List of wants and needs, realistic budget and a bubble diagram is really it. Possible a few inspiration pictures of the style and look you are after would help but do not dive too much into online plans as you will start to become attached and actually handcuff your potential architect.

You call several local architects and talk to them. By doing this you will get a comfort level and get to know their differences. Make your decision on who to work with by budget, capabilities, and ease to work with (and anything else you choose). Get the conversation going.

We started with Susan Lang's book Designing Your Dream Home. It will certainly get the juices flowing and will prepare you to meet with an Architect.

Time is money! Be prepared when you visit the architect.

When you have your budget, look at the homes in your area that fit. That'll help you see what you you can get. You may get a match.

I wrote down a long answer to this question here. But basically, decide what you want, then look to see if you can buy it on the market. If yes, don't build. If no, get specific about you want and take steps to see if you can afford it. Then look for architects.

What I would build is not available near me. I don’t honestly know how above budget I am.

Are any of the great architects on this board in the DMV?

We have an wide budget but probably want to stay “economical”. In our area economical is half a million... so what I want is a lot more

Department of Motor Vehicles?

Outside of building an idea book, I don’t see the point in any of this until you find the lot on which you want to build. The cost of the lot is the beginning of setting your budget. In my area a good, buildable lot will list around $350.00/400,000. Build @ $250/300 a sq ft and the cost spirals quickly. And you still haven’t factored in landscaping.

A custom build is going to cost more than going with a production builder, who buys in quantity. Why not start looking at new builds for sale and see if the quality meets your approval.

We have built and renovated several homes in the last 20 years. I prefer finding a “house with good bones” and renovating.

DC, Maryland & Virginia AKA Inside the beltway. Not going anywhere near it anytime soon.

Don‘t blame you! Yes it is Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and DC.

In this area the dmv is MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration)

Thank you Judy, I wish I could get a lot for that!

Architectrunnerguy AKA ARG is not too far away and is experienced with remote collaborative design. I can't seem to link from his name but search for him, click on his name and send him a message. You can find projects he has done on the forum.

i have read his posts. Thank you!

Hi, Anne,

You can pursue any of three paths:

1. Design a home and then find a suitable property on which to build it.

2. Purchase a property and then design a home that works on the property.

3. Do 1.) and 2.) concurrently.

For any of the above scenarios you need to know that what you have in mind is viable within your intended budget. To that end, tour model homes and spec homes in your area with the construction features, floor plans, and amenities you're looking for. Keep in mind that constructing something similar will cost more. If, after doing that you believe your project is viable, then begin the process of putting together a team to include your architect and your builder.