Get matched with top architects in Seattle, WA
There are 16 highly-rated local architects.
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4.6 
68 Verified Reviews for Architectural Service pros in Seattle, WA
*The Angi rating for Architectural Service companies in Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA 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 May 17, 2025
Architects in Seattle
At Classic Remodeling NW. Inc. our mission is to build lifelong family relationships with our clients, co-workers and community neighborhoods through the remodeling process. Our guiding principles are those of commitment, honesty and personal accountability through a high level of communication and respect for one another. We can build or remodel any part of your house to make your dreams come true! Communication is a tool we use every day to make sure we know what you want. We keep your home neat and clean the entire time we are working and make sure that your satisfied. With Classic Remodeling NW Inc., you are not just a customer, you are family. Our team gets to know you personally so we can make sure your dream will come to life and you will be more than satisfied with the results, and the cost! We build our team on "Honesty, Ethics, and Morals". Let us show you the Classic Remodeling NW Inc. difference!
"I am a repeat customer, so I knew the carpenter, Joe, coming in. I started by using their design contractor. I gave her the colors and ideas (beach theme, ceramic wood-look floor tiles), and she pulled the rest together. Invaluable because I can't trust my own taste. They removed a square shower in the corner and a set of shelves next to it, and glassed in that end of the room for a full shower. We put tile down along the whole room, with a recessed shower pan, and a linear drain against the wall. Joe built-in medicine cabinets, and trim all around the room, per my design pictures. The subs included a glass door guy, the plumber, the tiler, painter, and the countertop slab tiler. We also had some work done in our hallway. They removed the single boob light from the middle, and installed two recessed lights on either end, along with putting two switch boxes on either end of the hallway. Joe built a floor to ceiling cabinet in a 13” dead space at the end of the hallway, which included a laundry hamper on tracks, cubbies, and shelves. And then on a whim, I asked to have our old hallway linen cupboard doors replaced to match the new ones. We had two leaks during and after, but one reason I would use them again, is how they handled both times. One was a leak from the plug on the toilet supply. We found it on a Saturday morning, and I ended up waking up our carpenter with my text. He came out and figured it out and fixed it by 1. The other one was after everything was done and cleaned up, and we had paid for everything. The basement bathroom ceiling, fan, and wall below the master was wet one day, and we realized a joint in the pipe from the master toilet to the stack was slowly dripping between the two rooms. I texted Joe again, and he referred me to our GC, who came out with a plumber and fixed it. They had to make a hole in the downstairs drywall, so he has been coming back regularly to put three layers of mud on the new drywall. I was so sure that they would regretfully find that it wasn't their fault and we would have to deal with the cost and bother of finding a plumber and carpenter. Start to finish, it took about four months, but three weeks of that was the initial tile order, and another three for an incorrect tile order."
JOELLE B on March 2019
At Classic Remodeling NW. Inc. our mission is to build lifelong family relationships with our clients, co-workers and community neighborhoods through the remodeling process. Our guiding principles are those of commitment, honesty and personal accountability through a high level of communication and respect for one another. We can build or remodel any part of your house to make your dreams come true! Communication is a tool we use every day to make sure we know what you want. We keep your home neat and clean the entire time we are working and make sure that your satisfied. With Classic Remodeling NW Inc., you are not just a customer, you are family. Our team gets to know you personally so we can make sure your dream will come to life and you will be more than satisfied with the results, and the cost! We build our team on "Honesty, Ethics, and Morals". Let us show you the Classic Remodeling NW Inc. difference!
