The pre-design and pre-development team for mission-driven projects. We define scope, cost and code pathway before design begins — then help the work pass inspection once it's built.
Too many nonprofits, CDCs and small developers reach the design team with funding secured and a deadline attached — but a budget never tied to an actual scope. The project starts underfunded, fees and services get cut, and the building is value-engineered away from its purpose.
Merge 4 Design changes that sequence. We define the project, its true cost and its approval pathway first — so funders can underwrite a real number and owners can hire any architect with a clear scope.
A benchmark budget and a clear decision before design fees are spent.
Zoning, code and permitting issues flagged early — not at the counter.
Accountable, and built to fit the project — not padded for overhead.
Deep roots in the local building and policy community mean we understand how review actually works — on paper and in practice.
A benchmark budget funders and lenders can underwrite, produced before an architect is hired. Using publicly available site and property data, each tier ends in a go / no-go document you can attach to a funding request — or hand to any architect with a clearly defined scope.
Powered by M4Di cost intelligence: CSI-structured ROM estimates, capital-stack modeling (NMTC, LIHTC, CDFI and grant sources) and Mid-Atlantic community-development cost benchmarks.
Zoning and site review, order-of-magnitude budget, key risks, go / no-go.
P1 plus program fit, an updated budget and phasing options.
P2 plus funding strategy, schedule range and a scope ready for architect selection.
Measured drawings and a digital model of existing buildings — ready for owners, lenders and design teams.
BIM models and photorealistic renderings for funding presentations, community meetings and design decisions.
An ICC Certified Building Official reviews the work before each City inspection and issues a written corrective-action report.
Advisory; does not replace City of Wilmington inspections.
Consulting support for outline and full CSI-format specifications, prepared for the project's design team.
Consulting support for BIM modeling, detailing and sheet production, working with the project's architect or engineer.
Align goals, constraints and stakeholders fast.
Put a real number and a clear pathway in front of you.
Support your design team and keep construction on track.
Featured — Residential · CLT/SIP Hybrid · In Construction
N. Claymont Street, Wilmington, DE
Delaware's first CLT/SIP hybrid residential project — four attached townhomes pairing cross-laminated timber party walls with structural insulated panel envelopes. Developed with L.E.E.P., Inc. and delivered to market as The Forward Home.
M4D: pre-design, pre-development, entitlement and code consulting · Architect: Aubyn Architecture
Mixed Use · New Construction · Permit Phase
38 E. 23rd Street, Wilmington, DE
A neighborhood-corner community building: ground-floor cafe and market with a rooftop urban-farm concept and two residential units above.
M4D: pre-design, pre-development, entitlement and code consulting · Architect: Aubyn Architecture
Adaptive Reuse · Education · Predevelopment
LaMott, PA
A new two-story early learning center designed as an adaptive reuse of an existing foundation footprint. Schematic design is complete; the project is now assembling its funding stack to advance.
M4D: pre-design, pre-development, entitlement and code consulting · Architect: Aubyn Architecture
Selected experience reflects work performed by team members in prior roles and organizations.
500 Delaware Ave., Ste 1 #1551
Wilmington, DE 19899
+1 302 367 5726
merge4design.com
Whether you need a FeasOps package, an approvals pathway or a pre-inspection review — we'll give you a straight answer in the first conversation.
Send a Message →