It is always good to interview 3 or 4 people. I think you will know it when you click with someone. I don't think anyone will sketch up or draw up ideas without a contract first. We've all been taken advantage of and been burned too many times on that.

You have options. You can talk with only architects, or you can also talk with some design/build general contractors that do both the design and then move into the construction. You can find design/build firms by looking at the website of your local home builders association or by going to nahb.org and look in the find a remodeler section (and put in your location). The advantage of design/build is that you don't lose the momentum and the vision when you move from discussions about the design into implementation. They already have worked with you for many, many hours and understand what you are trying to achieve.

I think it is best to talk with both type firms and see how you feel about them. Good luck.

You don't get work you don't pay for. If you like their past work, and click with them, then put down a retainer.

I think you need a good designer instead of an architect BTW you will have to pay for real plans and of course you need to see some examples of their work and also talk to some references that they should name

You may need a structural engineer if you are removing walls, an architect if you are doing a space and are looking for a theme, a designer to incorporate elements into the space and a kitchen designer to design and build cabinetry. It depends upon your budget and what you final goal is whether it makes sense or not.

Whoever you hire, I suggest having them engage a structural engineer early in the conceptual design process to give you an idea of how structurally feasible the work you want to do is (which will save you a lot of time and money vs. engaging them once the architectural design is farther along).

Service professionals do and should charge for their time. Its a competitive industry, and if we gave away our time for free to every client, then we wouldn't make enough to stay in business. That being said, its reasonable to expect that they can spend an initial meeting with you going over some very rough ideas (verbally even) prior to being hired.

Good Luck!

@ayeletbrenner If you interested in design work, please leave me your email in my message box here, maybe I can help you with what you're looking to do.

Thanks!

Nine hundred square feet is the size of a decent garden apartment. You must have some idea of what you are trying to accomplish. Is it a town house, or free standing home? Try posting some photo's of the space, and a LOOSE idea, of what you'd like to accomplish. Here. You may get some direction, or some takers.