In my area the city ask for drawings showing all the changes. Usually a kitchen and bath designer draws the floor plans. I am not sure you need an architect.

Yes, NY State requires an Architect for pretty much any building renovation that requires a permit.

A typical Architect's fee in your area in my experience (I worked in Ossining, lived in Nyack for several years) for residential work was anywhere from 10%-20% of the construction cost. At that rate, $3,000 for what you are doing sounds like a bargain, actually. Keep in mind the Architect doesn't just "do the drawings." The drawings an Architect completes for permit and construction are the representation of *thought*: code research, coordination of disciplines (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural), planning, budgeting and some amount of design work. The Architect backs the accuracy of their work with their license and their insurance coverage, so you are paying for something with a significant value when compared to trying to do the same work without that professional's input and back-up.

But try several Architects. You will probably get different fees from each. Just be sure you are asking each of them to price out the same scope of work. Be specific. Contact me off line if you want a recommendation.

Best to check with your city or town's permit office to see what they want. It would seem that every district varies somewhat.

How did the project go? Would you recommend the contractors you worked with? If so, who are they and would love to see pics.