Hi,
You have asked a number of very good questions! Rather than try to address everything in this space, I would encourage you to call me any time at 206-467-2880 and we can discuss your questions in detail. Here is a link to the FINNE Architects website: http://www.FINNE.com. Your can also find us on HOUZZ.
Regards,
--Nils Finne, AIA

My husband is a residential architect but not in your area. However, those are the questions you will want to ask whomever you call. Call several because they will have different answers. But also go in and talk to your "finalists" face to face because personality chemistry is definitely important. It will be a long involved process with lots and lots of talking so be comfortable with the person you choose. You will be involved all they way, every day, until you move in, with the architect and with the builder you will ultimately choose. Your architect should help you with the interview process of builders also. Good luck.

As with any large metropolitan, the land would take up a large part of the budget, especially in locations closer to downtown areas. Architects can charge in a number of ways depending which one you decided to work with. The benefit of working with an architect is you can literally have any features you want in a house, it would mean more hours spent on designing and detailing. Even when designs are 'finalized', there will be items that you will have second thoughts and might want to change as construction progresses and you see the design come to life.

I am recent grad (M Arch) with three year of experience form one of the Tops firms in Seattle. I am independently working and my rates are extremely affordable. Let me know how i can help you. info@alanostudio.com OR call me 4256980196

alwaysdesigning is spot on....interview as many architects as your time and patience allows, and don't select one strictly on the basis of fees. Designing a custom home is a very personal experience, and your architect ideally will be a guide, educator, and sounding board during the creative process. Needless to say, you need to feel extremely comfortable with him or her, as communication is the foundation upon which any successful architect-client relationship is built. Having a two-way dialogue is key--after all, it's your house, and hiring a good architect is the key first step in making it your home!

Best of luck with your project!

There are no definitive answers to your questions. As to cost, the answers will depend more on how much you're willing to budget towards your project. Land cost will depend on location. Downtown or water front will cost more...........you would expect water front on Mercer Island would cost more than a hill side lot on the outskirts of Bellevue. The rule is location, location location and the better locations cost more.

Secondly, style and finishes will determine your square footage cost. I could design you a modern home that was a square box and its square footage cost wouldn't be the same as one with cantilevered balconies and disappearing window walls.

Your best bet is to hire an Architect that has done projects in a style that you like and one that you can see building a working relationship with. He can give help you establish the budget that will include your land cost as well as your project cost. and fit it within your resources.

The determining factor is going to be how much you can or are willing to allocate to your project.. If you're willing to put up $2-3M the finished project and location will be quite different than if you' can only allocate $500,000.