an unwavering attention to detail that leaves our clients satisfied with the results.
Our approach is hands-on, thoughtful, and comprehensive. From the first sketch to the final nail, we’re with you every step of the way—ensuring your vision comes to life exactly as imagined.
We specialize in quality custom residential homes and distinctive commercial spaces, proudly building a legacy rooted in craftsmanship and deeply personalized service. Think of us as your design-build dream team.
With over 700 completed projects and multiple features in leading design publications, we’re honored to have our work recognized. But our greatest reward: hearing a client walk into their finished space and say, “This is exactly what I pictured.”
1. Project Planning
We schedule several meetings with you in which we discuss every single detail of your project and what is necessary to make your dream house.
2. Site Assessment
We start with a visit to your property to visualize how best to place your home to maximize your views with the land layout.
3. Architectural Design
One of our expert architect crafts a dynamic floor plan including all your inspiration and ideas, then adjusts the design with you to best fit your needs.
4. Finding Vendors
With your design in place, it’s time to bring the finishing touches to life. We’ll provide you a list of trusted vendors we’ve worked with for years—experts in cabinetry, flooring, countertops, windows, lighting, appliances, and more.
These are teams who know quality, understand our process, and will help you navigate your selections with ease. Whether your style leans modern, rustic, coastal, or classic, they’ll help you choose products that match your vision, meet your needs, and respect your budget.
5. Project Management
At Whiteford Associates, we specialize in seamless, stress-free build management. From day one, you’ll be partnered with a dedicated project manager who will guide you through the construction process with expertise and clear communication. Forget the hassle of juggling contractors and schedules—we handle all of that for you. Your project manager will coordinate every phase of the build, keep timelines on track, and ensure that no detail is overlooked.
With Whiteford, you’ll never feel out of the loop. We keep you informed, involved, and confident—every step of the way.
6. Welcome Home
The final and most rewarding step: move-in day. Your custom project /home is
complete and it’s time to begin the next chapter in a space designed around you.
Before you settle in, your project manager will perform a final walkthrough with you to address anything needing attention. We want everything to be just right, and we’re here to make sure your project / home meets the highest standards of finish and comfort.
At Whiteford Associates, our relationship doesn’t end with the last nail. We’re here to support you, even after the build is complete.
Project Gallery
Testimonials
“We wanted three things: energy-efficiency, function, simplicity. Whiteford laid out all the options we were looking into—metal roofs, ZIP paneling, styles of foundation pouring—and used their industry experience to be so helpful and honest about costs and durability. We now have a well-insulated home, two home offices, a sleek kitchen, and four very happy humans and dogs.”
– Stephanie and Wyatt Roehler
“Many architects want to build you a house that they envision rather than to guide you to a design that works with and for you and your family. Both practical and innovative using the most advanced materials, they helped us design and build our dream Lakehouse.”
– Jeffrey Hammersley
“One day, about 6 months after we moved in, Dave Whiteford was driving by the house and noticed a piece of siding out of place. The very next day, again at no charge to us, one of his employees showed up and repaired this very very minor detail.”
– Happyandwelladjusted on Houzz
“We love the way you listened to our outlandish wish-list and family quirks and designed and built a place that fits us so well. We didn’t make it easy; we had some big asks. Then you did the hard work of bringing it all to life! In the details, your faith and character were evident throughout the entire process, and that made everything seamless and enjoyable. The kids are elated… over the echoes to our past, the family history preserved and honored, and a new home that is beautiful, useful and ready for the future.”
– Merrill and Jena Moreys