If you’re undertaking the task of building a home, you may be tempted to skip the architect for financial reasons. We don’t recommend it. Hiring an architect can be compared to hiring a lawyer. You may be able to get by without one, but you’ll likely be in deep regret down the road. Most custom home builders won’t work without an architect. Here are five good reasons to bite the bullet and make the sure bet:
1. Why Hire an Architect: Expertise on Design
Why hire an architect? Because there is no reason to cut corners on the foundation of good design. Architects are trained to bring beauty and functionality together. Choosing the right architect will not only facilitate excellent design, but also consider the elements that make a house run smoothly. Architects coordinate with engineers and think about plumbing locations, types of HVAC to use and to create a house that operates efficiently. At the heart of any architect’s work is their ability to take your ideas and translate them into a cohesive, functional design. Unlike cookie-cutter template homes, architects excel at creating custom solutions for your home’s layout, look, and flow—unique to your aesthetic.
2. Architect Will Solve A Lot of Problems
You might be wondering, what does an architect do? An architect designs the house to bring your vision to life, but they also solve problems. Building a custom home often comes with hurdles—from irregular lot shapes to zoning regulations or tricky environmental factors. Architects are trained problem solvers who can anticipate challenges and come up with innovative solutions. For instance, they may help you overcome a sloped plot of land with smart structural ideas, maximize natural light in a shaded area through strategic placement of windows, or navigate local building codes. Their ability to think creatively while tackling complex constraints ensures that your project avoids potential delays or costly fixes down the line.
3. Make the Most of Your Space
When designing a custom home, it’s not just about square footage; it’s about how every inch works for you. That’s exaclt what Metrica Architects did when we started working on our Kirkland Dream project. They take into account how each room connects to the next, ensuring every space serves a purpose. Want an open floor plan that still has quiet corners for relaxation? Or maybe a kitchen that doubles as a family hub? Call Metrica Architects and they will make it happen. A good architect will ask the right questions to understand what you need in the present but a great architect will think long term, designing for your future as well. Whether that means accommodating a growing family or ensuring accessibility as you age, make the most of your space.
4. A Good Architect Will Save You Money (and a lot of headaches!)
Contrary to popular belief, hiring an architect can actually save you money in the long run. How? Architects focus on cost-effective designs. They help protect your budget by recommending materials and techniques that align with your goals without compromising quality. Architects can fine-tune plans to avoid unnecessary expenses, ensuring every square foot of your home is purposeful. Their designs often boost your property’s resale value, delivering a long-term return on investment.
5. Managing and Coordinating the Project
While you might have a clear vision for your home, that clarity can get lost when it comes to actual construction. Talented architects like Atelier Drome, act as the vital bridge between your ideas and the builders’ execution. They create detailed plans and drawings for our 19th Ave project that left no ambiguity for our construction team, which minimized errors and misunderstandings.
Most architects stay involved throughout the construction process, managing timelines, coordinating suppliers, and ensuring that the finished results stay true to your vision. From selecting the perfect finishes to ensuring proper ventilation and lighting, architects oversee even the smallest details. They work as your advocate, ensuring the final result mirrors the vision you started with.
Hiring an architect is about more than just creating blueprints—it’s about transforming your ideas into an actual home designed specifically for you. They act as planners, problem-solvers, and advocates, guiding you through every step of the custom home-building process. Not sure where to start? Reach out to us today to begin designing a home that fits your lifestyle, now and for years to come.