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You've worked hard, and now you're ready to live the American dream.

For many, that dream is building a home, that is unique to their needs, and those of their family. To make this dream a reality, the first step is to find an architect. The difference an architect can make to a home design is almost ethereal-it's not quite something, that one can put a finger on, but their touch is ever present in the structure, the soundness of said structure, as well as the style.

The best way to begin, is to communicate. Talk to your family, friends, and business associates for recommendations. They will be your most trusted and honest resource in finding the right professional for you. You may also consult your local yellow pages, and make a list of the professionals in your area. It's always easier to meet and consult with a professional that is close to you, or within a manageable driving distance. Better still, consult your local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for suggestions. Membership in the AIA means that the professional follows the codes of conduct and ethical accountability as set out by their profession. They can furnish you with a list of AIA members in your community.

So, now you have a list of possible choices. You're ready for the next steps. Call the architect's firm and describe the sort of project you have in mind, and if they are available to meet with you to discuss it further.

Now that you have appointments, be prepared. Go armed, with pictures that are representative of your tastes. No doubt, if having a unique home has been your dream for a while, it won't be difficult. If you don't have pictures, consider carefully your lifestyle needs and those of your family. Do you have children? What sort of needs might they have? Do you have elderly extended family that might have special needs? Do you have pets? An architect will consider every angle possible to meet your requirements. Be sure to give them as much specific detail as possible.

Personal tastes and aesthetics are also vital considerations, when communicating with your professional. Don't be shy! Tell them you're traditionalists, or modernists, or somewhere in between! Don't worry about specific terms, simply tell them what you like, or better yet, invite them to your current space, and show them. Let them see what you're all about.

Ask to see samples of their designs. Many architects have galleries of their finished works, or portfolios. These are the best means of seeing

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