Once you have a clear vision for your project and an understanding of what you can afford, you’re ready to hire an architect. Hiring an architect includes steps like looking at their portfolio, checking references, and interviewing.

But an architect isn’t just a technician, they’re a partner who you could be working with for 10 to 24 months — a custom home can take that long. This means your architect’s professionalism and personality are also key considerations.

“You should come out of the initial meetings with a positive impression of the architect and excitement about the journey, because it’s a fairly lengthy one,” said Christopher Strom, AIA.

So how do you identify such an architect? We turned to Strom — founder of his own studio, Christopher Strom Architects, and a leading architect in Minneapolis — for his insider perspective.

A common misconception is viewing architecture as a product, rather than a service. “A lot of times people come to us asking, ‘How much for a set of drawings?’” Strom said.

The drawings created by an architect are a reflection of what’s called a program — the needs, values, and preferences that you express during a series of meetings in which you’ll be interviewed by your architect. “Our drawings need to reflect the homeowner’s substantial time and investment,” Strom said.

So, while you could purchase generic plans online that meet your aesthetic preferences, they won’t be tailored to your family’s life. Hiring an architect for a custom home means engaging in a process. Your architect isn’t just looking to understand your aesthetic preferences. They’re looking to understand you. With that understanding, they can create a custom home design that balances form and function.