What It’s Like to Work With an Architect From Day One

Understanding the Process Before You Begin Your Home Project

When most people think of hiring an architect, they imagine design sketches, floor plans, or maybe a dramatic before-and-after transformation. But what’s often less clear is how it all unfolds—from that first conversation to the day you walk into your finished space.

At Mon.Archi, we believe good architecture starts with clear expectations, trust, and collaboration. Whether you’re planning a renovation or a custom home, here’s what it’s like to work with us from day one.

1. The Discovery Call: Listening First

It all begins with a simple conversation. No pressure. No design pitch. Just listening. This is typically your initial call to the architect or a scheduled appointment following your request for a Free Consultation.

We’ll ask about:

• Your goals for the space

• What you love (and don’t) about your current home

• Budget and timeline hopes

• How you want to live in your future space

You can ask us anything. This is also your chance to get a feel for how we work and whether we’re the right fit for your project. Note that the architect is also gauging the project, the resources and time it will take to produce it, and how it fits into the firm's work time line.

2. Kick-off Meeting: Understanding the Context

Once we’ve established alignment, we’ll visit your property or site. We study light, landscape, existing structures, and the small details that make your home—or future home—unique. This isn’t just technical; it’s emotional. We ask how you feel in the space and how you want to feel.

This is where architects get the meat of your vision so do not hold back. You can tell them everything from the number of bedrooms and baths you want to the gold plated faucet you always wanted in your collection garage (not a typical request but if yours might seem equally absurd, know that it is not; plus architects love a good challenge). In short, this is a meeting you want to be prepared for. If you already have a list of wants or a vision board, you can share it with us. In fact, in preparation for this meeting, the architect likely prepared a survey or questionnaire that will walk you through the process of identifying the list specifics.

3. Proposal & Agreement: Transparent and Tailored

After the visit, we’ll send you a detailed proposal outlining:

• Scope of work

• Phases of design

• Estimated timeline

• Our fee structure or estimated cost of service

• Any anticipated consultants (engineers, surveyors, etc.)

Our goal is to make the terms as clear as the drawings that will follow. No surprises, no fluff.

It is important that you review it carefully because if you later realize the scope of work was missing something, this could impact the estimated cost of the design service down the road. Do not sign the contract until you are completely satisfied with the terms, such as if you wish to amend payment terms, or wish to have additional confidentiality layers.

4. Concept Design: Turning Vision Into Form

This is when your ideas begin to take shape—literally.

We explore layout options, materials, and connections to landscape, light, and nature. You’ll see diagrams, sketches, and sometimes early 3D models. We’ll meet to review them, hear your feedback, and refine the direction until it feels just right. Your architect may reach out every time he has updates and questions or based on the size and complexity of the project, they may choose to have consistent weekly or biweekly meetings.

This stage is about dreaming responsibly—grounded in your goals and budget. Changes at this stage are easy to make but remember that as the project progresses, it becomes more and more costly to make changes.

5. Design Development: From Sketch to Strategy

Here’s where things get technical. We flesh out the design with real dimensions, structure, systems, and materials in mind. If consultants are involved (like structural engineers or MEP specialists), we coordinate with them here and make appropriate changes or adaptations to ensure the project stays realistic and within budget.

It’s where the concept becomes buildable—without losing its soul.

The architect will be counting on you to make timely decisions as you finalize the design of the project.

6. Construction Documents: Getting Ready to Build

We prepare a full set of architectural drawings your contractor will use to price, permit, and build the project. These include:

• Floor plans

• Sections and elevations

• Details

• Door/window schedules

• Specifications

This is the part many clients never see—but it’s where much of the magic (and precision) happens behind the scenes. This stage often takes the longest as all the technical components of the project are being developed.

During this phase it is also important to start researching contractors and any specialty groups not anticipated to be in their contract, such as security systems, or custom cabinetry.

7. Permitting & Bidding: Advocacy in Action

Unless, you seek to do this yourself, we handle coordination with the city and help vet contractors. If needed, we issue documents for pricing and help you review bids so you’re not left interpreting jargon or cost codes alone. Though the lowest bid is always the most desirable, it may not always be the wisest choice.

Often times, clients come to us with a contractor already in mind. This can often help speed up the process as we are able to involve them earlier into the process.

Once a bid and contractor are selected and appropriate permits are secured, you will be ready to start building your dream home!

8. Construction Administration: Design in the Real World

Once the project breaks ground, we stay involved. We answer contractor questions, visit the site periodically, and make sure what’s being built aligns with the design intent. This protects your investment and keeps things moving smoothly.

We see your project through to the end, doing our best to ensure that the home you move into is everything you ever dreamed.

What You Get Along the Way

• A clear roadmap

• Regular check-ins

• Visuals that bring your project to life

• Guidance through decisions (big and small)

• A partner who advocates for your vision and values

Thinking of Starting a Project?

The earlier we connect, the more we can help. Even if you’re just exploring ideas, feel free to schedule a free intro call to talk through what’s possible.

Whether it’s a renovation, addition, or ground-up build, architecture isn’t just about creating something beautiful—it’s about creating something that works for you; Something that represents you.

Let’s build something meaningful.