You may have researched how to design a new home and discovered that every builder seems to handle the process differently.
What’s included? What counts as an upgrade? How long will it take?
At The Providence Group, you’ll work one-on-one with a professional Designer who guides you through every detail with care and expertise.
Here’s exactly how your Design Studio experience works and how to prepare for it.
What to Expect When You Design Your New Home With The Providence Group
When you design your new home with us, the process is effortless. You’re guided by professional Designers in a calm, appointment-only studio created to help you focus on the details that matter most to you.
After your purchase agreement is complete, a Design Coordinator will schedule your appointments and walk you through each step.
You’ll have three to five hours of dedicated consultation time, depending on your home’s build stage. During that time, you’ll review curated options, explore real material samples, and build a new home design plan that reflects your style.
Over the past decade, The Providence Group has earned more than 125 industry awards, including thirteen 2025 OBIE Awards for outstanding model home design, architectural excellence, luxury interior styling, and more.
Recent winners include the Stockton, Jacobsen II, and Hickory models, each recognized for their thoughtful layouts, upscale finishes, and seamless flow.
These awards matter because the same design principles behind our celebrated model homes guide every selection we help you make in our Design Studio.
Your Design Timeline at a Glance
- Coordinator contact after contract signing
- Scheduled design appointments
- Selection finalization
- Selections sent to the construction team to begin ordering
What to Bring to Your First Appointment at the Atlanta Design Studio
What you should bring to your first appointment comes down to anything that helps your Designer understand your lifestyle and preferences. This can include:
- Inspiration photos
- Paint or fabric samples
- Notes about how you use your spaces
- Budget expectations and upgrade priorities
You can also explore the online Interactive Home Designs tool beforehand to gather ideas.
Bringing clear preferences helps your Designer refine your new home construction design and guide you toward choices that support both aesthetics and everyday function.
Understanding Standard Features vs. Upgrades
Standard features typically include high-quality essentials such as flooring options, beautiful cabinetry selections, and stylish lighting packages. Depending on the community, standard offerings may also include energy saving features, key electrical components and other foundational elements that support both efficiency and daily comfort. Because every community is uniquely designed, these included features can vary.
Upgrades offer expanded choices such as:
- Premium stone countertops
- Elevated tile layouts
- Upgraded appliances
- Expanded hardwoods
- Enhanced cabinetry details
Your Designer will walk you through every category and explain the cost differences so you can build a new home design that aligns with your vision and budget.
How Much Should You Budget for Upgrades?
Most homebuyers set aside about 10–20% of their home’s base price for design upgrades, depending on their style and priorities. Your Designer will help you decide where that budget makes the biggest impact so your selections feel both beautiful and practical.
- Focus on high-impact areas (kitchens, primary suites, flooring)
- Consider durability for active households with children or pets
- Ask which selections affect long-term value
- Final upgrade flexibility depends on your build stage
Understanding Change Requests and Construction Timelines
Change requests must happen early because many materials are ordered soon after your selections are finalized. Once framing, electrical, or plumbing is complete, some items become unavailable to modify.
Your Designer will explain which options are still flexible based on your home’s progress. This keeps your build on schedule and ensures the craftsmanship your home deserves.
If you tend to second-guess decisions, bring questions! Your Designer will help you walk away feeling confident in every choice.
See and Touch Real Materials at the Design Studio
Seeing and touching real materials at the Design Studio is a core part of the TPG experience. You’ll explore:
- Full countertop slabs
- Flooring boards
- Tile selections
- Cabinetry styles
- Hardware, fixtures, and lighting displays
This hands-on experience helps you compare textures, tones, and finishes in natural light, making it easier to design a new home that feels warm, cohesive, and personal.
These are all qualities The Providence Group’s OBIE-winning designs are known for.
Final Tips for How to Design a New Home With Confidence
- Choose upgrades that support daily comfort
- Ask about maintenance for each material
- Keep your color palette consistent
- Bring everyone involved in decision-making
- Trust your Designer (they do this every day!)
Create a Home Built Around Your Life
Now that you know how to design a new home, the next step is letting your style take center stage!
What will your kitchen look like? Your owner’s suite? Your favorite gathering spaces?
Contact us to take the first step and watch your new home begin to take shape.
