Choosing an architect? Here's what you need to know.

An architect isn’t just someone who draws pretty plans. They’re the quarterback of your project, shaping your budget, translating your vision, and (hopefully) keeping the chaos in check. A great architect turns your ideas into a home you love. A bad one leaves you with expensive blueprints and a lifelong grudge.

So how do you find the right one? Let’s break it down.

Do you even need an architect?

Not every project does. If you’re tweaking a stock plan, a draftsman might be enough. It’s usually faster and cheaper.

But if you’re going full custom - factoring in sun patterns, topography, privacy, trees, views, and how the house fits the land - you’ll want an architect. They see possibilities most people miss and can shape a house to take advantage of the unique features of the lot.

Our architect visited our lot, studied the slope, trees, and sightlines, and immediately flipped our original layout. It completely changed how we thought about the space. That kind of insight is what you’re paying for.

Legally, Washington doesn’t always require a licensed architect. Homes under 4,000 sqft without major structural work can often use a draftsman. But don’t let the bare minimum guide your decision. A good architect bridges the gap between your dream and reality, working with engineers and builders to make sure everything actually works.

The availability problem

Good architects are often very busy. Ask how many projects they’re juggling, how big their team is, how quickly they respond, and when they can actually start.

Our initial architect was semi-retired and always on vacation. We eventually found a small firm with a clearer process. It was a better fit, but we still had to wait. In the Seattle area, expect delays and long wait times. Plan accordingly.

How architects charge and how to avoid surprises

Pricing structures vary, and each has its quirks:

Hourly: Sounds fair until you get nickel-and-dimed for every email, meeting, and internal note. Yes, we once got billed $100 for documents we never saw. If they’ve got a team, you're paying for everyone, every meeting, every email, every hour. Rounded up, of course.

Flat fee or price per square foot: Predictable, but beware. Smaller projects might get deprioritized and scope changes usually mean extra costs.

Percentage of construction cost: The most expensive option. If your build is $2m and they charge 10%, that’s $200k. Not ideal if you’re watching your budget.

Our architect charged a flat fee and it kept things simple. Whatever you choose, clarify what’s included. Site visits? Permit revisions? Engineering coordination? Ask now, not later.

Portfolios tell a story about their experience

An architect’s portfolio is basically their dating profile - it’ll look great. But you’re not just looking for pretty pictures. You’re looking for compatibility.

What kinds of projects do they actually do? $5M lake homes or compact townhomes? High-end custom or budget-friendly builds? Their past work shapes their defaults. One architect’s “standard” might mean floating stairs and curbless showers. Another’s might be builder-grade finishes.

Match their experience to your goals. If you’re building a luxury home, hire someone who knows how to frame views and work with waterfront codes. If you’re doing budget townhomes, find someone who knows how to design with tight cost constraints.

We once saw a gorgeous design with floor-to-ceiling windows and recessed roller shades. Looked amazing until we realized it would’ve blown our budget and left us with nothing but IKEA furniture. Another version called for a $40K steel beam. Hard pass.

Some architects cost more because their designs are complex and expensive to build. That’s fine if it’s what you want. But if they’re new to your type of project, you don’t want to fund their learning. Hire for experience.

Why local matters

Bellevue and Kirkland might be neighbors, but their zoning rules aren’t. A local architect who knows the permit quirks, upcoming code changes, and how each city operates can save you time, money, and headaches.

They also notice things you can’t see online like neighbor sightlines, road noise, views, sun angles, even where people park. That stuff matters when you’re trying to make a house feel right.

And locals know what actually works here. Clay tile roofs? Great in SoCal, terrible in Seattle’s rain. Radiant driveways? Useful in snowy climates, pointless here.

Plus, it’s easier to meet in person. Especially for those early conversations when you're trying to shape your vision and bounce around ideas. Face-to-face time helps.

We went local, and it paid off. A friend hired an out-of-state architect who didn’t know the area. The result? Delays, revisions, and thousands in extra fees.

Communication is everything

You’ll be working with this person for months. If they’re hard to reach now, it won’t get better.

Do they actually listen? Or are they designing for their portfolio, not your life? One architect we met had a clear vision - for himself. We wanted a family home. He wanted a magazine spread.

Also, ask how they prefer to communicate. Some love email. Some only call. Some text. Pick someone whose style matches yours, or it’ll drive you nuts.

Final Thought

Choosing the right architect is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Don’t rush it.

Look at their work. Ask real questions about timelines, fees, and what they’re actually responsible for. Talk to past clients. Make sure they’ve done projects like yours, in cities like yours, for people like you.

And before you even start those architect interviews, do your homework. Here’s what to tackle first so you don’t waste time or money once the meter starts running.

The right architect brings your vision to life and helps keep things on track. The wrong one? Adds stress, delays, and costs.

This is your house. Build something that actually works for your lot, your lifestyle, and your budget.