"I would rate your engineering design experience as excellent. Your skills in creating detailed drawings, problem-solving, and delivering innovative solutions are highly impressive."
"Rich knows his business. He's thorough, very reasonable in pricing, and follows up until the job is complete. He's easy to work with, and responds instantly to questions. If you need building plans for permits or design, Rich will get it done."
"I highly recommend this company. All projects are always completed on time, and communication is excellent. I’m always kept informed about what’s happening with the project and what stage it’s at. Whenever I have questions or need an update, they respond quickly and clearly. They are reliable, professional, and very easy to work with."
"It is always a pleasure to work with Arthur. He is a skilled individual that takes close attention to detail. Due to his experience, he is able to revert quickly on cycle revisions to help get plans approved in a timely manner. I would highly recommend working with Arthur."
"Excellent! Work ethics are wonderful, timly and detailed GOOD work gave us a great looking fence. Hiring them to do other landscape work as we speak!!"
GEM Drafting provides professional Drafting, 3D Laser Scanning, Existing-Condition documentation, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) services for homeowners, contractors, designers, and property professionals.\n\nWhether you are planning a remodel, addition, renovation, tenant improvement, or residential/commercial construction project, we help you start with accurate information and clear, detailed drawings.\n\nGEM is a U.S.-based, veteran-operated company committed to responsive communication, dependable service, and high-quality deliverables. Every project is approached with attention to detail and a practical understanding of what homeowners, designers, and contractors need to move forward confidently.\n\nContact GEM Drafting today to discuss your project and receive a customized proposal.\n\nDraft. Scan. BIM. Build with confidence.
"Our kitchen remodel with McCormick Home Builders went beyond our expectations. Leoni and her team took the time to understand exactly what we wanted. The open layout design changed the way we use the space, and it’s been perfect for family gatherings. They were prompt, courteous, and genuinely invested in making sure we were happy. Really impressed!"
"Jamie and his crew were outstanding. Always professional, on time, on schedule, clean and my design was followed perfectly. I am a Facility Manager and have dealt with contractors in several of the trades including concrete for many years. This was top quality work done at a fair price. Jamie listened to what we wanted and made it happen just like we envisioned. We are revamping the front yard in a couple of years and Maranata will be our contractor."
"I’ve worked with Mike and his team for years on all kinds of projects, and they’ve always been amazing to work with. The quality of their work is top-notch, they stay on budget, and everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Their design sense is excellent and they always manage to get things done right on time. I can’t recommend them enough, truly a reliable, talented, and easy-to-work-with crew."
Hire an architect at the very beginning of your home-building process. An architect’s training and expertise can guide the process from start to finish to ensure you don’t miss or have to redo any important steps. An architect will also provide valuable input on design, materials, and other details right from the beginning.
The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you’re designing and building a new home.
It is technically possible to draw your own blueprints, but the process is extremely involved and really demands help from an expert. A professional architect has an understanding of design elements, interior design, the functionality of different rooms in a home, and how everything from furniture, outlets, and light switches should be laid out to serve you and your family best. Hiring an architect for blueprints can get expensive, but it’s the most responsible way to begin a new construction project. If you’re keen on DIYing, you could consider starting the process and then having a professional take over.
Some homes, like those with flat roofs, may not have eaves at all. Some contemporary-style homes also lack eaves, although many may have abbreviated eaves to divert water and protect the walls and foundation. Homes without eaves often have specific types of gutters affixed directly to the edge of the roof to provide adequate drainage.
Finding an architect for your project demands looking at the professional’s past work, speaking with prior clients to see what their experience was like, and discussing your project and vision with the expert to see what kind of input they have. Look for an architect that gets excited about your project or has experience with similar projects.
The Shingle Springs, CA homeowners’ guide to architectural services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Wondering how much hiring an architect cost? Discover architect prices, cost factors, and money-saving tips to help you plan your home project with confidence.
Floor plans can help you visualize a space and are useful in home construction and design. Learn how much a floor plan costs and what affects the price.