Finding an Architect to Design Your Custom Home

Finding an Architect to Design Your Custom Home

The architect will help you with the design, the technical drawings and specifications, the builder and the entire process of building your custom home.  Before choosing an architect to design your dream home, consider this . . . custom home design is a marriage of creativity, vision and livability.  The team that you put together to create your custom home is critical and you should take your time to make the best decision.

So, where do you start?

The most important steps to finding and beginning a relationship with a custom residential architect can be summarized as follows:

1. Familiarize yourself with various home styles.  Make a list of space needs for your home.
2. Purchase your property.
3. Search online and/or ask for recommendations from builders and friends.
4. Visit the architect’s website to view the work.
5. Interview the architect.  Does their process mirror your needs and wants?
6. Contact references.  How was it to work with this architect?  Would you work with this architect again?
7. Select the architect and work together to create the budget and design that accurately reflects the home you envision.

Begin to think about the type of home you want.  Drive through neighborhoods, take model home or open house tours, and peruse magazines for homes that inspire you.  Familiarize yourself with various styles of homes, including Mediterranean, Craftsman, Traditional, European, Country, etc.  Think about the functional features that you want for your home, such as a large kitchen, open plan, or three-car garage.  Take notes and photos and start a file that you can share with your prospective architect.  It’s important that you communicate your ideas, and vision as clearly as possible to the individual you’ll be working with.  The real secret to great design lies in close collaboration.  Good chemistry is crucial when it comes to designing a home that will live up to your dreams.