How To Work With An Architect: 4 Things That Will Make Your House Design Project Much Easier

[TOPIC: Working with an architect | Custom home design process | Client-architect collaboration | Communication & clarity | Budget planning | Design-to-build coordination | Avoiding delays & missteps | Maximizing design value]

Signing with an architect is a big step toward making your new home a reality. It’s also the start of a relationship that needs to function well for the design process to move smoothly. Learning how to work with an architect is key to your house design’s success.

But, First!

We’re genuinely excited to be designing your home. Creating buildings that balance efficiency, beauty, and utility is our passion. Every detail matters, and we assume you’re excited too. Together, we can make an incredible design.

Trust Us

Trust is the cornerstone of a productive relationship with your architect. We are here to help you realize your vision, but within workable and budget-conscious parameters.

We will provide honest guidance: if something won’t work, we’ll explain why and offer alternatives. Lean into our expertise, challenge ideas, and let us help make your home as fantastic as possible.

Engage When You’re Needed, Breathe When You’re Not

Be involved at the right times. Early in the project, we’ll ask questions about your preferences, lifestyle, and style to inform the design. Once we have that input, we need space to work.

If you haven’t heard from us for a while, it’s because we’re refining your design behind the scenes. When we do need decisions from you, respond promptly and thoughtfully.

Develop Curiosity

Designing a home is emotional and complex. Approach the process with curiosity. Ask questions, seek clarity, and stay open-minded. Good design takes collaboration, time, and iteration, often with many detours before arriving at the right solution.

Nurture A Collaborative Approach

You know what you want, and we know how to make it work. We understand technical constraints, material selections, and architectural solutions that bring your vision to life.

We maintain communication milestones throughout the project:

The Big Picture: At the start, we hear your vision and outline the process, clarifying non-negotiables and flexible elements.

Progress Check-Ins: At key moments, we present updates and gather feedback.

Pacing Ourselves: Design evolves over time. We space communications to prevent decision fatigue and allow thoughtful reflection.

Providing Direction: When it’s time to choose finishes, fixtures, and materials, we guide you through options. We offer advice, showroom visits, and organized decision-making. If you prefer, we can even make selections on your behalf.

A Few Closing Words

This is likely the one and only time you’ll design a home with a dedicated architectural team. We’re honored to be part of this journey and will guide you every step of the way. Together, we’ll create a gorgeous, functional, and personalized place to live.

© Artisans Group Architecture + Planning — Sustainable Architecture, Passive House, and Passive Building Design Experts