What Drawings Are Required to Get a Building Permit? A Clear Guide for Homeowners

If you’re planning to build a new house, addition, or major renovation, an early planning step is checking the permit and submission requirements. Building departments commonly ask for drawings that describe the proposed work and demonstrate compliance with the applicable requirements. After more than 20 years working as a licensed architect, one of the most … Read more

10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Designing a House (Tips from a Licensed Architect)

Designing your own home is an exciting and stressful process. It’s an opportunity to create a space tailored to how you live, work, and spend time with family. But after more than 20 years working as a licensed architect, I’ve seen many homeowners unintentionally make design decisions that create problems later during construction or daily … Read more

How Much Does It Cost to Build a House? A Practical Guide from a Licensed Architect

One of the first questions people ask when thinking about building a home is simple: How Much Does It Cost to Build a House? After more than 20 years working as a licensed architect on residential projects, I can tell you that the answer depends on several factors. Location, materials, finishes, size, and complexity all … Read more

Architect vs Builder: A Licensed Architect’s Guide to Choosing the Right Professional for Your Home

One of the most common questions people ask when planning a home project is simple: Should you hire an architect or a builder first? After more than 20 years working as a licensed architect on residential and commercial projects, I’ve seen how the order of hiring can affect cost, design coordination, and the way a … Read more

How to Design Your Own House: A Step-by-Step Guide

Design / Planning a home around your life Designing your own house is one of the most rewarding projects you can take on. A home designed specifically for your lifestyle will almost always perform better than a generic plan purchased online. After working for more than 20 years as a licensed architect, I’ve seen both … Read more