Owner's Representative & Construction Advisory
For many projects, hiring a full-service architect or general contractor isn’t the right first step.
EcoScapes works as your independent home renovation consultant and owner’s representative, helping you understand your options, avoid costly missteps, and make informed decisions throughout your project.
This may include:
- Reviewing your space, plans, or project goals
- Identifying what’s realistic—and what’s not
- Guidance on renovation or rebuild options
- Contractor and subcontractor coordination support
- High-level scheduling and project flow
- Finish and material decision support
This is not a general contractor role—it’s practical, experienced oversight designed to protect your interests and keep your project moving in the right direction.
This approach allows you to make informed decisions before committing to design or construction.
Custom home exterior detail showing stonework, window design, and roof overhang.
Insurance Claim Project Support
Insurance projects often come with unclear scope, conflicting information, and pressure to move quickly.
EcoScapes provides clear, independent guidance so you can make decisions with confidence.
Support may include:
- Reviewing insurance scope and identifying gaps
- Evaluating contractor proposals
- Clarifying what’s included—and what’s not
- Helping align budget, scope, and expectations
- Guiding next steps for a workable path forward
This is especially valuable when a traditional contractor structure doesn’t fit the project or budget.
Living room rebuilt after fire, featuring new framing and a redesigned vaulted ceiling layout.
Architectural Design & Drawings
When your project requires documentation to move forward, EcoScapes offers design and drawing services tailored to your needs.
Services include:
- Renovation design
- Insurance rebuild plans
- Custom home design
- Permit-ready drawing sets for residential projects in St. Louis and surrounding areas
Design work is scoped separately from advisory services, so you only engage in what your project actually needs.
Architectural design translated into structural framing, showing interior layout and ceiling design.
Featured Project: Historic Renovation & Rebuild
The Original Late 1700s Cabin: Master Bedroom
This project began following an electrical fire and required a near full rebuild. The goal was to restore the home’s historic structure while integrating modern systems and sustainable design strategies.
True to traditional farmhouses, this residence features multiple additions. The core consists of two log cabins from the late 1700s, with subsequent additions from the early 1800s and mid-1900s.
After a 95% gutting due to smoke and water damage, the home's history was uncovered, allowing for a contemporary renovation that showcases its historic aspects.
Sustainable design components include high R-value insulation, a vapor barrier, a mini-split HVAC system, Renewal by Andersen windows and doors, LED lighting with occupancy controls, water-saving fixtures, low-VOC finishes, and recycled and reused materials.
Music Room
This hallway, connecting the original log cabins since the early 1800s, is wider than usual due to the tradition of separating the sleeping cabin from the kitchen cabin to prevent fire hazards. This spacious design perfectly accommodates the family's musical instruments, allowing their music to resonate beautifully throughout the home.
Connected Spaces
In a farmhouse, the back of the house is often the front. The entry originally led to the kitchen and a butcher room, which was transformed into a studio and farm mudroom in the new design. The wall between the studio and entry was removed, and the doorway to the kitchen was widened, creating an easy traffic flow and open design.
Living Room
The living room ceiling was raised from 6'-9" to 8'-0", creating an open and airy space. The wood trim on either side of the room seamlessly integrates the historic log walls with the 1950s addition. The fireplace was resurfaced with contemporary stone, and cozy reading nooks were created on either side for the family's children.
Second Floor
The log walls extend up the early 1800s staircase, now visible thanks to the raised ceiling and light shelf. A new railing and barn door introduce warm wood materials to the upstairs hallway, while carpeting softens the stairs and sleeping areas.