Design process
How to work with an architect without losing control of cost or schedule
Good design is collaborative, but collaboration does not mean endless options. The homeowner’s job is to make timely decisions, protect the priorities, and insist that cost and coordination stay visible.
Reviewed against official sources · August 2026Use a short decision brief
For every major choice, ask the team to show the options, recommendation, cost or schedule effect, and deadline. Record the decision in one shared place so it does not return three meetings later.
Check cost at milestones
- At the end of concept design.
- Before design development is locked.
- Before the permit set is submitted.
- Before expensive products are released or construction begins.
Make consultant ownership explicit
When the city requests revisions, confirm who owns each response and when the coordinated package will be submitted. The architect usually quarterbacks the design team, but the homeowner should still know the due date.
Once the permit is submitted, use the Bellevue permit revision guide to understand the handoff.
Action plan
Set a simple operating rhythm
- 1
Hold a regular meeting with an agenda covering decisions, budget, schedule, risks, and consultant coordination.
- 2
Maintain one decision log with owner, due date, options, recommendation, cost effect, and final choice.
- 3
Require a current drawing set and written meeting notes rather than relying on memory or scattered messages.
- 4
Run cost checks at concept, design development, pre-permit, and pre-bid milestones; cut scope before details are finished when necessary.
- 5
During permit revisions, assign every comment and agree on the coordinated resubmittal date.
Official resources