The Nook Build Process
Building a van is a shared creative journey, and like any great partnership, the right fit matters more than anything else.
We never want our clients to feel pressured or steered in the wrong direction, and therefore work hard to guide and maintain a transparent process. Our goal is clarity, respect for our craft, and producing a van that will make the owner feel confident and inspired.
We offer four models as starting points.
Some vans follow our model layouts closely, others evolve into something entirely their own. The common thread in all of our builds is intention: thoughtful design combined with a collaborative process that leaves room for individuality.
Our four models: Lite, Classic, Plus, Suite.
Every build has five stages.
Stage One: The First Steps
We guide potential clients through what’s possible, helping them translate big ideas and individual needs into real possibilities. We also share a build sheet, which has all of our specs and options described in depth.
Stage Two: A Shared Commitment
Submitting a $500 deposit reserves a spot in our build queue. The deposit is a mutual gesture of intent– allowing us to manage our schedule and go deep on ideas. If something changes, we’ll refund the deposit, no questions asked.
Stage Three: Finalization
Decisions settle and pricing is confirmed. We take a 50% payment about one month before the build starts, giving us enough runway to source parts and coordinate details.
Stage Four: The Build Begins
Choices evolve and refinements happen. We use our expertise to advise clients when changes could affect schedule or cost, seeing ourselves as partners in the decision process. We also define when the curtain closes on changes so the build can be finished with excellence.
When the van is 50% complete (usually this means that all of the systems are installed, and some of the furniture and finish work is done) we take a 25% progress payment.
Each van requires two to four months total build time in the shop. We welcome client visits and provide regular updates through email. The final 25% payment is made one week before the scheduled completion date.
Stage Five: Delivery Day!
We work with each client to schedule delivery or pickup, and provide a thorough introduction to the van’s systems as well as a User Guide booklet.
Our time-tested engineering allows a world of custom possibilities.
We work closely with our clients to clarify their priorities and develop unique and beautiful solutions. Custom builds often include bespoke furniture, finishes, and layouts, becoming beautiful testaments to unique lifestyles.
Some custom builds are specially crafted to meet industry needs, like mobile retail or medical data collection, and some reflect very specific use cases, like a returning client who wanted two separate beds.
This XL extended van has several totally unique furniture pieces, an elevator bed, and a sink in the spa.
Floor plan options for a traveling clinic.
The custom design process involves a lot of back and forth conversation followed by renderings to clarify and finalize the space. Custom designs usually require a longer production timeline.
No matter the end result, every build starts with a conversation.
Some clients arrive with precise ideas or needs, others are just beginning to imagine what life on the road could be. We welcome both with equal care, offering expertise while respecting personal vision.
