Step 1: Architect

This is the generally accepted answer!

Worthy would be the best person to ask.

"Perfect" in your eyes is not necessarily anything buildable either from an engineering or code aspect, or even a human comfort aspect. I'd post it here first to get some feedback on your ideas, and if the consensus is good, then you could go to a drafter. If the consensus is to stick with your day job and leave the designing to the professionals, then you need to visit an architect

Brandy456 is in Canada.

And if she/he is anywhere in the Golden Horseshoe or Vancouver, I'd advise avoiding architects unless you're in the high end. In the Toronto GTA expect to cough up $50K-$120K+++ for 4,000 sf.

Instead, look for an architectural technologist. In Ontario, check the membership listings at the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario website for their member lists.

Better than random websites--most of which are American with different preferences--check out model homes in your area. Pick up their floorplans and go from there. Tract homebuilders spend a lot of money on plans that work best for most buyers and that are economical to build. By the time the plan is turned into architectural drawings for your site, tastes and needs it's usually unrecognizable.

Of course, if you're absolutely set on your own design, you can go directly to a technologist and they will turn it into something buildable.

Though their bargain prices are tempting, I would avoid non-qualified self-designated "designers" or "architectural designers" or whatever weaselly appellations they've dreamt up. Owning a CAD programme doesn't qualify you to offer your services as a design professional.

This post was edited by worthy on Fri, Jan 11, 13 at 13:48