Tell us the location and post the design.

Post here and you'll probably get the best advice you can for free. This site has several excellent architects, including JDS, who are willing to help.

Warning -- often the advice at this forum is "go hire a local architect and start over." Just brace yourself for that possibility. ;)

I'm building a modern home too and am excited to see your designs. Include "inspiration pics" if possible! :)

love modern architecture, looking forward to seeing your plans!

Post it up! You can also search HOUZZ for professionals and find your inspiration pics. I am also building a modern home (forever / last home too!) and would love to see your initial thoughts - be specific in what you are trying to accomplish - designer skills vary - you MIGHT want to start looking at some stock plans and see if a layout works for you. If you are starting 100% from scratch or have unique desires / needs then, yes, a true architect is the right answer...

If you are already working with a house designer (whatever that is), why are you asking for recommendations for "...someone who specializes in designing contemporary homes...?" Are you not satisfied? What does the term "contemporary" mean to you? It's really more of a real estate term than an architectural term...

Warning -- often the advice at this forum is "go hire a local architect and start over." Just brace yourself for that possibility. ;)

Only when what is being shown is obviously not well planned out with no thought to how the inside/outside relate to one another.

I also don't understand the term "house designer", it this an architect, interior designer, or maybe a general contractor?

Often the best advice is the advice you didn't want to hear.

Architecture is taught by the "critical method" meaning building designs are presented to a jury of professionals who criticize them without mercy so online architects might not apologize for their critical observations and opinions. But if that is the price you must pay for free professional advice it is wise to be prepared for it and to try not to take it personally.

Architectural advice was once shouted down on the GW but it has flourished with the ownership of Houzz. Take it for what its worth while it lasts.

I try to end my free online architectural critiques with, " . . . and you're ugly".

JDS, so true and I know I'm so thankful for all the architects who didn't sugar coat it for me.

I've always been found of the "you're ugly and your mother dresses you funny" myself. But I try to stifle that much humor as it appears to offend Virgil's sensibilities.

LOL at you all!

"Architecture is taught by the "critical method" meaning building designs are presented to a jury of professionals who criticize them without mercy..."

This explains SO MUCH of the advice professional architects offer on this forum! I have a legal degree, so I totally understand how a few years of professional school can train your brain into a certain communication style. (I'm now an at-home mom and my 4-year-old mimics me "Objection! Asked and answered!")

Anyway...my delicate ego didn't enjoy the critique on this group BUT I truly appreciate the direction we went. I now have a house plan I'm psyched about, and the architect and I are now coffee buddies -- our kids happen to be similar ages and our new build happens to be in her neighborhood!

Now that so many of the gardenweb's brilliant minds are involved in this thread I'm especially excited to see the OP's draft!

Anyway...my delicate ego didn't enjoy the critique on this group BUT I truly appreciate the direction we went.

I remember your first postings here. I figured we had lost you forever after the beating you took. Of course that was before I knew you were a lawyer. ;)

Jannicone wrote, "...But I try to stifle that much humor as it appears to offend Virgil's sensibilities..." Thank you very much, I truly appreciate your comments. Most folks tend to say I have no sensibilities at all. I rate that as a rare distinction! :-)

Now I want to see the plans. I see many houses on this website I don't consider contemporary. In Southern California there is lots of very contemporary.

I've posted a few plans and have received some excellent critical advice. Like any advice in life, take it with a grain of salt and maybe a shot of tequila if that's your thing. Even if no one loves your plan - which is entirely possible - you'll be forced to think through it in ways you didn't before.

Sophie- LOL

Hi Everyone, thank you so much for your comments and advice. During the process of trying to get permission from my house designer to post the plan. My friend had recommend me an architect to review my house plan. I will see how it goes.

"To minimize cost, we have been working with a house designer."

So now you are paying for the services of a house designer AND an architect. Too many times I hear of people paying for a designer and finding the 'cost' is more than just money.

I try to end my free online architectural critiques with, " . . . and you're ugly".

:>)