"I am a repeat customer, so I knew the carpenter, Joe, coming in. I started by using their design contractor. I gave her the colors and ideas (beach theme, ceramic wood-look floor tiles), and she pulled the rest together. Invaluable because I can't trust my own taste. They removed a square shower in the corner and a set of shelves next to it, and glassed in that end of the room for a full shower. We put tile down along the whole room, with a recessed shower pan, and a linear drain against the wall. Joe built-in medicine cabinets, and trim all around the room, per my design pictures. The subs included a glass door guy, the plumber, the tiler, painter, and the countertop slab tiler. We also had some work done in our hallway. They removed the single boob light from the middle, and installed two recessed lights on either end, along with putting two switch boxes on either end of the hallway. Joe built a floor to ceiling cabinet in a 13” dead space at the end of the hallway, which included a laundry hamper on tracks, cubbies, and shelves. And then on a whim, I asked to have our old hallway linen cupboard doors replaced to match the new ones. We had two leaks during and after, but one reason I would use them again, is how they handled both times. One was a leak from the plug on the toilet supply. We found it on a Saturday morning, and I ended up waking up our carpenter with my text. He came out and figured it out and fixed it by 1. The other one was after everything was done and cleaned up, and we had paid for everything. The basement bathroom ceiling, fan, and wall below the master was wet one day, and we realized a joint in the pipe from the master toilet to the stack was slowly dripping between the two rooms. I texted Joe again, and he referred me to our GC, who came out with a plumber and fixed it. They had to make a hole in the downstairs drywall, so he has been coming back regularly to put three layers of mud on the new drywall. I was so sure that they would regretfully find that it wasn't their fault and we would have to deal with the cost and bother of finding a plumber and carpenter. Start to finish, it took about four months, but three weeks of that was the initial tile order, and another three for an incorrect tile order."
JOELLE B on March 2019
Excel General Contractor is a full service home remodeling and construction contractor. We offer a high level of customer service while maintaining fair pricing. Our team is small enough that you get individualized attention but big enough to get your project done effectively and efficiently. We do all projects from small repairs and renovations up to designing and building you a complete new custom home.
"Nate allowed me to order my bathtub myself, which was nice. Lowe's failing to deliver when promised, was not. This delayed the start, and although it did take longer than I expected, everything came out great. They did not charge me extra after the water damage was exposed, which was a relief. One of the other estimates I got from a general contractor was for 3x as much, AND they planned to add on after the wall was opened. The bathroom specialists wanted 150% of what we paid, and I think we ended up with better results."
Christopher B on March 2025
Excel General Contractor is a full service home remodeling and construction contractor. We offer a high level of customer service while maintaining fair pricing. Our team is small enough that you get individualized attention but big enough to get your project done effectively and efficiently. We do all projects from small repairs and renovations up to designing and building you a complete new custom home.
"Nate allowed me to order my bathtub myself, which was nice. Lowe's failing to deliver when promised, was not. This delayed the start, and although it did take longer than I expected, everything came out great. They did not charge me extra after the water damage was exposed, which was a relief. One of the other estimates I got from a general contractor was for 3x as much, AND they planned to add on after the wall was opened. The bathroom specialists wanted 150% of what we paid, and I think we ended up with better results."
Christopher B on March 2025
Current Super Service Award Winner for 2019 seven years running! Johnson Custom Builders is a Design Builder. Our approach is simple. It all starts with listening. We work closely with our clients to understand everything from their needs to their design preferences. Then we go to work helping them exceed their goals. www.johnsoncustombuilders.com Our process is completely transparent. Our estimates are designed to provide realistic expectations not best-case scenarios. For us, communication is key and we keep you completely informed every step of the way communicating in a way that helps you anticipate and act to effectively engineer the best possible solutions every step of the way. At Johnson Custom Builders our approach is never just about managing timelines and budgets its about delivering on promises and helping you realize dreams. One look at a Johnson Custom build and you'll immediately understand why so many discriminating customers recommend us to their friends looking for a higher level of customized home building. It's not just about the attention to detail or use of the highest-quality materials or even the custom-crafted details. It's about the personalization. Personalization that comes from a builder that not only knows how to listen but also how to anticipate, communicate and most of all deliver on a promise. A native of Kirkland, Washington, founder Ryan Johnson shares the same core values as the community he has always called home: Integrity, Honesty and Originality. He's been actively designing, building and remodeling homes in the area for over 25 years. And in that time, he has earned a stellar reputation for providing outstanding results crafted with uncompromising integrity and quality. Hes also earned a reputation for delivering on his promises. A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) !
"We had the pleasure of working with Ryan when seeking an estimate for our bathroom remodel after experiencing a water leak in the shower. From the very beginning, we were highly impressed by his approach. Not only does Ryan specialize in building, but he also provides a design which sets him apart. His attention to detail and ability to create a well-thought-out project plan were impressive. The estimate he provided was thorough and transparent, giving us confidence in his work. Throughout the process, Ryan was very responsive in communication, always ensuring that our questions were answered and taking detailed notes from our meetings. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we were unable to proceed with the project with him, but we will absolutely consider working with Ryan for future projects."
