Some projects require an Architect, some projects don’t. Some projects are large and require a lot of design and coordination, some are small and seemingly more strait forward. No matter your project size, complexity, scope, or scale, when should you consider hiring an Architect?
Projects are becoming more complicated and more often cities, counties, and states are requiring more intensive approval requirements ranging from energy performance, more strict density and zoning guidelines, environmental review, not to mention all the coordination with a general contractor. It can all become overwhelming very quickly. But don’t worry, hiring an Architect can help you navigate the process, they can help save time, and ultimately money throughout the life of your project.
Below are 5 frequently asked questions that we hear or answer often from clients.
1. My project is small, would an Architect even be necessary?
Having a solid plan before construction begins is essential. A well-thought-out plan helps control costs, maintain high construction quality, and keep the project on schedule. Hiring an architect is an investment in that plan.
An Architect will ask the right questions early to gain a full understanding of the project impact to your home or business. This allows us to anticipate future potential challenges in the permitting process, spot complications that may arise during construction, and ensure your budget is well-aligned with your goals.
Every project—large or small—must go through permitting, and jurisdictions vary widely. Some are complex, others outdated, some straightforward, and a few deceptively simple. We’ve seen and worked with them all. Whether it’s a minor remodel or a full-scale new build, the permitting requirements can be surprisingly similar. Without the right leadership, the process can become costly and time-consuming.
Every project has a budget—and every project has the potential to exceed it. Hiring an Architect is an investment in budget control. We take this responsibility seriously. Your budget shapes what’s possible, defines priorities, and drives our creative problem-solving. From design through permitting and construction, we ensure you have the right information at every step so you can feel confident in your decisions.
2. I spoke with a contractor who said they can draw up the plans.
It’s not that a contractor can’t produce drawings, but the level of detail they typically provide may fall short of what’s required to accurately represent your project. An architect, on the other hand, will guide you through the design process, take time to understand your goals, and explore what’s possible to arrive at a solution that truly aligns with your budget and vision.
Contractors may also lack up-to-date experience with today’s permitting requirements. Gone are the days of napkin sketches or simple graph paper drawings—cities now demand highly detailed and technical documentation and many contractors simply aren’t equipped to meet these standards. If this isn’t addressed early, it can lead to delays, added time, and unexpected costs that weren’t part of your original budget.
An architect’s primary deliverable is a comprehensive set of permit and construction documents. Your project’s budget is built from them. The quality of construction is upheld by them. And when issues arise, these documents are the reference point for a resolution. If a contractor requests additional funds during construction, you now have a clear set of plans to base that discussion on. You can ask: Was the change already included in the documents? Was it an oversight? Or was it truly an unforeseen condition? With this clarity, you can hold the contractor accountable and manage costs more effectively.
Personally, I’d be cautious about working with a contractor who wants to bypass the Architect and handle the drawings themselves. This could be a tactic to submit a lower initial bid, only to increase costs later when you’re more committed and eager to see the project completed. While it doesn’t happen every time, it does happen.
Hiring an Architect is more than just hiring a designer—it’s an investment in the contract you’ll rely on to manage your contractor relationship.
3. What’s the difference between an Architect and a drafter.
An Architect is a licensed, accredited professional committed to ongoing education in construction methods, life safety, and design standards. Our role is to act as your advocate—representing your best interests, speaking on your behalf, and ensuring the success of your project from start to finish.
In contrast, a drafter typically performs a limited role. While they may be able to generate permit-ready drawings, their involvement often ends once those documents are submitted. That can leave you responsible for filling in the gaps as the project evolves.
Architects are trained in design thinking and have the expertise to translate concepts into detailed, build-able solutions. We are familiar with the full permitting process and equipped to resolve issues that arise during construction—whether related to code compliance, contractor coordination, or on-site changes.
Drafters, by comparison, are usually only involved in producing a basic set of plans. But what happens when the city has questions during permit review? A drafter may not be able to respond effectively. If your contractor needs clarification or a change mid-construction, you might find yourself without support—leading to delays, confusion, and potential cost overruns. The plans provided by a drafter may also lack the detail needed to secure accurate bids, exposing you to unexpected price increases.
While hiring a drafter may seem like a cost-saving move initially, the long-term expense—both in time and money—can easily outweigh those savings. Delays in permitting, incomplete drawings, added design fees, or poorly coordinated construction can all result in higher overall costs.
Choosing to work with an Architect from the beginning is an investment in project clarity, efficiency, and peace of mind. Architects are your partner throughout the entire project lifecycle, helping to anticipate challenges and resolve them as they arise.
4. I don’t want anything fancy, I just want a simple design.
Good architecture isn’t about being fancy or expensive, it’s about understanding what matters most to you and your family—and offering thoughtful, build-able solutions.
We believe that good design should be accessible, not reserved only for those with the biggest budgets. To us, good architecture is the product of a good process. When simplicity is done right, it becomes more economical, better suited to modern living, and creates more space—physically and emotionally—for the people who inhabit it.
Our goal is to collaborate with clients who value this approach. We understand how significant and costly building something can be. Materials are expensive, skilled labor is in short supply, and the cost of living is higher than ever. That doesn’t mean we provide cut-rate design—it means we provide responsive design.
We aim to offer creative, realistic solutions that account for today’s economic realities. Whether it’s through smart material choices, strategic design decisions, or alternative project delivery methods, we bring experience and insight that can help save time, money, or both—without compromising what matters most.
5. I have a strict project budget.
The drawings we produce are more than just plans—they are your ultimate pricing tool. If staying within budget is a priority, your best investment is in hiring an Architect and ensuring you have a well-developed, clearly documented plan set. Our drawings communicate the full scope of the design, giving contractors the clarity they need to provide accurate pricing from the outset.
When documentation is vague or incomplete, budget estimates can vary widely—and the risk of unexpected price increases goes up significantly. We design with your budget in mind, and we collaborate closely with contractors to align the design scope with real-world costs. This partnership allows us to make smart, budget-conscious decisions together, ensuring the entire team understands both the scope and the financial expectations before construction begins.
Closing Thoughts
No matter the size, scope, or budget of your project, working with an Architect ensures you have a clear, thoughtful path forward. We’re here to guide the process, protect your investment, and help turn your vision into something build-able, efficient, and lasting. From simple remodels to complex builds, our role is to ask the right questions, provide the right documentation, and support you every step of the way. Good architecture isn’t a luxury—it’s a smart foundation for a successful project.