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>

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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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Last update on August 28, 2025

Reviewed in April 2025
The team at Avstep were amazing. So friendly and helpful. They replaced our garage roof and helped us with joist work. They were right on time, were super efficient, and organized and cleaned as they were working. It was so nice to talk with them and were very upfront and honest. The whole job...
AVSTEP LLC
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Reviewed in August 2012
He was quite good because his wife worked for the Department of Housing so everything got coordinated. He was the one who recommended Richie to us. Everyone was working together which worked out really well for us. They got the permits passed through really quickly, in a very timely manner. ...
CRB Architect
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Reviewed in December 2024
Very well! Tony was very easy to work with, helped us very much with some ideas too. Work was done in a timely manner and was affordable for Us. We would definitely recommend and would hire again!
Paradigm Architecture
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Reviewed in April 2010
They were fine. They were very professional. The plans look fine. I would probably use them in the future.
ROBERT STEPHENSON ARCHITECT
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Reviewed in February 2014
's exIf you want an Architect who is very creative, has high style sense and is very experienced then Jordan is the Architect to use. He may be a bit more expensive then some other Architects originally but overall will save you money as he has complete drawings that has everything specified...
Jordan Rosenberg Architects & Associates
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Reviewed in July 2012
He was timely, efficient and friendly. The contractors had to change a little bit but it was good overall.
Tiderunner Engineering & Design PC
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Reviewed in December 2023
I truly enjoyed working with John! His knowledge and expertise in his field was a true asset to the team. He was always readily available to answer any of our questions. As promised, he kept his scope of work under budget and submitted to us well before the deadline. I look forward to working...
TURAN ENGINEERING LLC
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Reviewed in August 2023
Plans were drawn up in a timely manner without errors. I especially appreciated Zack's ability to offer design advice and services as well. Pricing was on budget with no hidden fees or up-charges.
ZS Design Architect
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