Delano Designs is a principal-led residential design and remodel-planning firm helping Atlanta homeowners turn renovation ideas into well-defined projects before construction begins.
We bring together design, remodel documentation, material selections and procurement, contractor bid support, and construction-phase design administration so homeowners have greater clarity from the first idea through the finished project.
Our role is to develop and protect the design.
The general contractor remains responsible for construction, trades, means and methods, scheduling, site safety, and execution.
Meet Ryan Delano
Long before Delano Designs existed, my interest in homes started in a fairly unexpected place: The Sims.
I spent hours designing houses, changing layouts, experimenting with materials, and figuring out how different spaces connected. At the time, it was simply something I enjoyed. Looking back, it was the beginning of a much longer interest in how homes are planned and how design affects the way people live in them.
That interest evolved into real-world experience managing multifamily properties, where I became familiar with buildings not simply as designs, but as places that have to function, perform, be maintained, and solve real problems.
From there, I moved into leading single-family remodels.
Working through actual renovations showed me how easily a good idea can become complicated when the design, scope, materials, contractor pricing, and construction decisions are not coordinated early enough.
That experience ultimately shaped Delano Designs.
Today, I work directly with homeowners to take a remodel from an early idea through design development, documentation, selections, contractor pricing, and—when retained—continued design support during construction.
Delano is intentionally principal-led. You are not sold a project by one person and then handed to someone unfamiliar with it.
I stay connected to the decisions that shape the project.
Why Delano Designs Exists
Most homeowners considering a significant remodel already have plenty of inspiration.
What they often do not have is a clear path from:
“Here is what I want my home to become”
to:
“Here is what we are actually asking a contractor to build.”
That middle portion of the process matters.
Before construction begins, someone needs to resolve the layout, establish the design direction, coordinate materials, develop the appropriate drawings, clarify the scope, and help contractors understand what they are being asked to price.
Delano Designs was built around that process.
Rather than treating design as something that happens alongside construction, we believe the project should be developed as thoroughly as practical before construction starts making decisions for you.
More Than a Design Concept
A beautiful rendering is only one part of a successful remodel.
Depending on the project and the services selected, Delano can help develop:
Design & Space Planning
We work through how the home should function, how spaces relate to one another, and what needs to change to support the way you actually live.
This may include kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions, exteriors, and whole-home renovations.
Remodel Drawings & Documentation
Once the design direction is established, we can translate it into drawings and project documentation appropriate to the agreed scope.
Depending on the project, this may include floor plans, demolition plans, elevations, cabinetry layouts, lighting and electrical intent, finish information, dimensions, and other project-specific details.
Some projects require additional documentation or review by licensed architects, structural engineers, MEP professionals, surveyors, or other consultants. When applicable, those needs are identified as part of the planning process.
Finish Schedules & Material Planning
The project does not stop at the floor plan.
We coordinate the materials and selections that turn the design into a finished home—including cabinetry, countertops, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, flooring, hardware, paint, appliances, and other project-specific finishes.
Material Procurement
For clients who want continued assistance, Delano can coordinate the procurement of selected materials and products so the design, specifications, purchasing, and project schedule remain better connected.
From Design Into Contractor Pricing
Once the project is sufficiently defined, contractors can price a much clearer scope.
That is where Delano's involvement can continue.
Bid Leveling
Three contractor proposals are not necessarily three prices for the same project.
We can review bids against the project information to identify differences in:
The objective is not simply to identify the lowest number.
It is to help you understand what you are actually buying from each contractor.
Contractor Clarification & Negotiation Support
Once differences are identified, we can assist with contractor discussions surrounding scope, allowances, alternates, material responsibilities, pricing clarifications, and other practical project terms.
This gives homeowners a more informed position before selecting a contractor and signing a construction agreement.
For legal interpretation or modification of contract terms, homeowners should consult qualified legal counsel.
Design Support Doesn't Have to End When Construction Starts
For clients who retain Delano through construction, we continue serving as a design resource as the project moves from drawings into the field.
Depending on the scope of our agreement, construction-phase services may include:
The general contractor remains responsible for constructing and managing the work.
Our role is to help keep the design, documentation, materials, and decisions connected throughout the process.
A Principal-Led Approach
Delano Designs is intentionally boutique.
That means you work directly with Ryan throughout the design process rather than moving through layers of salespeople, junior designers, and account managers.
For our clients, that creates:
Every project has different requirements, but the philosophy remains the same:
Define the project. Design it thoughtfully. Document it clearly. Then build it.
How a Delano Project Begins
1. Start the Remodel Quiz
Tell us about your home, project type, location, budget, and where you are in the planning process.
2. Remodel Fit Call
If the project appears aligned with our services, we'll schedule a brief call to discuss what you are planning and determine the appropriate next step.
3. $500 Design Jumpstart
Qualified projects generally begin with a paid Design Jumpstart.
This is where we take a closer look at the project, discuss scope, layout opportunities, design direction, budget expectations, and what documentation or professional services may be needed to move forward.
4. Full Design & Documentation
If the project requires additional development, Delano can continue into the appropriate design, drawings, material selections, and documentation.
5. Procurement, Bidding & Construction Support
For clients who want continued involvement, Delano can assist with material procurement, contractor bid leveling, contractor negotiations, RFIs, site visits, and construction-phase design support.
Not every project requires every phase.
The purpose of the Jumpstart is to determine the right path for your remodel.
Who We Work Best With
Delano Designs is best suited for homeowners planning significant residential improvements and looking for more than a quick sketch or decorating consultation.
Our clients typically:
We frequently work on kitchens, primary bathrooms, basements, additions, exteriors, and whole-home remodels.
Serving Atlanta and North Atlanta
Delano Designs serves homeowners throughout Atlanta, Intown neighborhoods, Buckhead, and select North Atlanta communities.
Our work is especially well suited to homeowners improving established properties where thoughtful planning, existing conditions, architectural character, and long-term value all need to be considered together.
Ready to Start Planning Your Remodel?
You do not need to have every answer before contacting us.
You simply need a real project and a desire to approach it thoughtfully.
Start with our Remodel Quiz.
Tell us what you're planning, where the project is located, and the construction budget you're considering. If it looks like a fit, we'll schedule a Remodel Fit Call and discuss whether the $500 Design Jumpstart is the appropriate next step.