What can I expect my architect to do for my home project?

<div>While you might think that architects only draw blueprints for buildings, they are much more involved in the overall construction process than you might realize. While they aren’t the ones swinging the hammers, architects do the following: <ul><li>Communicate with the homeowner on the project request, including assistance when exact plans aren’t known</li><li>Develop computer-aided models and blueprints of the requested design</li><li>Ensure that the design incorporates form, function, and safety features</li><li>Provide the contractor with the agreed-upon design</li><li>Supervise the general contractor and any subcontractors throughout the project</li><li>Communicate any needed changes to the project with the homeowner and draw new plans accordingly</li></ul></div>

What questions should I ask my architect?

<div>Before settling on and hiring an architect, it’s beneficial to you as a homeowner to ask some questions to familiarize yourself with their work. After all, you wouldn’t want to spend time and resources on a professional that doesn’t specialize in exactly what you want in a house. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/7-questions-ask-architect.htm">Some questions to ask your architect</a> include: <ul><li>How do you charge for services? Is it on an hourly basis, based on square footage, or based on project size?</li><li>How do we work together to stay on budget for this project?</li><li>Do you anticipate any future challenges with this project? How are these communicated?</li><li>What is your project management style? If you are not handling the day-to-day details, who is my point of contact? </li><li>Can I see previous similar projects that you’ve completed?</li><li>Do you have any specialty experience, like working on historic homes or using sustainable building materials?</li></ul></div>

How much does it cost to hire an architect?

<div>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-architect-cost.htm">average cost to hire an architect</a> for your home project ranges between $2,200 and $10,500. However, depending on location and project type, you might end up paying as little as $600 or as much as $45,000 or more. For example, the average cost of hiring an architect in North Carolina is between $1,800 and $2,000, but in California, that price tag jumps to $3,600 to $15,200. The price you pay for your architect also depends on their experience level. For example, a principal architect, the firm's owner, typically charges $150 to $250 per hour. However, an intern architect with three to five years of experience usually only charges $45 per hour. </div>

Get matched with top architects in San Antonio, TX

Q: What questions should I ask my architect?

<div>Before settling on and hiring an architect, it&rsquo;s beneficial to you as a homeowner to ask some questions to familiarize yourself with their work. After all, you wouldn&rsquo;t want to spend time and resources on a professional that doesn&rsquo;t specialize in exactly what you want in a house. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/7-questions-ask-architect.htm">Some questions to ask your architect</a> include: <ul><li>How do you charge for services? Is it on an hourly basis, based on square footage, or based on project size?</li><li>How do we work together to stay on budget for this project?</li><li>Do you anticipate any future challenges with this project? How are these communicated?</li><li>What is your project management style? If you are not handling the day-to-day details, who is my point of contact? </li><li>Can I see previous similar projects that you&rsquo;ve completed?</li><li>Do you have any specialty experience, like working on historic homes or using sustainable building materials?</li></ul></div>

Q: How long does it take for an architect to draw up house plans?

<div>After you&rsquo;ve spoken with your contractor and agreed on a project, they&rsquo;ll draw up blueprints, or plans, that the construction crew will use. The blueprint process can take between four and six months to complete. While this can seem like a long time, remember that the architect must communicate with your municipality to determine codes, communicate with you as the homeowner with any changes or adjustments, and coordinate with the construction crew. If you simply remodel your home or add an addition, the time to draw up the plans will be shorter since fewer permits and surveys are required. Even still, it&rsquo;s best to plan for a few months for the architect to complete this part of the project. </div>

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Addition to Existing Structure Building Service

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Architectural Service

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Drafting or CADD Service

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Verified Reviews for Architectural Service pros in San Antonio, TX

*The Angi rating for Architectural Service companies in San Antonio, TX is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Architectural Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Architectural Service companies in San Antonio, TX is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Architectural Service needs.

Last update on July 12, 2025

Reviewed in June 2011
He communicates very well, and is very responsive. He was just as enthusiastic as I was about designing my house. He has been doing for long time.
STEPHEN COLLEY ARCHITECTURE
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Reviewed in November 2005
THE ARCHITECT DID A GREAT JOB. HE IS VERY CREATIVE AND UNDERSTOOD THE SCOPE AND VISION OF WHAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR IN THE CENTER. WHILE HE WAS VERY BUSY AT THE TIME, HE TOOK TIME OUT TO HELP US GET THIS ACCOMPLISHED TO GET A DRAFT TO INITIAL INVESTORS.
CHRISTIAN ARTISTIC BUILDERS INC
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Reviewed in April 2021
A-team is a professional general contractor and they do anything from installing new foundation, framing, walls and finishes, flooring, install any type of doors and windows, install new roof, install new HVAC with ducts, any electrical work, any type of ceiling from drop ceiling to hard lid,...
A-team construction co.
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Reviewed in June 2017
He was professional and courteous. He listed to what we had to say and tweaked and re-tweaked the design. He didn't even scold us for repeatedly changing our minds (as people often do) once they see something on tv that looks better than what we were doing on paper. It all worded out. We got the...
Franklin Architect
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Reviewed in January 2014
Besides being late for 3 months he was overpromising and overcost. What kind of Builder-Architect estimate a construction without the cost of labor????? this simple words will give you they way they work. Make sure that the supervisor is at your construction site instead of being at a 2nd...
THORN & GRAVES ARCHITECTS
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Reviewed in December 2013
This job was performed for a first time small business. As such, the budget was extremely tight with little room for overages due to a bad economy and strict funding. The contract was signed in November of 2012 and an estimated 60-day timetable for work was given. Demolition occurred within...
Ace Quality Construction Services, INC
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Reviewed in February 2016
First and foremost, I have never complained publicly on any contractor. My husband and I hired KM builders to do a $400,000+ remodel. We met twice and gave a deposit of $5000 on August 27, 2015. At that meeting I requested a budget prior to our Sept 25 closing date (of the home we were...
KM BUILDERS
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