Design with a Builder’s Mindset
Bridging the gap between creative vision and construction reality
Design That Works in the Real World
Most residential projects fail for one reason: The gap between the Artist (the designer) and the Builder (the contractor). When these two sides don't speak the same language, homeowners are left with expensive change orders, unbuildable plans, and frustrated timelines.
Fresh Start Designs was built to close that gap.
We are a residential design firm rooted in constructability. We don't just draw lines on paper; we engineer solutions that respect your budget, your timeline, and the structural realities of your home. Whether it’s a custom estate in North Carolina or a kitchen renovation in Pennsylvania, we deliver plans that contractors respect and homeowners love.
Meet the Principal
Robert Smith | Founder & Principal Designer
Robert Smith is not your typical architectural designer. His career began not at a drafting table, but on the job site.
With over 30 years of experience spanning hands-on construction, project management, and high-end architectural design, Robert brings a builder’s practicality to the creative process. He understands that a great design isn't just about aesthetics—it's about how a roofline sheds water, how a load-bearing wall transfers weight, and how a floor plan flows for real daily living.
Robert founded Fresh Start Designs with a clear mission: to bring the technical rigor of a master builder to the creative world of residential design. Today, he leads projects across PA, NC, and SC, ensuring that every client benefits from a design process that is as honest as it is beautiful.
How We Work
Builder-Ready Documentation
Our plans go beyond pretty pictures. We provide detailed construction documents that minimize questions in the field.
Collaborative Network
While we focus on design, we collaborate with a trusted network of Structural Engineers and Civil Engineers to handle the heavy lifting of compliance and safety.
Flexible Engagement
From full-service custom home design to our streamlined "Revive" interior packages, we offer engagement models that fit your project scope.