What Does An Architect Do During a Residential Project?

Many homeowners know that architects design buildings. What is less clear is what a residential architect actually does throughout a home project.

A residential architect can be involved long before construction begins and may continue working with the homeowner and project team through construction and completion. Their responsibilities can include understanding the homeowner’s goals, studying the site, developing the design, coordinating consultants, preparing construction documents, and helping address questions that arise during construction.

The exact scope of architectural services depends on the project and the agreement between the homeowner and architect. The American Institute of Architects explains that common architectural services can extend from early design through construction administration.

For homeowners planning a custom home, renovation, addition, or other residential project in Florida, understanding the role of an architect can make it easier to decide what professional support the project needs.

What Does a Residential Architect Do?

A residential architect applies design and technical knowledge to the planning and development of a home.

Their work can include:

• Understanding the homeowner’s needs and priorities
• Developing the architectural program
• Studying the property and surrounding conditions
• Creating initial design concepts
• Developing floor plans and other drawings
• Coordinating structural and other consultants
• Developing construction documents
• Supporting permitting and regulatory requirements
• Helping the homeowner evaluate design decisions
• Coordinating with the construction team
• Providing agreed construction phase services

The architect’s role is not limited to drawing a floor plan. A residential project requires many decisions to work together. The layout must respond to the site. Structural systems must work with the architectural design. Materials and building systems need to be coordinated. Construction documents need to communicate the design clearly.

This is why architectural services are often most useful when they begin early in the process.

What Does an Architect Do Before Design Begins?

The residential architecture process often starts with questions rather than drawings.

The architect needs to understand what the homeowner wants to accomplish and what conditions may affect the project. This can include the intended use of the home, the number and type of spaces required, budget considerations, timing, and long term plans for the property.

The site also needs to be understood before major design decisions are made.

This can involve reviewing factors such as:

• Property dimensions
• Orientation
• Sun exposure
• Views
• Existing vegetation
• Topography
• Drainage
• Access
• Surrounding buildings
• Zoning requirements
• Applicable building regulations
• Flood and coastal conditions where relevant

Halflants + Pichette takes a site focused approach to residential architecture. Its residential work considers the relationship between the home, its site, climate, and the way the client intends to use the space.

For a deeper explanation of this stage, see Why Site Analysis Comes Before Floor Plans: How Architects Read a Property.

What Does an Architect Do During the Design Phase?

Once the project goals and site conditions are understood, the architect begins developing design solutions.

This can start with sketches, diagrams, studies, models, or other ways of exploring the possibilities for the property. The architect considers how spaces relate to one another and how the home will function in everyday use.

Important design questions can include:

• Where should the main living spaces be located?
• How should bedrooms relate to private areas?
• How will people move through the home?
• Where should windows and doors be positioned?
• How can natural light be used?
• How should indoor and outdoor spaces connect?
• How does the home respond to its surroundings?
• Which design decisions have the greatest effect on the project budget?

The design develops through discussion and refinement. Homeowners provide feedback while the architect evaluates how proposed changes affect the overall design.

This is one reason it is useful to understand the difference between early design and later construction documentation. AIA describes schematic design as a phase where architects explore concepts, spatial relationships, scale, form, site conditions, and project requirements before developing more detailed documents.

Halflants + Pichette also has a dedicated guide explaining What Happens During Schematic Design? for Florida homeowners.

What Are a Residential Architect’s Responsibilities?

Residential architect responsibilities vary by project, but commonly involve several connected areas of work.

Planning and programming

The architect helps establish what the project needs to accomplish. This can include identifying required rooms, approximate space requirements, relationships between spaces, and homeowner priorities.

Site analysis

The architect studies the property and its constraints before finalizing the design. This helps the design respond to the actual site rather than treating the home as a standalone object.

Design development

The architect develops the selected concept into a more detailed design. Floor plans, elevations, materials, building systems, and other elements become more defined.

