Frequently Asked Questions

Designing a Luxury Custom Home in Scottsdale

Straight answers about working with Mooney Design Group, from buying a lot and choosing a style to timelines, builders and design fees.

Working With Mooney Design Group

What does a luxury custom home architect or designer do?

A luxury custom home designer takes your criteria, lifestyle, site conditions and budget and turns them into a home designed specifically for you. Instead of working from a standard plan, the home is designed around how you actually want to live.

Do I need a licensed architect or an architectural designer for a custom home in Arizona?

Not always. Arizona law allows a detached single-family home to be designed by someone who isn’t a registered architect. An architectural designer like Tom focuses specifically on residential design and works alongside your builder, engineers and other consultants as the project requires. If you’re not sure what your project needs, contact Tom and talk it through.

Does Mooney Design Group design luxury custom homes in Scottsdale?

Yes. Mooney Design Group specializes in luxury custom home design in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix and communities throughout Arizona. If you’re planning a new custom home and aren’t sure where to start, contact Tom.

Do you take on projects outside Scottsdale or outside Arizona?

Yes. Mooney Design Group designs custom homes throughout the state of Arizona and takes on select projects in other states. Contact Tom to talk about your location and project.

What types of projects does Mooney Design Group take on?

Tom’s focus is new custom homes, especially homes set in natural environments, along with substantial remodels and additions to luxury homes, with construction budgets of $1 million or more.

Is there a minimum project size?

Yes. Mooney Design Group takes on new custom homes and substantial remodels or additions with a construction budget of $1 million or more.

Do you design remodels and additions?

Yes. Mooney Design Group designs substantial remodels and additions for luxury homes, bringing the same care to reworking an existing home as to designing a new one.

Why hire a luxury custom home designer in Scottsdale?

Building a luxury custom home is a major investment. Working with a luxury custom home designer gives you someone who can take your ideas and turn them into a thoughtful, functional design that fits both you and your property.

Is hiring a custom home architect or designer worth it?

If you’re investing in a luxury custom home, having it designed specifically for your property and the way you want to live can make a significant difference. You’re creating your home rather than adapting your life to someone else’s floor plan.

Do you work with custom home builders?

Yes. Tom, your builder and the other professionals involved in the project work together to bring the design from plans to the finished home.

Should I hire an architect/designer or a custom home builder first?

Many homeowners start with a luxury custom home designer so they can develop the design before construction begins. If you’re not sure which direction makes sense for your Scottsdale project, contact Tom.

Getting Started

When should I contact a designer for my Scottsdale custom home?

As early as possible, preferably before you purchase a lot, so the designer can research the property and verify it will work for your scope of work. You don’t need to have everything figured out first. If you’re considering a luxury custom home in Scottsdale, contact Tom and talk through what you have in mind.

Can you help before I buy a lot in Scottsdale?

Yes. If you’re considering a property for a custom home, getting a designer involved early can help you better understand what’s possible with the lot before moving forward.

What should I have ready before talking to a custom home designer?

You don’t need much. Property information, inspiration photos, a general wish list or ideas about the size and style of your home are all helpful. If you’re just getting started, that’s fine too.

Can I bring pictures of homes I like?

Definitely. Photos are one of the easiest ways to show a designer what you’re drawn to. Bring examples of homes, rooms, materials, layouts or architectural details you like.

How do I start building a luxury custom home in Scottsdale?

You don’t need to have the entire process figured out. Start with your property, your ideas and what you want from the finished home. Then contact Tom to talk through your Scottsdale luxury custom home project.

Design & Style

Do you design completely custom homes?

Yes. Every home is designed specifically for the client. Your Scottsdale custom home can be built around your lifestyle, property, architectural preferences and the features that matter most to you.

What architectural styles does Mooney Design Group design?

Mooney Design Group has experience with contemporary, desert, Pueblo, Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean and other custom home styles. If you have inspiration for your Scottsdale custom home, bring it to Tom.

Can you design a contemporary custom home in Scottsdale?

Yes. Mooney Design Group designs contemporary luxury custom homes as well as more traditional architectural styles. The goal is a home that feels right for you, rather than forcing your project into a particular style.

Do you design modern desert homes in Scottsdale?

Yes. A Scottsdale luxury custom home can be designed to take advantage of the desert setting, natural light, views and indoor-outdoor living while still reflecting your personal style.

Can you design my home around the views?

Absolutely. Views can play a major role in the layout and orientation of a Scottsdale luxury custom home. The property itself helps guide decisions about rooms, windows and outdoor living spaces.

Can you design a luxury home for an unusual lot?

Yes. That’s one of the advantages of working with a custom home designer. The home can be designed around the specific opportunities and challenges of your property.

Can you design a home with indoor-outdoor living?

Yes. Indoor-outdoor living is especially important in Arizona. Patios, courtyards, large openings, outdoor entertaining areas and the flow between inside and outside can all be considered during the design.

Can my custom home be designed around entertaining?

Yes. If entertaining is important to you, your home can be designed around it. Kitchens, gathering spaces, bars, outdoor areas, guest rooms and traffic flow can all be considered from the beginning.

Can you design my Scottsdale home around my lifestyle?

Yes. That’s really the point of a luxury custom home. The design should reflect how you live, whether that means entertaining, working from home, hosting family, enjoying outdoor spaces or simply having more privacy.

Can you include a home office in the design?

Yes. A dedicated office or multiple workspaces can be incorporated into your Scottsdale custom home based on how you work and how much separation you want from the rest of the house.

Can you design guest suites or multigenerational living spaces?

Yes. Guest suites, private entrances, separate living areas and multigenerational spaces can all be incorporated into a luxury custom home design.

Timeline & Cost

How long does it take to design a luxury custom home in Scottsdale?

It depends on the size and complexity of the home, the property and how developed your ideas are when you begin. Contact Tom to discuss your project and get a better idea of the design timeline.

How much does a luxury custom home architect or designer cost?

Design fees depend on the size, complexity and scope of the project. The easiest way to get an accurate answer is to contact Tom and discuss what you’re planning.

Start a Conversation

Planning a custom home in Scottsdale?

Share your property, ideas and goals for a one-of-a-kind residence. Tom will personally walk you through what’s possible.