Flavio G on May 2025
Current Super Service Award Winner for 2019 seven years running! Johnson Custom Builders is a Design Builder. Our approach is simple. It all starts with listening. We work closely with our clients to understand everything from their needs to their design preferences. Then we go to work helping them exceed their goals. www.johnsoncustombuilders.com Our process is completely transparent. Our estimates are designed to provide realistic expectations not best-case scenarios. For us, communication is key and we keep you completely informed every step of the way communicating in a way that helps you anticipate and act to effectively engineer the best possible solutions every step of the way. At Johnson Custom Builders our approach is never just about managing timelines and budgets its about delivering on promises and helping you realize dreams. One look at a Johnson Custom build and you'll immediately understand why so many discriminating customers recommend us to their friends looking for a higher level of customized home building. It's not just about the attention to detail or use of the highest-quality materials or even the custom-crafted details. It's about the personalization. Personalization that comes from a builder that not only knows how to listen but also how to anticipate, communicate and most of all deliver on a promise. A native of Kirkland, Washington, founder Ryan Johnson shares the same core values as the community he has always called home: Integrity, Honesty and Originality. He's been actively designing, building and remodeling homes in the area for over 25 years. And in that time, he has earned a stellar reputation for providing outstanding results crafted with uncompromising integrity and quality. Hes also earned a reputation for delivering on his promises. A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) !
"We had the pleasure of working with Ryan when seeking an estimate for our bathroom remodel after experiencing a water leak in the shower. From the very beginning, we were highly impressed by his approach. Not only does Ryan specialize in building, but he also provides a design which sets him apart. His attention to detail and ability to create a well-thought-out project plan were impressive. The estimate he provided was thorough and transparent, giving us confidence in his work. Throughout the process, Ryan was very responsive in communication, always ensuring that our questions were answered and taking detailed notes from our meetings. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we were unable to proceed with the project with him, but we will absolutely consider working with Ryan for future projects."
Flavio G on May 2025
PLEASE CALL DIRECT 206-579-9626 and be sure to leave your direct phone number. Angi phone relay is unreliable. Craftsmanship . Attention To Detail . Personal Service Decks . Doors . Windows . Framing . Trim . Remodel . Custom Pojects (Tree Houses ect.) Please, Email : Castleberryscarpentry@gmail.com or call : 206-556-7527 To request a site visit to evaluate your project and provide a preliminary proposal for your consideration. Thanks for visiting. My name is LeBron Castleberry, part owner and carpenter for Castleberrys Carpentry. Be sure to include all contact info. We will need address and phone #s to get you on the schedule. Thanks! "We" are a small custom carpentry company specializing in Door Installations, Door repairs, Decks/Porches, wall removals, beam installs, window to door conversions and custom work. along with all phases of Residential Remodeling, Renovation and Repairs, A 5th generation Journeyman Carpenter with 30 years experience, over 3000 doors installed and many well pleased clients, my traditional approach to carpentry and doing the right thing is my stock in trade. I use ZipWall containment systems to provide a nearly dustless install and adhere to RRP standards regardless of test result. I take great pride in a clean organized jobsite and a well informed client. I regularly spend 5-10 hours discussing a single door with a client over the course of a typical install. Thanks for the choosing Castleberrys, we're here to help.
"very professional, very high quality work."
Kathy E on April 2023
PLEASE CALL DIRECT 206-579-9626 and be sure to leave your direct phone number. Angi phone relay is unreliable. Craftsmanship . Attention To Detail . Personal Service Decks . Doors . Windows . Framing . Trim . Remodel . Custom Pojects (Tree Houses ect.) Please, Email : Castleberryscarpentry@gmail.com or call : 206-556-7527 To request a site visit to evaluate your project and provide a preliminary proposal for your consideration. Thanks for visiting. My name is LeBron Castleberry, part owner and carpenter for Castleberrys Carpentry. Be sure to include all contact info. We will need address and phone #s to get you on the schedule. Thanks! "We" are a small custom carpentry company specializing in Door Installations, Door repairs, Decks/Porches, wall removals, beam installs, window to door conversions and custom work. along with all phases of Residential Remodeling, Renovation and Repairs, A 5th generation Journeyman Carpenter with 30 years experience, over 3000 doors installed and many well pleased clients, my traditional approach to carpentry and doing the right thing is my stock in trade. I use ZipWall containment systems to provide a nearly dustless install and adhere to RRP standards regardless of test result. I take great pride in a clean organized jobsite and a well informed client. I regularly spend 5-10 hours discussing a single door with a client over the course of a typical install. Thanks for the choosing Castleberrys, we're here to help.
