Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 7/25/2007

Question
Well basically i would like to build a house from scratch in the future and im not really sure how much of the design is up to the architect, how much it will be to hire an architect and what to expect from them. I hope this is more informative. Thanks again

Answer
Hi Dale; yes, that helps me understand better ...
If you feel like you have particular needs and wishes for your future home, special features, then an Architect can help you to achieve those goals.  However, if your interests can be accommodated in a more standard 'traditional' design, then you may not need to hire an architect.  Home builders can often provide design services; they may have an architect on staff who has fully designed 4 or 5 typical plans for the builder, and then the builder just makes minor variations for each home owner.  This arrangement works fine for many people.
But, if you want something really different and particularly suited to your lifestyle, then hiring an independent architect to do a custom design for you, is the way to go.  You should contact your local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (Google or yellow pages).  They probably have a listing they can send to you, and you can then call people on that list and interview them, and make a selection.
Most architects fees will wind up being somewhere around 12% of the cost of construction for a custom home design.  The services should include several meetings to review design options, so that you really feel like you are participating in the process, and getting a tailor-made home. Some charge more, some less.  This should include all design needs, including any structural or mechanical consulting designers.
I hope that helps;  good luck.
PB