Consultant coordination

Residential projects may require input from structural engineers, civil engineers, landscape professionals, energy consultants, or other specialists. The architect coordinates relevant information so these disciplines can work together.

Construction documentation

The architect develops drawings and specifications that communicate the design and provide information needed for permitting, pricing, and construction. The level of documentation depends on the project and scope of services.

Construction phase services

When included in the agreement, the architect may visit the site, review information, respond to questions, and evaluate whether observed work is consistent with the contract documents and design intent.

NCARB identifies construction administration as an important area of architectural practice. It includes preparing and administering construction phase documentation and evaluating construction progress in relation to contract documents and design intent.

What Does an Architect Do During Construction?

An architect’s involvement does not necessarily end when construction starts.

The specific services provided during construction depend on the owner’s agreement with the architect. When construction administration or similar services are included, the architect can remain involved as a source of design and documentation support.

This may include:

• Responding to questions about the construction documents
• Reviewing submittals or other project information
• Visiting the construction site
• Reviewing observed progress
• Clarifying design details
• Evaluating proposed changes
• Coordinating information with the project team
• Participating in project meetings
• Supporting project closeout

The architect is not normally the person performing the physical construction. The contractor is responsible for construction means and methods.

AIA notes that construction phase services vary according to the agreement between the owner, architect, and contractor. The architect’s role can include helping the contractor build the project in accordance with the approved construction documents.

This distinction is important because homeowners sometimes assume that hiring an architect means the architect becomes the construction manager or general contractor. Those are separate responsibilities unless the project uses an integrated delivery model.

What Does an Architect Produce for a Custom Home?

Architectural services can result in many different types of project information.

Depending on the project’s scope, this may include:

• Site plans
• Floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Details
• Material information
• Specifications
• Consultant coordination drawings
• Construction documents
• Permit drawings
• Additional information issued during construction

AIA describes construction documents as the more detailed drawings and specifications used to communicate information required for pricing and construction.

The purpose of these documents is communication. A well developed drawing set gives the homeowner, consultants, permitting authorities, and construction team a clearer understanding of the proposed project.

How Does an Architect Work With a Contractor?

The relationship between the architect and contractor depends on the project’s delivery method.

In a traditional design bid build arrangement, the architect and contractor are generally separate parties with defined contractual responsibilities. The architect develops the design and construction documents while the contractor is responsible for building the project.

In a design build arrangement, design and construction services are provided through one integrated entity. AIA and the Associated General Contractors of America describe design build as a delivery method in which the owner contracts with a single design build entity for both design and construction.

Halflants + Pichette uses an architect led design build model in which the firm’s architecture and construction capabilities are integrated.

You can learn more about this approach in Architect Led Design Build: Why It’s Time to Rethink the Traditional Construction Model.

Does an Architect Control the Construction Budget?

An architect can help homeowners make design decisions with budget considerations in mind, but an architect does not automatically control the final construction cost.

Project costs are affected by many factors, including scope, materials, labor, site conditions, market conditions, contractor pricing, permitting requirements, and changes made during the project.

This makes early cost discussions important.

The homeowner should understand what cost estimating or cost consulting services are included in the architect’s agreement and how construction pricing will be developed.

A written owner architect agreement should also clearly define the architect’s scope of services, deliverables, fees, and project schedule. AIA recommends establishing these expectations in a written agreement.

Does Florida Require an Architect for a Home Project?

Not every residential project in Florida legally requires an architect.

Florida Statutes Section 481.229 provides an exemption from the requirement to qualify as an architect for plans and specifications for certain one family and two family residences, townhouses, and related domestic outbuildings. Other requirements can still apply depending on the project and jurisdiction.

The Florida Building Commission provides current information about the Florida Building Code and related code resources. Because requirements can change and local requirements may also apply, homeowners should confirm the requirements for their specific property and project before beginning design or construction.

The legal question of whether an architect is required is different from the question of whether architectural services would benefit a project.