"very professional, very high quality work."
Kathy E on April 2023
At Arnott Construction, we understand how important it is to find a contractor with integrity who values your personal interest and financial investment in your home. We are an experienced team of dedicated professionals and we take pride in producing excellent workmanship. With over 25 years of experience, our services extend from kitchen and bath remodeling to complete-house transformation. We are dedicated to top-quality construction and attention to detail.
"We have not yet begun the project due to scheduling and lead time on items, but we are under contract and plans are in place to begin the end of February. We have been very pleased with John Arnott and look forward to working with him to complete our project. I will definitely provide reviews when we are complete. Can't wait!!"
Debra F on January 2021
At Arnott Construction, we understand how important it is to find a contractor with integrity who values your personal interest and financial investment in your home. We are an experienced team of dedicated professionals and we take pride in producing excellent workmanship. With over 25 years of experience, our services extend from kitchen and bath remodeling to complete-house transformation. We are dedicated to top-quality construction and attention to detail.
"We have not yet begun the project due to scheduling and lead time on items, but we are under contract and plans are in place to begin the end of February. We have been very pleased with John Arnott and look forward to working with him to complete our project. I will definitely provide reviews when we are complete. Can't wait!!"
Debra F on January 2021
Elevation has been drafting residential and commercial projects, both large and small, for Architects, Builders, Remodelers and Homeowners across North America. Architectural CAD services is a specialized area, so it makes sense to work with an experienced professional who will deliver a high-quality product to help you attain your vision. Elevation is the company and quality and client satisfaction is the goal. With over fourteen years’ experience on award-winning projects, Elevation delivers superior architectural drafting services literally at your doorstep. Considered a good team player and a major asset to the success of any project, Elevation delivers quality drafting services, no matter the scope of the job.
"Ward Engineering began working with Jared of Cornerstone Home Designs approximately 3 years ago to perform residential design work using Chief Architect design software. I find Jared to be the most capable Chief Architect designer I have ever worked with. Jared is very efficient and thorough at developing the residential Chief Architect models. In addition to being competent, Jared makes himself available to provide personal 1-on-1 training over the internet, which has been a huge blessing to our company and clients."
Matthew W on December 2019
Elevation has been drafting residential and commercial projects, both large and small, for Architects, Builders, Remodelers and Homeowners across North America. Architectural CAD services is a specialized area, so it makes sense to work with an experienced professional who will deliver a high-quality product to help you attain your vision. Elevation is the company and quality and client satisfaction is the goal. With over fourteen years’ experience on award-winning projects, Elevation delivers superior architectural drafting services literally at your doorstep. Considered a good team player and a major asset to the success of any project, Elevation delivers quality drafting services, no matter the scope of the job.
"Ward Engineering began working with Jared of Cornerstone Home Designs approximately 3 years ago to perform residential design work using Chief Architect design software. I find Jared to be the most capable Chief Architect designer I have ever worked with. Jared is very efficient and thorough at developing the residential Chief Architect models. In addition to being competent, Jared makes himself available to provide personal 1-on-1 training over the internet, which has been a huge blessing to our company and clients."
Matthew W on December 2019
We’re committed to remodeling and to serving you with quality and value. We'll come to you, listen to your needs and wants, and then come back to you with a logical, feasible plan that works for you. Our first-time customers continually become our long term customers time and time again, choosing us for all their remodeling needs. Call us today, and see what our commitment to quality is all about! We may not be related, but you’ll feel like we’re family. Our team is highly skilled and has years of experience. Most of all: they love planning, designing, and building and care about your project. We bring value to every interaction, and our customers love us. We promise to always provide value and outstanding service, regardless of your lifestyle need, design preference, or budget constraint.
"Highly recommend Lopez Bros Construction for any remodeling and major home repairs. We completed major home repair and remodeling, including bathroom shower repair and remodeling, Kitchen and Living Room ceiling/internal skylight enhancements, Interior and Deck Painting, and Basement Remodeling. Ray has been always going above and beyond in delivering the results. He will make sure the details and end results are perfect. His team's integrity is unquestionable, responsiveness and quality are top notch. Given the multiple projects he's dealing with, his crew still manage to get the repairs and remodeling done on time, as promised. I would hire Lopez Bros Construction again for my next project."
