[-] Working with an Architect is a Learned Skill

Home Improvement Tips When Working with an ArchitectThe first time I went to an architect was in 2001 for help remodeling an old farmhouse. Without ever visiting my home, the architect recommended that I abandon it and start over with a brand new plan. I had 30 acres and there was a beautiful home
 site on a little hill with a view of the woods and the creek. I decided on the new home. The architect assigned me the task of collecting magazine photos of rooms I would like to see in my new home. I had been collecting those anyway for remodeling ideas. I also had to write out room descriptions, so I diligently wrote paragraphs about an office, a sunroom, and the kind of living and dining room I wanted. Weeks later, the architect finished his plan. To me, the exterior drawing of the house was ugly. It was not the style of home I had in mind at all. I had purchased an antique farmhouse because I like them, but the architect had designed a ‘modern’ house. Perhaps the floor plan was workable, but I’ll never know. I still have those plans. They cost me $1500 but that house was never built. Now, nearly 9 years later, I am taking another journey with an architect. Ironically, six years ago, I purchased a home very similar in style and age to that farmhouse. I decided to remodel the kitchen, made some drawings, and took them to a local architect. He suggested that I either tear down the addition on my house that currently houses the kitchen, or turn that space into a gym or sunroom and instead build a whole new addition. I pondered that route for nearly a year before accepting it. I’ve had my entire house measured by the architect’s assistant, drawings are done, and next week the architect is coming to my home to discuss the addition. I have my hand-drawn floor plans, magazine photos, and 9 years of living in houses under my belt. I know what I want. The addition site has a view of the river. I envision floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors to take advantage of that.