Building a home? Architect meeting preparation 101

The time leading up to building a custom home is an exciting one, as you try to compile your ideas and decide exactly what you want in the finished product. One of the key parts of this process is meeting with the architect who will design the plans for your custom home.  

It's important to communicate your ideas and vision to this professional, so he or she can incorporate them into the blueprints and make your home look exactly the way you envisioned it in your mind. 

If you anticipate meeting with an architect on your home soon, here are some tips to make the process smoother and keep communication flowing throughout the process. 

Familiarize Yourself With Key Terms 

In the days before your meeting, do some research into the architectural and design styles you like. You can visit interior design and architecture themed sites to gather inspiration and save images you like to show your architect. Learning some key terms will help you communicate clearly the styles and features you like in a way the architect can understand and incorporate into the plans.  

For example, if you mention that you prefer a mid-century modern design, the architect is more likely to incorporate clean lines, large windows and simple features into the plans. If you like a unique style of doors or windows, make sure to mention this so the architect can incorporate the space and support needed in the appropriate places. 

Be Realistic In Your Expectations 

The architect is there to help you make your dreams come true, but he or she will also have to be mindful of your budget, local building codes and the time-frame you have available. Some ideas you have may not be possible for practical reasons. You'll want to be firm in the meeting, but take in the architect's advice about features you may have to scrap for budgetary reasons, as he or she will know from experience what is feasible. 

Allow The Architect To Do His Job 

The architect will incorporate your ideas into the home design first and foremost, but also has to incorporate many other factors that carry importance, like local exposure to light, the size and location of your lot, and any restrictions put in place by the neighborhood or homeowners association. Keep this in mind throughout your conversation and as you review the drawings the architect creates. 

If you're looking for a builder you can partner with to build the home of your dreams, trust Headstrong Homes. Our team can work with your vision and preferences to create the home you've always desired. Contact us today to get the process of designing your dream home started.