August W on June 2021
We’re committed to remodeling and to serving you with quality and value. We'll come to you, listen to your needs and wants, and then come back to you with a logical, feasible plan that works for you. Our first-time customers continually become our long term customers time and time again, choosing us for all their remodeling needs. Call us today, and see what our commitment to quality is all about! We may not be related, but you’ll feel like we’re family. Our team is highly skilled and has years of experience. Most of all: they love planning, designing, and building and care about your project. We bring value to every interaction, and our customers love us. We promise to always provide value and outstanding service, regardless of your lifestyle need, design preference, or budget constraint.
"Highly recommend Lopez Bros Construction for any remodeling and major home repairs. We completed major home repair and remodeling, including bathroom shower repair and remodeling, Kitchen and Living Room ceiling/internal skylight enhancements, Interior and Deck Painting, and Basement Remodeling. Ray has been always going above and beyond in delivering the results. He will make sure the details and end results are perfect. His team's integrity is unquestionable, responsiveness and quality are top notch. Given the multiple projects he's dealing with, his crew still manage to get the repairs and remodeling done on time, as promised. I would hire Lopez Bros Construction again for my next project."
August W on June 2021
We design and build additions, home remodeling, remodel kitchens, baths and basements in the greater Puget Sound area. Specialties in concrete foundation leveling, patio and retaining wall installations, framing, replacing windows, siding. Employ 6-10 long time (8yr avg)people. Electrical and Plumbing is subcontracted to long time trusted licensed and reliable subcontractors. Fixed Bid proposals. No travel charge. WA General Contractors license: ACSSESL922BT. As the owner, Gary Gutierrez personally oversees each project with the help of dedicated lead carpenters assigned to each project. Our Focus is on your satisfaction.
"The end result is good. Not a large crew, so the time it took to complete was longer than average. Workmanship of the main person who worked the project was great. Responsive crew, will address and resolve any concerns you may have."
Ruth K on October 2024
We design and build additions, home remodeling, remodel kitchens, baths and basements in the greater Puget Sound area. Specialties in concrete foundation leveling, patio and retaining wall installations, framing, replacing windows, siding. Employ 6-10 long time (8yr avg)people. Electrical and Plumbing is subcontracted to long time trusted licensed and reliable subcontractors. Fixed Bid proposals. No travel charge. WA General Contractors license: ACSSESL922BT. As the owner, Gary Gutierrez personally oversees each project with the help of dedicated lead carpenters assigned to each project. Our Focus is on your satisfaction.
"The end result is good. Not a large crew, so the time it took to complete was longer than average. Workmanship of the main person who worked the project was great. Responsive crew, will address and resolve any concerns you may have."
Ruth K on October 2024
Locally owned and operated since 2004, LJB Designs LLC provides both commercial and residential building design for custom homes, assisted living facilities, apartment buildings, and MUCH more. LJB Designs LLC specializes in custom building design, providing a preliminary layout based on each client's initial vision, and then making requested changes to ensure complete satisfaction on the finished product. We design the site plans, floor plans, section plans, and reflective sealing to show how the building is constructed, and then coordinate with the consultants that handle the structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical aspects prior to submitting for a building permit. All consultations are provided FREE of charge. Call LJB Designs LLC TODAY! Lacey,WA;South Bay,WA;Tumwater,WA;Lamberts Corner,WA;South Bay,WA;
"Was not a simple house to have built, the design had way to many errors. Elevation was not to scale and once built it started to show, that it was not to scale. If you like looking at A post out your window or a gutter in front of your window. Then this is the team for you. Fascia from gable almost touching the door trim. Just a mess. Luckily the framers could fix some of it. They did a quick redesign of the roof."
