What this session is for
The Design Brief Workbook captures what you want. It's a structured tool for getting your vision, priorities, and constraints out of your head and onto paper. Completing it is a meaningful act — but a completed brief is not a risk assessment.
Homeowners who complete the workbook consistently encounter the same stopping point: I know what I want, but I don't know what I've missed. The Design Brief Review Session is built for exactly that moment.
A TLOL designer reviews your brief before the session, then meets with you for a focused 45–60 minutes to work through it: what's there, what isn't, what the gaps signal about your project's risks, and what the logical next steps look like. You leave with a clear professional read and a written summary you can act on.
The pre-purchase inspection analogy
Think of it the way you'd think about a mechanic's inspection before buying a used car. You've already looked the car over yourself — that's the workbook. Now you're paying someone who knows what to look for to tell you what you missed. The inspection fee is a rounding error compared to buying a lemon.
What's included
How it works
The free workbook is available on the Design Brief Workbook page. Complete it thoroughly — the more honest and specific your answers, the more useful the session will be. Expect to spend 45–90 minutes the first time through.
Use the booking form on this page to submit your project details and contact information, then complete payment of $150 to confirm your booking. Email your completed workbook PDF to [email protected] with "Design Brief Review" in the subject line — or include a download link in the notes field.
Your workbook is reviewed in full before the scheduled call. The session time is used to discuss findings — not to read. You'll receive a calendar invitation with video call or phone details within one business day of confirmed payment.
A structured conversation working through your brief: what it reveals, what's missing, what the gaps signal, and what the risks are if those gaps follow the project into design or construction.
A follow-up document is delivered by email. It classifies your project by Gap, summarizes the key findings, and outlines recommended next steps — in plain language you can reference, share with a spouse or builder, and act on.
Is this the right session for you?
| Good fit ✓ | Not the right fit ✗ |
|---|---|
| You've completed the Design Brief Workbook — or most of it | You haven't started the workbook yet |
| You want professional eyes on your brief before committing to design services | You'd rather start with a general conversation about your project — that's the free Clarity Call |
| You want to understand what you've missed before hiring anyone | You have specific site constraint questions — those are best addressed through the Design Feasibility & Risk Review |
| You need a written summary you can reference and share | You're ready to move directly to concept design — this step may not be necessary |
| You want to qualify what type of professional engagement your project actually needs | Your project is already in design or construction — other services apply |
Not sure which service is right for your situation? The free Project Clarity Call is the right first step — 30 minutes to establish where your project stands and which engagement fits. No commitment required.
How this session connects to what comes next
The Design Brief Review Session sits at a specific and deliberate point in the TLOL engagement funnel. It's not a standalone product — it's a bridge. The session tells you whether your project is straightforward enough to proceed with confidence, or complex enough to warrant a full Design Feasibility & Risk Review.
A homeowner who pays $150 for a Design Brief Review and discovers genuine complexity in their project has every reason to proceed to a full Feasibility Review ($500–$1,200). The written summary makes that case in concrete terms. The session fee is credited toward the Feasibility Review if you proceed within 60 days.
The alternative — carrying unresolved gaps forward into design — is what the Three Gaps framework is specifically built to prevent. Every week a gap stays open is another week closer to the moment a contractor resolves it on-site, at your expense.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have the workbook fully completed before booking?
The more complete your brief, the more useful the session. If you've made a genuine effort but have some sections left blank or marked as uncertain — that's fine. Gaps in the brief are often as informative as what's there. What doesn't work well is submitting a barely-started workbook, because there isn't enough material to review meaningfully. Aim for 80% completion at minimum.
Is the $150 fee credited toward a full Feasibility Review?
Yes. If the session reveals that a full Design Feasibility & Risk Review is warranted and you proceed within 60 days of your review session, the $150 fee is credited toward the Feasibility Review cost. The session effectively becomes a scouting report that either gives you the confidence to proceed or tells you exactly what the next professional step looks like.
What format is the session — phone or video?
Both are available. The booking form lets you indicate your preference. A calendar invitation with call details will be sent within one business day of confirmed payment. Most clients find that a video call allows for easier back-and-forth on specific sections of the brief, but phone works equally well for straightforward projects.
How do I submit my completed workbook?
After completing payment, email your completed workbook PDF to [email protected] with "Design Brief Review" in the subject line. If your file is large, include a download link in the notes field of the booking form (Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar). Your session won't be scheduled until the workbook has been received.
How quickly can I expect to be scheduled?
Once both payment and your workbook have been received, a calendar invitation for a session will be sent within one business day. Sessions are typically scheduled within 5–7 business days of submission, though current availability varies.
Can I share the written summary with my builder or contractor?
Yes — that's one of the reasons it's written. The summary is a document you own. Many clients share it with a spouse, a builder reviewing their project, or a lender assessing feasibility. It's designed to communicate your project's gap classification and risk picture in plain language to anyone you choose to involve.
What if my project turns out to be more straightforward than I expected?
That's still a valuable outcome. Knowing your brief is solid and your project risks are well-managed gives you the confidence to move into design — or to hire a contractor — without carrying unresolved questions. The session gives you a professional read in either direction.