If the cost of building the house is going to be in the 400 - 450,000K+ range, and the differential between having an architect or not is 10,000 dollars, I do not understand the hesitation. No - every architect is not going to give you the prime results you would expect and that is why it is important to have a clear idea of what you want in the house - and to do due diligence, in order to find a good architect for your build. Personally, I would cut corners on finishes, appliances, light fixtures, etc., before I cut corners on having an architect on a build of this magnitude. jmho.
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