Debbie T on December 2020
Locally owned and operated since 2004, LJB Designs LLC provides both commercial and residential building design for custom homes, assisted living facilities, apartment buildings, and MUCH more. LJB Designs LLC specializes in custom building design, providing a preliminary layout based on each client's initial vision, and then making requested changes to ensure complete satisfaction on the finished product. We design the site plans, floor plans, section plans, and reflective sealing to show how the building is constructed, and then coordinate with the consultants that handle the structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical aspects prior to submitting for a building permit. All consultations are provided FREE of charge. Call LJB Designs LLC TODAY! Lacey,WA;South Bay,WA;Tumwater,WA;Lamberts Corner,WA;South Bay,WA;
"Was not a simple house to have built, the design had way to many errors. Elevation was not to scale and once built it started to show, that it was not to scale. If you like looking at A post out your window or a gutter in front of your window. Then this is the team for you. Fascia from gable almost touching the door trim. Just a mess. Luckily the framers could fix some of it. They did a quick redesign of the roof."
Debbie T on December 2020
Phone # (206) 450-9714 Charlene K. Smith (Char) is a Washington State licensed Architect and DesignWorks NW provides complete building design, permit and construction document services for property owners, developers, and contractors throughout the Puget Sound area. We have a thorough understanding of the current complex building and zoning codes, building permit submittal requirements and permit fees specific to each regulatory agency. We’ve mastered the building permit submittal processes for residential development and our expertise extends to new construction, remodels, and additions of any type or size for Single-Family Homes, Guest Houses and Secondary Structures, Garage conversions or second story, Multi-Family Apartments and Condos. DesignWorks NW offers architectural and structural engineering services and is a City of Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (DCI) Continuously Prepared Applicant (CPA) for construction permits. This means we qualify for immediate permit submittal processing for your project in the City of Seattle, because we have contact with the appropriate staff and know the procedures that get your project approved quickly. This streamlines your building permit application by simplifying the difficult and complicated building permit submittal process. We have over 20-years experience preparing permit and construction documents for various project types and we actively listen to the Client to develop design solutions that reflect their unique requirements and ideas, with a goal of improving property value along the way.
"It went great! At the end of our project we were on time, on budget, happy and are now shopping for builders."
Nick H on July 2024
Phone # (206) 450-9714 Charlene K. Smith (Char) is a Washington State licensed Architect and DesignWorks NW provides complete building design, permit and construction document services for property owners, developers, and contractors throughout the Puget Sound area. We have a thorough understanding of the current complex building and zoning codes, building permit submittal requirements and permit fees specific to each regulatory agency. We’ve mastered the building permit submittal processes for residential development and our expertise extends to new construction, remodels, and additions of any type or size for Single-Family Homes, Guest Houses and Secondary Structures, Garage conversions or second story, Multi-Family Apartments and Condos. DesignWorks NW offers architectural and structural engineering services and is a City of Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (DCI) Continuously Prepared Applicant (CPA) for construction permits. This means we qualify for immediate permit submittal processing for your project in the City of Seattle, because we have contact with the appropriate staff and know the procedures that get your project approved quickly. This streamlines your building permit application by simplifying the difficult and complicated building permit submittal process. We have over 20-years experience preparing permit and construction documents for various project types and we actively listen to the Client to develop design solutions that reflect their unique requirements and ideas, with a goal of improving property value along the way.
"It went great! At the end of our project we were on time, on budget, happy and are now shopping for builders."
Nick H on July 2024
Architectural services FAQs
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:
Communicate with the homeowner on the project request, including assistance when exact plans aren’t known
Develop computer-aided models and blueprints of the requested design
Ensure that the design incorporates form, function, and safety features
Provide the contractor with the agreed-upon design
Supervise the general contractor and any subcontractors throughout the project
Communicate any needed changes to the project with the homeowner and draw new plans accordingly
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. Some questions to ask your architect include:
How do you charge for services? Is it on an hourly basis, based on square footage, or based on project size?
How do we work together to stay on budget for this project?
Do you anticipate any future challenges with this project? How are these communicated?
What is your project management style? If you are not handling the day-to-day details, who is my point of contact?
Can I see previous similar projects that you’ve completed?
Do you have any specialty experience, like working on historic homes or using sustainable building materials?
The average cost to hire an architect 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.
After you’ve spoken with your contractor and agreed on a project, they’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’s best to plan for a few months for the architect to complete this part of the project.
Knowing if you need an architect for your project can be tricky, especially if you've never worked with one before. In general, small remodeling projects like replacing fixtures typically don't require the expertise of an architect. However, larger projects, like moving walls or adding an addition to your home, should include an architect to ensure the project is structurally sound.
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