Get the Right Guidance for Your Home Project

Whether you’re looking for quick answers to specific questions or want expert feedback on your plans before moving forward, these sessions are designed to give you clear, practical guidance so you can make confident decisions.

Overcome Overwhelm, Doubt, and Decision Fatigue

Designing or renovating a home comes with a lot of decisions and a lot of unknowns.

You’re trying to make smart choices about layout, materials, systems, budget… often with conflicting advice and no clear way to know what actually matters.

It’s easy to feel stuck, second-guessing decisions, or worried about getting something wrong.

You don’t need to figure it all out on your own.

It's so much more enjoyable when you have a guide!

Hello!

I’m Kate Hamblet, a licensed architect and owner of Balanced Architecture.

I know firsthand how many questions, decisions, and unexpected challenges come up when building from scratch or renovating.

Sometimes you just need a knowledgeable person to talk through an idea, review a design decision, or help you avoid an expensive mistake.

That’s why I offer consulting sessions for homeowners who want practical, expert advice without the pressure or cost of full-service architecture. 

Whether you need a quick design review, help improving a floor plan, guidance on healthy and sustainable choices, or clarity on a difficult decision, I’m here to help you move forward with confidence.

I specialize in creating homes that support health, comfort, sustainability, and everyday ease, helping you create spaces that truly improve daily life and well-being.

Design Consulting Options

Design Clarity Call


A Simple Way to Get Unstuck

The Design Clarity Call is a one-time 60-minute, one-on-one session where you can ask questions, talk through decisions, and get clear, expert guidance without committing to a full design service.

Sometimes you just need someone experienced to help you think through things like:

  • Is this a good approach, or is there a better way?
  • Am I overcomplicating this?
  • What should I focus on to get a solid, well-built home?
  • Is my contractor giving me the right information?

How It Works: 

  1. Book your session
  2. Fill out the pre-call questionnaire
  3. We meet for 60 minutes via Google Meet

What's Included:

  • 60-minute private video consultation focused on your specific questions and project
  • Clear, practical advice to help you make informed decisions without overcomplicating your project
  • Recording of the call and an AI summary so you can revisit the conversation later
  • Any resources, product info., or references mentioned during the call will be emailed to you afterward

Please Note:

  • This session does not include a detailed floor plan or layout review
  • No written report or ongoing consulting is included
  • If you want in-depth feedback on your plans or layout, the Plan Review Session is the better fit

Investment:

$325

Plan Review Session


Expert feedback on your plans before you move forward

This service is designed for homeowners who already have plans or a developed design and want a second opinion to make sure the home will function well, feel comfortable, and support the way they actually live.

Through a combination of a video consultation and in-depth plan review, I’ll help identify opportunities to improve the design, simplify decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and create a home that is more comfortable, energy efficient, and practical for everyday life.

How It Works:

  1. Book your session
  2. Submit your plans ahead of time
  3. Fill out the pre-call questionnaire
  4. We meet for a 60-minute video call to review your questions and concerns
  5. After the call, I review the plans in more depth to see if the design is meeting your goals and to provide recommendations as needed
  6. Within a week of the call, you'll receive a report that includes marked-up plans, recommendations, and helpful resources.

What's Included:

  • 60-minute video call to learn more about your project
  • Plan review report that includes marked-up plans with notes and recommendations to help the design better support your goals
  • Any resources, product info., or references I mention in the call or in the report
  • Video walk-through of my recommendations and explanation of any resources I provide

Please Note:

  • This service is a review and feedback service only and does not include full architectural design services.
  • Revised CAD drawings or updated floor plans are not included. You will receive marked-up plans with recommendations and notes that can be brought back to your designer, architect, or drafter for revisions.
  • Structural engineering, HVAC design, energy modeling, or construction documents are not included.

Investment:

$2,997

Not sure which one to pick?

Start with a Design Clarity Call.  If we find out you're better suited for the Plan Review Service, your $325 Design Clarity Call investment will go towards the cost of your Plan Review.

Kate has very thoughtfully guided us through the endless decisions involved.

"She is resourceful, an excellent listener, and is very well-informed of the various building materials available, including newer innovations."

Susan Lawless


"

Our experience with Balanced Architecture was truly exceptional.

"From the very beginning, Kate guided us through the process of designing our home from the ground up, thoughtfully transforming our ideas into a space that feels both personal and beautifully executed."

Daniela Orlowski


"

We feel so grateful for the work Kate did and so lucky we found her.

"She is so sharp and quick and was able to come up with practical and innovative design solutions for our renovation.  I recommend her highly."

Susan Zankel


"

faq

How do I know which service is right for me?

