AKAR’s Architectural Glossary for Custom Homes Helping You Speak the Language of Design Designing a home should feel exciting—not overwhelming. At AKAR, we believe clarity creates confidence. This glossary is a resource for our clients—grouped by themes—to help you better...

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...

A Guide to Gathering Your Thoughts, Dreams, and Details Designing a custom home is a big adventure — and it starts with a conversation. Before we draw a single line, we’ll guide you through a simple but powerful step: creating...

Balancing style, function, and long-term performance Choosing the right roof is a fundamental decision in designing a custom home. The roof not only protects your home from the elements but also shapes its character and contributes to energy efficiency and...

Balancing beauty, performance, and practicality Choosing windows for a custom home is about more than just letting in light. The right windows shape how your home looks from the street, how each room feels from the inside, and how comfortable...

A practical guide to finding the perfect balance of style, durability, and long-term value Your home’s siding is more than just a finish — it’s protection, personality, and a statement about how your house will age for decades. At Akar...

Our Fee Our Fee Structure For most new custom homes, our architectural fee typically ranges from 13% to 15% of the construction cost*. The exact percentage depends on the project's size, complexity, and level of risk. In general, anything attached...

At AKAR Architecture, thoughtful design and clear project management go hand in hand. For over 30 years, we’ve guided clients through the process of designing and building custom homes — combining creativity with practical oversight to protect your vision, your...

A Thoughtful, Collaborative Journey At Akar Architecture, designing a home isn’t just about walls and roofs — it’s about shaping daily life. Every project begins with listening, exploring, and understanding — then translating what we learn into places that feel...