by Grace Glassier

Created on: November 20, 2008

Building a home requires a multitude of decisions. How big should the house be? How are the rooms and spaces arranged? What will it look like? Thousands of different products go into it. There are hundreds of pages of ordinances, regulations and codes that govern its construction. Upwards of twenty different companies may be involved in making it a reality. Are you prepared to manage this? If not, you will need an architect.

Choosing an architect to custom build, or put an addition on, your home is one of the major decisions in your life. It may not be a top-tier decision - that tier is reserved for whom to marry and when to start a family - but it needs to be taken seriously. As a starting point you should realize that your home should be:

- Well conceived: A home must function well. It should adapt to functions you may need in the future. It must be realized within your means. It should reflect your values. It must enrich your everyday life.
- Well crafted: House building is an industry. Home building is a craft. Well-crafted homes reward their occupants with durability, reduced maintenance, efficiency with which they are operated, and the sheer joy engendered by using that which is well-made. They are the essence of value.
- Enduringly appealing: Style alone does not describe it. Fashion is its antithesis. It is the appearance that arises from a structure that, being both well-conceived and well-crafted, expresses those qualities in its form and architectural language.

The best source for finding an architect always has been, and still is, a referral. Ask your friends, neighbors, and business associates for recommendations. Most architects specialize somewhat, and it may not be prudent to hire an architect whose body of work consists of small urban additions when you are building a country estate. Drive by some the houses the architect has designed. If at all possible, don't just rely on a photo on a web page to guide you.

Make sure that your architect is licensed and insured. Check with your local or state licensing authority for any complaints about him or his firm. This is not the time to neglect your due diligence.
Do your homework. Then set up several face- to- face interviews. Your goal should be to find an architect who:
- Is attentive to your desires, goals and dreams.
- Appreciates and promotes craftsmanship in construction.
- Uses proven, time-tested traditional materials, systems and techniques, while exploiting the latest appropriate technology.

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