There is no "one size fits all" answer. I hope you have gotten recommendations from your builder. Some builders do not work well with some architects. Since you are new to the process you should be able to find a middle ground. Look at some of the renderings the architect has done in the past to see if any of those are in line with what you are thinking visually. Then I'd suggest you narrow the field and set up a meeting with the architect and the builder, project manager. This way you can openly discuss each person's role in the process. Some architects are very good at "calling" out materials etc. others not so much. Not all architects have great experience with the build process either. I hate to say that but its been my experience.

You may want to think about a designer who specializes in new construction, if drawings are not what is needed. An architect is great for drawing plans and layout, connecting a new roofline and foundation together, determining structural needs and making an addition (in your case) cohesive. Architects often employ designers who deal with the function and "pretty" of the project, and detailers that deal with the mechanics (electrical, plumbing etc. sometimes HVAC).

I was an independent project manager for construction for 25 years and had a lot of experience with building. After building and remodeling so many houses I had definite ideas as to what I wanted when it came to building my own custom home. I needed an architect to draw the plans, but I wanted to GC the project for myself. I needed someone who'd remain hands off. I also wanted to build a contemporary home in an area that doesn't have many. The easy and cheaper way is to modify an existing plan, not to start completely from scratch. I took a lot of pictures to visually communicate what I wanted for an exterior design. I took a lot of measurements to communicate what room sizes I wanted. I made a "brief" to communicate other design/layout expectations I wanted. I also had a budget per square foot, which included the finishes and a total budget in mind to know how many square feet I could build.

I found an architect who fit the bill for me. He drew a great plan that needed very little tweaking from the beginning. He also had a contractors license, but at that time not a lot of actual building experience, so he pulled the permits and ran back and forth with the city. We did butt heads from time to time, mostly on finishes, but he always let me have my way. This house was so different that it stretched us both to our limits at times, especially with engineering. He didn't "call" out much, and left that up to me, that includes all mechanicals. I got and excepted bids, hired and fired subs. He was not one to keep budget in mind, but he did have a partner who held his feet to the fire, as well as myself.

We both ended up with a product we loved, and he's won a ton of awards with this house. I'm very happy I found him, but he's not a good fit for everyone. You have to find your right fit. I couldn't have done this project with anyone else.

Excellent story Shawn, it illustrates your point perfectly.

Carol, my two cents would be to go with the one that is pragmatic as it sounds like that will work well with your personality.

With regard to 'artistic direction' are you thinking more of the general massing of the home, or are you speaking of more of the interior design/decorating?

thanks everyone for your help. I would ask my builder, but I currently live in a different town from the house we're renovating, (builder is local) and would rather have my architect close to where I live now. This way we can more easily meet. Also they do not need to manage the project. In italy our contractor? (a geometra) can do all the permit and legal clearances, and ours will also do drafting and works and costs managing. He and the builder make a great team.

The architect will be for consultation/direction on materials/color coordination. The works are mainly superficial for the interior. However, we also want to work on energy efficiency and now, I want to change a wall into a window...So I wanted to stick with an architect who may understand the materials function and aesthetics all in one.

I think I will go for the pragmatic architect, because I appreciate that they offer cost-efficient alternatives, and presented it as a cost/results balance. For example, for the wall I'd like to open up into a window in a certain style, they quickly thought of alternative possibilities once I stated my overall budget. The aesthetics weren't what I wanted to achieve, but they also brought in material function, availability in the area, costs, congruity with the rest of the house into the picture, which I appreciated. They seemed to enjoy thinking on their feet for solutions.

My only concern is for aesthetics, because my inspiration is not local, and it's difficult to find someone here who has done work in a different geographical style. (Ultimately their works are their client's projects...) So i'm not quite sure what to expect. My thinking is that I appreciate a more open communication, and that I can always say no to something I don't like...

Sounds like you need a collaboration of your builder (practical type with knowledge of construction costs) and an architect (the aesthetic, vision, color, texture, etc. thing.) Pick the team that will work together to best achieve your objectives.

You need an ID as well.