The MacLeamy Curve

Decide early, when it costs the least.

Every project has a window when a new idea is easy to absorb. Move through a project below and watch the work build step by step, while the room to change course closes.

Ability to shape: Cost of a change:

Ability to shape cost and functionCost of a changeThe work, proven processYour 5 Simple Steps

Why the proven process works

The thinking happens on paper

Most of the work happens in VFX and shop drawings, while ideas are still easy to change, so production and installation run calm.

Every step has an owner

Your 5 Simple Steps name who holds each decision, so nothing waits on a question nobody knew to ask.

Final Shops Approved is the line

Before it, a change is a drawing. After it, a change is new material, a contract adjustment and a new place in the schedule.

Where the curve comes from

Architect Patrick MacLeamy introduced the curve in 2004 to show why design effort belongs early in a project. We borrowed it for our own workflow because the same principles apply directly to custom cabinetry.