If you:

  • Have a handful of questions
  • Need guidance or clarity
  • Want to talk through ideas or decisions

→ Start with the Design Clarity Call

If you:

  • Already have plans
  • Want feedback on the design itself
  • Want recommendations for improving comfort, functionality, or efficiency

→ Choose the Plan Review Session

Can I book a Design Clarity Call before doing a Plan Review?

Absolutely. Many homeowners start with a Design Clarity Call to get unstuck or ask questions before deciding if they want a more in-depth review.

Can you review my floor plan during the Design Clarity Call?

We can briefly look at plans for context, but detailed floor plan and layout feedback is part of the Plan Review Session.

If you want recommendations on improving the overall layout, flow, functionality, or design of the home, the Plan Review is the better fit.

Can you help with renovations and additions?

Yes. Both services are helpful for renovations, additions, and new construction projects.

For renovations especially, it can be incredibly helpful to talk through priorities and develop a plan before starting demolition or construction.

Will I get a recording of the call?

Yes. Both the Design Clarity Call and Plan Review Session include a recording of the video call so you can revisit the discussion later.

What if I'm already working with an architect or designer?

That’s completely fine.

Many homeowners book these services because they want an additional perspective or help understanding the decisions being made throughout the design and construction process.

These consultations are not intended to replace your architect, designer, or builder. Instead, they provide:

  • a second opinion
  • clarification around design or construction decisions
  • guidance on comfort, energy efficiency, materials, and overall livability
  • support in understanding tradeoffs and priorities

I specialize in sustainable and healthy home design, which is an area many architects and designers may not focus on in depth. Homeowners often come to me for guidance on:

  • healthier material choices
  • energy-efficient design strategies
  • ventilation and indoor air quality
  • creating homes that are comfortable, durable, and practical for everyday living

The goal is to help you feel more informed and confident as you move through your project.

Don't sustainable / healthy homes cost more to build?

Not necessarily.

A lot of people assume that building a sustainable or healthier home means adding expensive upgrades or creating a highly technical “green” house. In reality, many of the most important decisions are about building smarter, simpler, and more thoughtfully from the beginning.

In many cases, good design decisions can actually help reduce unnecessary costs by:

  • simplifying the design
  • avoiding oversized systems
  • prioritizing what truly matters
  • improving energy efficiency and long-term durability
  • preventing expensive mistakes or changes later

My approach is not about trying to make your project perfect or pushing costly upgrades. It’s about helping you create a comfortable, efficient, practical home that aligns with your priorities and budget.

Part of these services is helping you understand:

  • where it makes sense to invest
  • where you can simplify
  • what’s worth the cost—and what probably isn’t

The goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can spend your budget more intentionally.

Will I receive revised plans with the Plan Review service?

No. This service does not include revised CAD drawings or updated floor plans.
You will receive marked-up plans with recommendations and notes that can be brought back to your architect, designer, or drafter to make revisions.

The Plan Review Service is a review and feedback service only and does not include full architectural design services.

Please Note:

  • Revised CAD drawings or updated floor plans are not included. You will receive marked-up plans with recommendations and notes that can be brought back to your designer, architect, or drafter for revisions.
  • Structural engineering, HVAC design, energy modeling, or construction documents are not included.
  • This service does not include project management, contractor coordination, or site visits.
  • Ongoing consulting beyond the included review process is not included.
  • Recommendations are intended to help guide decision-making and improve the overall functionality, comfort, and performance of the home. Final design and construction decisions remain the responsibility of the homeowner and project team.

Do you provide architectural drawings or construction documents?

No. These services are consultation and review services only and do not include full architectural design services or construction documents.

If you're looking for full architectural services, visit my custom design page.

Do you work with homeowners outside of your area?

Yes, all review services are remote and available nationwide.

Do you work directly with my builder/contractor?

No. These services are designed to help homeowners make informed decisions and better understand their project, but they do not include contractor coordination or project management.

What if I need more help after my Design Clarity Call?

You’re welcome to book additional sessions if needed.  Many homeowners use these services at key decision points throughout their project.

If we find that a different type of service is better suited for your project, we can discuss that during the Design Clarity Call.

What if Sustainability isn't my top priority?  Is it still a good fit?

Yes.

While I specialize in sustainable and healthy home design, my overall approach is really about helping homeowners create homes that are:

  • comfortable
  • practical
  • durable
  • energy efficient
  • well thought out for everyday living

You do not need to be aiming for a “perfectly green” home or an ultra high-performance house to benefit from these services.

Many homeowners simply want:

  • better materials where it makes sense
  • lower energy bills
  • improved comfort
  • healthier indoor air
  • smarter long-term decisions

My goal is not to overcomplicate your project or push expensive upgrades. It’s to help you understand your options and make practical decisions that fit your goals, priorities, and budget.