A residential project is a large investment. You want to ensure that you get the best quality work, stay within your budget and maintain your schedule. We think of the process as a tripod with three legs: design quality, budget and schedule. Managing all three together is a process that requires delicacy and expertise. An architect is someone who has dedicated themselves to honing these skills. Hiring an architect for your next residential project is a great first step.
What to Know About Hiring an Architect for Your Next Residential Project
When planning a residential project, clients often have a vision of how they want their home to feel—whether it's about creating spaces for family living, leisure activities, or entertaining guests. An architect helps transform these ideas into a cohesive design, from the overall look of the home to the flow of spaces and the choice of materials. By working with an architect from the start, you ensure a design that balances aesthetics, functionality, and comfort, guiding every aspect from concept to construction.
The design of your home should be both beautiful and practical, while also able to evolve with you over time. As life changes—a new partner, a growing family, or an empty nest—the home should adapt to meet your needs. A well-designed home starts with strong foundational elements that stand the test of time, allowing for flexibility and future-proofing. From the layout to the materials chosen, every aspect affects how the home ages, ensuring it continues to serve and delight you for years to come. Designing a home is a lasting investment, and getting the bones right is key to its longevity.
In addition to all these design considerations, your home will also need to be safe and code compliant. To ensure you complete the residential project of your dreams, you will need to hire an architect to help you navigate the complexities of the design options, functionality, zoning laws, building codes, and much more. No two residential projects will be the same. That's why the expertise and creativity of an architect are crucial—they can identify and maximize the unique opportunities and characteristics of your project, ensuring your home is thoughtfully designed to meet both current and future needs.
To help you on your journey, here is everything you need to know about hiring an architect for your next residential project!
What is an architect?
An architect is a trained professional who transforms your ideas and goals for a building or renovation into a tangible, functional space. They are uniquely qualified to integrate design with considerations for safety, health, and welfare, while also addressing construction methods, technology, and aesthetics. Architects bring a holistic approach to creating spaces that not only meet your needs but also enhance your living experience.
What to expect when hiring an architect
Establish Project Scope and Goals:
When you engage an architect for a residential project the first step is communicating your goals, budget and timing for the project. Your goals can be quantitative (sustainability, maintenance required, number of rooms, square footage, etc) and qualitative (how it feels to see or inhabit, lightness, intimacy, openness, etc). In order to ensure that you and your architect are aligned, there should be a Project Scope and Goals document prepared that you all agree on. This should include budget, target schedule and guiding principles for the design aesthetics.
Schematic Design
In the schematic design phase, your architect will create several design options based on the project's scope and goals. Each scheme presents a different approach to meeting the project criteria, with varying priorities. The phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words" rings true here—visualizing the options helps you understand the benefits and trade-offs of each design. You'll review these schemes with your architect, providing feedback and collaborating on refinements. Through this iterative process, one design scheme will ultimately emerge as the best fit for further development.
Design Development
At this point, your architect will flesh out details of the design selected in Schematic Design with you. These details include windows, building facade materials, cabinetry arrangements, lighting strategy, interior finish materials, etc.
At this point, you and your architect will begin to select specific material types (building cladding, flooring, wall finishes, fixtures, appliances). There will be visits to showrooms and online review and comparison of materials for durability, economy, tactile qualities, environmental impact, etc. The level of client involvement in this phase is very open. Some clients are interested in evaluating every piece of information and others are content to get a summary and recommendations from their architect. You will have regular meetings to make sure the design as it evolves stays aligned with your vision. Depending on the level of involvement you are interested in, meeting cadence will be aligned with the level of detail desired. At the conclusion of this phase, there will be a design with insulation/energy use targets, materiality, room build out, appliances, cabinetry and fixtures generally established.
Contract Documents
In this phase, the architect finalizes all design details and documents them. These detailed documents, including drawings and specifications for materials, appliances, lighting, plumbing, and more, allow contractors to provide accurate construction bids. While most design decisions are already made, some details like hardware or fixtures may still involve client input.
The phase concludes with a complete set of documents from the architect, and if the project will be bid on by multiple contractors, the final contractor list is also decided at this point with the client.
Final rendering presented to confirm development and final design decisions.
Image above: Sokul, Millbrook Home
Filing and Bidding
In the Contract Documentation phase, the architect submits the project documents to the local building department for permits and manages any revisions. Simultaneously, the documents are shared with contractors for competitive bidding. The architect typically conducts site walkthroughs with contractors to clarify the project scope. The bidding process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on project complexity.
Once bids are received, the architect reviews and compares them, helping the client select a contractor. Factors like budget, interviews, completed projects, and client references guide the decision. This phase ends with the client signing a contract with the chosen contractor, who will then pull the necessary permits.
Contract Administration
This phase begins with the contractor mobilizing their team and resources to start construction. The architect regularly visits the site to ensure the work aligns with the contract documents and addresses any unexpected issues. Clients can attend these meetings, but it's not required. The contractor submits material samples for the architect’s approval to ensure they match the agreed-upon specifications.
Throughout construction, the architect reviews contractor invoices to ensure the work is completed as billed, protecting the client's budget. As the project nears completion, the architect prepares a punch list of final tasks, provides maintenance manuals, and oversees final inspections. The project concludes with the architect issuing a Letter of Completion to the building department.
What questions you should ask when hiring an architect
It can be helpful to prepare a variety of questions to ask when you are considering an architect for your residential project. Here are a few ideas to help you:
What draws you to my project?
How do you approach projects like this?
Can you show me relevant projects that you have completed?
What can I expect if I choose to go forward with you?
What is relevant about your experience that you would like to share?
Can you provide references?
Do you think my budget is realistic? Schedule is realistic?
Top tips on how to hire the right architect for your project
Before reaching out to an architect, take time to define your key goals and vision for the project. Clearly understanding your budget, timeline, project functionality, and target milestones will help you find an architect with a compatible approach. If you're unsure about certain goals, like building a sustainable home, your architect can guide you through those decisions.
When hiring an architect, ensure:
They have the right skills, experience, and qualifications.
You understand their process and communication style.
You like their design approach and vision for the project.
Communication flows well between you.
You've reviewed their portfolio and client feedback.
Their services align with your residential project needs.
In addition to the practical aspects, building a strong, trusting relationship with your architect is crucial. They’ll be designing a home where you’ll create memories, relax, and host loved ones, so it’s important they understand and deliver on your unique vision. A natural connection can make the process smoother—and even enjoyable. Many of our clients have become personal friends through the experience.
While the process is formalized with contracts and safeguards, the key to success lies in clear communication and a shared vision. So, do your research, explore projects, and reflect on your long-term goals for your home.