whomever you choose, be sure to check their previous work and take the time to find out real references. It is important that you understand their nature and their method of working. Communication and receptivity to ideas is tantamount to a good working relationship

Maybe speak with your builder and with the people who set the building codes for your region and find out if you need architectural drawings or structural engineers drawings ... This will point you in the right direction .
If you can get away with concept drawings (like I do ) then this can give your builders something to work to, and give you an idea of what the finished result will be ! So I guess you could say I'm the Something else ! Lol !!!

There are many architect's in the Midwest that specialize in historic rehabilitation and renovation. I suggest you contact the local historic society for references or check some other sources like "Design 1900" or "American Bungalow Magazine".

I am sorry to hear you have had a bad experience working with a design professional in the past. It seems this happens all too often. Choosing the right design professional should not be taken lightly. You need to interview, look at the work they have done, call their past/current clients, etc. In other words do you DD.

Based on the description you have provided I would put together a TEAM consisting of a designer/architect, interior designer, structural engineer, and contractor.

The designer/arch and interior designers will be able to put the necessary drawings and specifications together to allow your contractor to provide you with a solid price. These documents should also help the contractor develop and stay on schedule. Since you are moving interior walls around it is likely you will need to add piers, dropped sills, and other structural components to properly redistribute loads.

A large portion of the work I do involves renovations like the one you are getting ready to undertake. Our clients that invest in planning upfront are able to stay on budget and on schedule. Those that opt to try to save a few bucks by either getting minimal drawings or none at all are the ones who go way over budget and are in construction forever.

Selecting the right TEAM members is critical and will make the difference between a good and bad experience.

Thanks to everyone for the comments! I think a team approach probably makes the most sense, so thank you Dullea. I had also wondered about a structural engineer but the GC's and other contractors I've spoken to never bring that up. I'm glad you mentioned it. I admit, I wondered about whether or not we really "needed" one, mostly based upon our last experience. Ultimately though I agree we do need one, if for no other reason than to bring new ideas to the table and map out our goals on paper. Thanks again everyone! Now I'm off to begin interviewing architects, designers and more :)

Keep in mind that although the building code has span tables and structural guidelines it is written for the minimum requirements. A good contractor will appreciate structural drawings.

Make sure everyone you interview has experience with residential renovation projects. They are considerably different from new construction.

I wish you all the best with your project!

You are wise to look carefully at the issues in updating an older home. Most contractors are going to tell you that they are experienced in remodeling, but remodeling a 100 year old home is a different experience than working on something built in the past 20 or 30 years. Many older homes have preexisting structural issues due to prior remodeling/updating work; one common cause is HVAC duct installers cutting supports when changing a hot water/steam heat system to forced air. In my area, certain types of work such as attic conversions require the drawings to be stamped by a licensed architect or structural engineer. I used an architect for my gut remodel job because I wanted to make certain that I wasn't going to have any issues with permits and code enforcement and it was money well spent because the cost was actually much less than you might expect.

Here is the approach I would take. Find a local architect who specialized in Historic renovations. You can do so by contracting the local historical society, as was suggested above, or even the local chapter of AIA and ask them for a reference. A good architect will be able to incorporate structural drawings into their plans. They typically collaborate with structural engineers and there may not be a need for you to go through the trouble to search and hire one separately. You should provide your GC with as many details as possible on the plans so that you can limit the "unknowns" and everyone is on the same page. With a house like yours you will have some field conditions that need to be resolved, that no one can possibly see at the pre-planning stages. This is the main reason to work with a good architect and GC also. They will be able to collaborate and respond to those issues quickly and without overcharging you.

Finding a good GC early on in the process is also a great approach. This way the GC can be involved in the architectural plan meetings and provide direction in terms of cost and viably of the various construction elements you and your architect discuss. I think the team approach, where you build the team, is a great idea, but you can also find an architectural firm that can coordinate the various members of that team for you. This saves you time and effort and there maybe much more synergy when professionals are working with those they are comfortable with.

Of course, get estimates up front for all the design work that needs to be done. You may not be able to get the exact costs, since these types of professionals typically charge by their time spent, but you should be able to get a good idea or price range based on your scope of work.

Good luck with your project!