Congratulations! You’ve decided to build a custom home, an exciting, rewarding, and often once-in-a-lifetime endeavor. One of the most important steps you’ll take is assembling the right team to bring your vision to life. Finding the right architect sets the tone for the entire project. Here are a few key factors to consider as you begin your search.
Team Approach
Building a home is never a solo act. Your architect, builder, interior designer, and of course you must work together as a team. A good architect knows how to collaborate by listening well, mediating ideas, and fostering an atmosphere where creativity and practicality meet. Look for an architect who naturally brings people together to solve problems and share ideas.
Listening Skills
A great design starts with a conversation and lots of listening. The right architect will want to hear about how you live, what you value, and how you hope to feel in your new home. Pay attention to how they ask questions and whether they truly hear your answers. Good listeners translate your story into spaces that feel like you.
Design Philosophy
Architects are not one-size-fits-all. Some approach design like artists, others like engineers — the best balance both. Make sure your architect’s philosophy aligns with your own priorities. For many homeowners, this means finding a team that blends artistry with practicality: detail-oriented enough to make sure every inch works well, yet imaginative enough to surprise you with ideas you hadn’t dreamed of yet.
Versatility
Your home should feel like your home, not just a signature of the architect’s style. Look for a designer with a portfolio that shows range: modern or traditional, large or small, city or countryside. This suggests they know how to listen to you and tailor the design to your life, not just repeat a look they’ve done before.
Managing Budgets
Building a custom home should be fun, and part of that fun is making choices that fit your budget. An experienced architect will help you balance site conditions, design ambitions, and construction costs right from the start. Look for someone who can talk openly and clearly about costs, scope, and trade-offs, and who doesn’t shy away from hard conversations when needed.
Reputation & Experience
Good architects build good houses, and good relationships. Ask how long they’ve been in practice, what kinds of projects they do, and how much of their work comes from repeat clients or referrals. Longevity and loyalty say a lot. Talk to past clients if you can. An architect with decades of experience designing custom homes — and who still treats each one like a fresh opportunity — can be an invaluable guide.
Availability & Attention
Custom homes are personal. It’s worth confirming who you’ll actually be working with day to day. Will you have access to senior designers? Will the same team see your project through from concept to completion? Make sure your architect has time in their schedule to give your home the attention it deserves.
Fees & Value
Design fees can vary widely, but so does the value you receive. The best architects deliver designs that stand the test of time: livable, beautiful, practical, and enduring. Be sure to understand what’s included in your fee, how billing works, and what additional services may cost extra. A clear agreement helps everyone stay on the same page.
The Right Fit
Finally, trust your instincts. You’ll be spending months — even years — working with your architect. It’s important to feel comfortable sharing your ideas, your hopes, and your concerns. The right architect will make the journey enjoyable, challenging in a good way, and ultimately deeply rewarding.
At the end of the day, your home should feel like you — unique, thoughtful, and built to last. If you’d like to learn more about how to get started designing a custom home, we’re always glad to have a conversation. We’ve spent over three decades designing homes throughout Iowa that reflect the people who live in them — with care, creativity, and an eye for detail.
