Starting your journey toward a custom home? Your first meeting with an architect sets the foundation for success. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Bring Your Inspiration – A picture is worth a thousand words, and having visual references makes it easier to communicate your style and preferences. Collect inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, or even photos of places you’ve visited that resonate with you. If you’re drawn to a specific material, window style, or layout, bring examples—these small details help shape the bigger picture.
Know Your Budget – You don’t need an exact number, but having a general range—or at least a “not-to-exceed” amount—helps your architect guide decisions. If you’re unsure, we can often estimate costs based on similar past projects. Remember that your budget isn’t just about construction—it should also factor in consultants, permit fees, and furnishings to bring your vision to life.
Ask the Right Questions – A great architect-client relationship starts with good communication. Ask about their design philosophy, how they approach challenges like site constraints or sustainability, and what the typical project timeline looks like. Questions like “What is your process from concept to completion, and what are the key milestones?” or “What unexpected costs should I anticipate?” will give you a better understanding of their approach.
Photos by Will Austin
Clarify Your Vision – Beyond aesthetics, think about how you want to live in your home. Do you need flexible spaces for work and play? Do you entertain often? What daily rituals matter most to you? Most importantly, ask yourself: What is the one thing that, if planned for, could improve your life? Whether it’s a mudroom that keeps the family organized, a perfectly lit reading nook, or a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, identifying this early helps ensure your home is designed around what truly matters to you.
Guidance Every Step of the Way – We know that designing a custom home is an exciting but complex journey. That’s why we provide our clients with exclusive tools to help navigate the process—including a tailored workbook to prepare for key design decisions. When you work with us, you’ll have the resources and expertise to bring your vision to life with clarity and confidence.
A well-prepared first meeting leads to a smoother design process and a home that truly reflects you. Ready to get started? Let’s talk.