How to Partner With the Right Architect on a Custom Home

Building a custom home is an exciting but complex journey—and it all starts with choosing the right architect. This guide walks you through the key steps, from the first meeting to the final details, so you can bring your vision to life with clarity and confidence.

Choosing the Right Architect

Photo: Courtesy of Tabberson Architects

Selecting the right architect for your custom dream home begins with preparation.

• Prepare a design “program” document or outline for your custom dream home.
• Include your name, contact information, property address and a general description of your vision.
• Request service proposals and work samples from multiple architects.
• Ask to see sample drawings for homes similar to what you’re looking for. 
• Evaluate fees relative to the quality of work samples/drawings and also as a percentage of your construction budget.
• Request a personal consultation and meet the architect in person, or in a video call, to form a personal connection.
• Have an in-depth conversation about what a successful project looks like for both you and the architect.

Keeping the Design Process on Track

Photo: Courtesy of Tabberson Architects

Designing your custom dream home is hard work. Make sure to set aside several hours per week to invest in the project.

• Communicate to your architect the design features in which you are most confident and establish these as top priorities.
• Then trust your Architect to design the rest— that’s their job.
• Provide honest feedback. All feedback—both positive and negative—is helpful to your architect. 
• Be aware of “scope creep” and “decision fatigue” and avoid these common problems. 
• Enjoy the process! For most custom homeowners, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Following Through During Construction

Photo: Courtesy of Tabberson Architects

Architectural services don’t stop when the design is done.

• Talk to your architect about how they coordinate with contractors, engineers and vendors. 
• Request 3D visualization (modeling & renderings) to simulate the design in photo quality.
• Ask your architect for professional referrals when needed.
• Meet with your architect on the property, before and during construction, whenever possible.
• Finishing touches can make a good project great—stay engaged with your architect until the build is complete.

Celebrating the Finished Home

Building a custom home is hard work, but it all pays off when your dream home becomes a reality. A successful custom home project is gratifying for everyone involved—positive relationships between homeowners and architects can become lasting friendships. Best of all, the assessed value for custom homes often exceeds construction costs, making the process a wise investment all around. 

Bill Tabberson is Co-Founder and Principal at Tabberson Architects, a full service architectural firm specializing in timber frame design. For over 25 years, their customized approach has resulted in homes that seamlessly blend with their surroundings and interiors designed to not only captivate but elevate the soul. View their profile or contact them at 317-371-3692.

Content for this article provided by Tabberson Architects.