Sorry, I'm not Mighty and I couldn't even try to be--I'm not worthy! LOL! But I will say to start at the AIA. I found/spoke to a few architects in my area and from Mighty's recommendation I also purchased a copy of contracts.

Mighty will be able to add more, but I thought this would be a great start for you.

Here is a link that might be useful: AIA

Thanks for the link so I can get started. What do you mean "purchased a copy of contracts?" I am not sure I understand what you are saying.

Word of mouth is the best way but if that hasn't worked try the Wisconsin AIA site (link below). On the website try the "Search AIA Architect Finder" link. There might be other good advice there as well.

Of course, not all architects are members of the AIA (because it's expensive) especially the sole practitioners who often design homes for reasonable fees. But if you speak with larger firms they might give you some names to contact.

Here is a link that might be useful: AIA

Also try this link

Here is a link that might be useful: architects

Thank you so much for the links. At least I have somewhere to start now!

I was having some issues with a very vague and one sided contract with a builder. Mighty, as well as several others recommended using the AIA contracts because they are beneficial to all parties, not one-sided so to speak.

Safe to say we never signed with that builder and we are in building purgatory right now--property purchased/paid in full, driveway started and gas well finished,(future neighbors are happy about that),plans finished, most items picked out, yet no builder...pure purgatory! But in a good way, because if it wasn't for this site, I might have been dumb enough to sign a poorly written contract, used a bad contractor, etc. (Well, that could still happen, but I sure hope not!) For now, I just sit, visit this site, research and pray--a lot!

I found an old link to some explanation of contracts that might help explain what I'm apparently not very good at! LOL! Smarter, more experienced folks will hopefully chime in for you real soon. Until then hope this helps!

Here is a link that might be useful: Contract Discussion

Ahhh...I see! Thanks for the explanation and the tip. That is very helpful.

Happymommy, I think you got good link to info on architects already. I will be in similar position soon, and here are some of the data points I plan to consider before choosing one:

1. Is the architect ready to get involved in construction supervision if needed? (For a fee, however some don't want to).
2. You should check out some of his work. Specifically, whether your style is understood by him/her. I have seen some work by other folks that is brilliant, but traditional, consistently, and not my kind!

3. If you are not planning to use an interior designer then all the more reason to choose an architect who understands your taste. (I know one guy locally who is also a member of ASID. That helps! Of course this guys also told us to not get more than one bid from contractors so again, I am not sure....)

4. Has the person built houses similar to yours in size/specs? For example, here in SF bay area I know architects, who routinely build on 1+ acre, mansions that are 4000 sqft! I think on that lotsize, you can build 8000sqft of structure at least. Whereas my limit is ~1500. Of course I want a guy who can squeeze every square inch out for me! Surprisingly, not everyone can design space efficient plans.

5. Can you get along? It is gonna be a long working relationship and it needs to be smooth.

6. Fee structure. Totally T&M, % of total project cost, flat fee etc. I have heard of people who charge flat fee for drawing plans and then T&M for supervising when constructions is ongoing.

7. Of course, references.

In my opinion, you should not consider any architect who is not willing to provide construction phase observation services. Not only do you need independent quality assurance and someone representing your interests during construction, it is a relative bargain, and an architect should want to be able to find and correct any oversights and mistakes whatever the cause.

I will not take jobs that don't include construction phase services; the liability risk is too high.

By the way, an architect never "supervises" a project; that is the role of the builder. An architect provides general oversight of the work without interfering with the builders responsibility to supervise and perform the work under the terms of the contract.

Ok, thanks, mightyanvil. I apologize for the wrong use of the term; I think I know what you mean.

Sorry, I tend to correct people's construction vocabulary because I so often see sloppy language inadvertently cause misunderstandings resulting in a lot of pain. The correct vocabulary in this industry is so routinely corrupted by contractors talking to each other that it gets picked up by owners and even finds its way into contracts.

It's just as easy to use the right word, as my mother used to tell me.