A custom home with a complex site, extensive renovation, unusual structural requirements, or many interconnected design decisions may benefit from professional architectural involvement even when an architect is not legally required.

When Should You Hire a Residential Architect?

For homeowners who decide to work with an architect, earlier involvement generally gives the architect more opportunity to influence the project’s overall direction.

This can be particularly relevant when:

• You are planning a custom home
• You are buying land for a future home
• You are considering a major renovation
• You are planning a home addition
• The property has unusual site conditions
• You want a highly customized floor plan
• The project involves several consultants
• You need help evaluating design options
• You want architectural services to continue into construction

Hiring an architect after major design decisions have already been made can limit the scope of what the architect can influence.

For this reason, homeowners considering a custom home can benefit from understanding the architectural process before committing to a final design.

What Is the Difference Between an Architect, Engineer, and Contractor?

These professionals can have different responsibilities on a residential project.

An architect typically leads the architectural design and coordinates the design across the project team.

An engineer provides specialized technical expertise. Depending on the project, this may include structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, or other engineering services.

A contractor is responsible for constructing the project. This includes managing construction activities, subcontractors, materials, sequencing, and other responsibilities defined by the construction agreement.

The exact responsibilities of each professional depend on the project structure and contracts.

In an architect led design build project, some of these functions can be brought together within an integrated team. The contractual structure and individual responsibilities should still be clearly established.

How Halflants + Pichette Approaches Residential Architecture

Residential architecture is a central part of Halflants + Pichette’s practice. The firm works on custom single family homes, multifamily housing, and community focused residential projects across Florida’s Gulf Coast. Its studios are located in Sarasota and Tampa.

The firm’s residential process begins with understanding the client, site, and project requirements. Design decisions consider factors such as natural light, orientation, climate, movement, materials, and long term use.

The firm also provides architect led design build services. This connects architectural design with construction expertise through an integrated process.

For homeowners interested in the full residential service offering, explore Halflants + Pichette Residential Architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Architects

What does a residential architect do?

A residential architect helps plan and design homes and can provide services through construction. Responsibilities may include programming, site analysis, design, consultant coordination, construction documentation, permitting support, and construction phase services depending on the project agreement.

What does an architect do during construction?

When construction phase services are included, an architect may visit the site, review project information, respond to questions, clarify design details, and evaluate observed work in relation to the contract documents and design intent. The specific services depend on the agreement.

Is an architect the same as a contractor?

No. An architect and contractor generally have different responsibilities. The architect focuses on design and related professional services while the contractor manages construction. In an architect led design build model, design and construction can be integrated under one entity.

Is it worth hiring an architect for a custom home?

That depends on the project and the homeowner’s needs. Architectural services can provide value through site planning, design development, technical documentation, consultant coordination, and construction phase involvement. A homeowner should consider the complexity of the project and the level of professional guidance they want.

When should I hire an architect?

If you plan to use an architect, consider involving one during the early planning stages. Early involvement gives the architect an opportunity to evaluate the site, understand the project requirements, establish a design direction, and identify constraints before major decisions are finalized.

Do architects help with permits?

Architects can prepare or coordinate permit drawings and documentation when those services are included in the project scope. Permit requirements vary by project and jurisdiction, so homeowners should confirm the specific requirements that apply to their property.

Can an architect help with renovations and additions?

Yes. Residential architects can work on many types of projects beyond new construction, including renovations and additions. The scope of services depends on the size, complexity, and requirements of the project.

Planning a Residential Project in Florida?

Choosing the right professional team starts with understanding what each member of the team does.

For homeowners considering a custom home, renovation, addition, or residential development, an early conversation with an architect can help clarify the project’s scope, site considerations, design process, and next steps.

Halflants + Pichette provides residential architecture services from studios in Sarasota and Tampa, with work extending across Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Explore Residential Architecture or contact Halflants + Pichette to discuss a residential project.

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