Sometimes it’s hard to understand what a new home layout or backyard design will look and feel like until it’s already under construction and starting to take form. If something needs to change, that can lead to additional costs and delays. Enter True Size Plans, a company that helps everyone from homeowners to architects walk through a true-to-size floor plan, brought to life through projection and some furniture before designs are finalized or any ground is broken.

“This combination of technology and realistic furnishings makes it possible for clients to envision their space exactly as it will be. It creates a truly immersive experience that takes the guesswork out of planning,” says co-owner Trent Powell.

Tell us about True Size Plans and how it got started.

True Size Plans officially launched in June 2024, but the concept had been in the works for a while. My business partner, Kim Eaton, and I saw a huge gap in how people experienced their future spaces during the planning phase. Usually, you’re looking at a floor plan on a standard sheet of paper or a 3D model on a computer, and it can be hard to truly imagine what it will feel like to be in that space. We wanted to change that by offering a solution where people can walk through a true-size version of their plans before they commit. It’s really about helping clients feel confident in their choices and avoiding those adjustments during construction that cost, on average, $11,000 per change and cause significant time delays. By walking through a true-size layout, clients can make important decisions upfront, helping them avoid these costs and saving weeks on their timelines.

How impactful is seeing a to-scale layout compared to 2D versions?

That’s exactly it – most people are used to seeing floor plans and renderings on paper but translating that into a real, true-size experience is a game-changer. By providing a true-size layout, clients can walk through the actual spaces, experiencing the flow and scale as if the project were already built. We’ve had clients walk through our space and instantly realize adjustments they want to make, like repositioning a door or rethinking a room layout. It’s incredibly impactful compared to just looking at floor plans on paper, and it gives clients a level of confidence in their decisions that they wouldn’t get otherwise. It also helps clients feel emotionally connected to their future home or project – they can see themselves living in it, which brings a new level of confidence and excitement.

How did you go about creating the space for True Size Plans, and how are floor plans presented to clients?

We knew the space had to be highly adaptable, so we designed it with flexibility in mind. Using advanced projection technology, we can display floor plans to scale directly on a large floor surface, allowing clients to walk through their future project in true size. The setup is customized for each client’s layout, whether they’re working with a sprawling open concept or a more segmented design. We also provide movable furniture like couches, king-size beds, and even temporary walls. This combination of technology and realistic furnishings makes it possible for clients to envision their space exactly as it will be. It creates a truly immersive experience that takes the guesswork out of planning.

How large of a floor plan can you accommodate there? And what kinds of plans can you show?

Our facility can accommodate any size floor plan, covering most residential projects as well as commercial ones. We work with a range of layouts, from single-family homes and renovations to commercial spaces like offices, schools and restaurants. We’ve had floor plans ranging from 3,000 sq ft to 30,000+ sq ft. Our projection system allows up to 5,000 sq ft of any image to be displayed at one time, and we can seamlessly shift the layout during the session to give clients a fluid, continuous experience. This flexibility allows us to cater to a diverse client base, whether they’re looking at a simple remodel or a complex custom build.

Who can use True Size Plans?

We work with everyone – homeowners, designers, architects, builders, interior designers, landscapers and more. It seems like every week we find a new industry this technology could benefit. We’ve worked with custom home projects, new office spaces, restaurants and backyard remodeling – the sky’s the limit. Homeowners can come to us directly, but we also partner with industry professionals who see the value in giving their clients this kind of experience. For architects, builders and interior designers, our services reduce misunderstandings, align expectations and enhance communication with clients, helping projects flow more smoothly from start to finish.

Walk us through your process when working with a client.

When a client comes to True Size Plans, we start by understanding their goals and reviewing their architectural plans. Then, we scheduled a floor tour session where we set up their layout in our facility. During this tour, clients can walk through the entire space, seeing how rooms connect and the flow of the floor plan. We’re there to answer any questions and even incorporate furniture placements to help them visualize the final product. We can also prepare specific features or areas of focus based on the client’s input beforehand, ensuring the walkthrough meets their exact needs. By the end, clients leave with a much clearer idea of what works and what might need tweaking before construction begins.

Anything else you’d like to share?

We’re passionate about helping clients bring their dreams to life, and we believe that everyone should have the chance to truly experience their home before it’s built. True Size Plans is about making the construction process more transparent and empowering people to make informed decisions. If you’re planning a new build or remodel, have a desire to build your dream restaurant or office or are even thinking about redoing your backyard landscaping, we’d love to invite you to visit us and walk through your plans in true size. Our mission is to redefine the planning experience by making it more transparent, enjoyable, and impactful. We’re constantly evolving our services to meet the needs of our clients and industry partners alike, and we’re excited to continue shaping the future of the design and construction process.