https://buildingblockdesign.com/home daily 1.0 2026-01-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ac3fd775ac3f4ddc774008/40cffd9b-fb26-4a01-af13-57853fcfbf34/DJI_0105+copy.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ac3fd775ac3f4ddc774008/f82bc1f3-7e59-43b3-8f96-ab2121fe93de/Rendering+copy.jpg https://buildingblockdesign.com/about daily 0.75 2026-01-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ac3fd775ac3f4ddc774008/85ed6bfa-09be-4683-a9b8-6018b6e448a8/Supplementary+Photo+%282%29.jpg About - About Greetings Dallas neighbors! Aaron Trecartin, AIA, is a licensed architect and the founder of Building Block, a residential architecture firm built on the motto “the design process explained simply.” After an initial meeting, Aaron provides a detailed proposal letter that outlines each “building block”—the milestones and deliverables of the design process that are specific to your project and needs. You’ll see estimated hours for each deliverable and transparent fee calculations, giving you peace of mind and clarity from the very beginning. Few architects offer this level of upfront detail and transparency, and it’s what sets Building Block apart. While serving homeowners across the Dallas area, Building Block specializes in renovating older homes in the Dallas’s historic and conservation districts. Exterior renovations in these neighborhoods demand exceptional design skill and thorough documentation to gain approval from neighborhood task forces, city staff, and commissioners. Aaron’s deep familiarity with Dallas’ preservation and approval processes makes him a trusted guide for homeowners navigating these requirements. Whatever the size or scope of your project, Building Block helps remove the stress often associated with home renovations—designing with care, leading with expertise, and ensuring your vision comes to life. https://buildingblockdesign.com/explore daily 0.75 2026-01-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ac3fd775ac3f4ddc774008/ef8132e4-a258-487b-934b-09b135bfc45d/7310+Caillet_230120+Space+Plan.jpg Explore Each "Building Blocks" - Building Block #1 — Pre-Design & Programming The journey begins here. In this first stage—or “Building Block”—the architect visits your home to discuss the project’s parameters: which spaces may be renovated or added, and the potential budget, balancing comfort level with appraisal value. During this initial conversation, the architect may share preliminary ideas for consideration, while welcoming input from the homeowner. With a strong understanding of local zoning and historic district overlay requirements, the architect helps frame realistic possibilities from the outset. Because this stage often occurs before formal engagement, the architect follows up with a proposal letter outlining the scope of work and associated fees. Building Block’s proposals are distinctive: unusually detailed, tailored to your project, and fully transparent. Each letter clearly defines every deliverable at each step of the process and explains how fees are calculated, giving homeowners clarity and confidence from the very beginning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ac3fd775ac3f4ddc774008/6c6c95e0-491f-40f1-91df-32b02477451a/7310+Caillet_230130+Schematic-2.jpg Explore Each "Building Blocks" - Building Block #2 — Schematic Design & Design Development This is where your project’s scope is conceptualized and then developed. The homeowner typically asks the architect to explore multiple options during this step. If the project comprises of renovations and additions, then you can expect to see “before and after” layouts. This step often means that renderings will be created of the exterior and interior, so that the homeowner and architect can see and discuss things in greater detail. In essence, the layout and “look and feel” of your new home starts to come to life! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ac3fd775ac3f4ddc774008/5b7070d4-8e73-4abc-af55-4de10e1c1859/Elevations+CDs.jpg Explore Each "Building Blocks" - Building Block #3 — Construction Documents At this stage, the design work is complete, and the architect shifts focus to producing detailed construction drawings. These documents provide the precision needed for accurate pricing and serve as the basis for the building permit application. Both the homeowner’s lender and the general contractor (once selected) rely on these drawings to finalize costs and move the project forward into construction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ac3fd775ac3f4ddc774008/eff05fc5-56d0-4383-bade-721f6c62346a/220526+%2810%29.jpg Explore Each "Building Blocks" - Building Block #4 — Construction Administration Building Block doesn’t just hand over drawings and disappear. Choosing a full‑service firm like Building Block is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your renovation project. The architect remains available throughout construction to answer contractors’ questions, clarify design intent, and provide drawing revisions if necessary. By managing these details, the architect reduces stress for the homeowner and helps ensure a smoother, more successful project from start to finish. https://buildingblockdesign.com/meet daily 0.75 2026-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ac3fd775ac3f4ddc774008/5cc24ed9-6f30-477d-92eb-aa93d58b2284/df4b253eecf2e087+%281%29.jpeg Meet Aaron - Meet Aaron Trecartin, AIA Architect, Husband, Father, Dog Lover, Preservation Enthusiast, Sailor Aaron Trecartin is the principal architect of Building Block. He and his wife, Libby, live with their two young daughters and their dog Lady in a 1920s Tudor Revival cottage in Dallas’ Junius Heights Historic District. When he’s not practicing architecture, Aaron enjoys sailing his Com‑Pac 16 across White Rock Lake. A proud Dallas native, Aaron holds architecture degrees from Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Arlington and is a registered architect in Texas. Before founding Building Block, he gained extensive experience with more than $500 million in projects and over three million square feet of built work across North Texas and beyond. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Preservation Dallas, the White Rock Boat Club, and Munger Place Church, and is actively involved in his neighborhood. Aaron’s practice is rooted in a passion for Dallas’ historic and conservation districts. Since moving to Junius Heights in 2016, he has served on multiple neighborhood task forces, contributing to preservation efforts as a homeowner, architect, and civic appointee. His commitment to older homes shines through in Building Block’s designs, which honor architectural heritage while enhancing the character and vitality of each neighborhood.