---
title: "Jesse Lizer — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/jesse-lizer-pfvwus-pf~1199650520
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1199650520.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Jesse Lizer"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/cdd3c94104fb1394_0695-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Dike, Iowa 50624, United States"
phone: "(319) 505-0313"
website: http://www.emergentarch.com
rating: 0
review_count: 0
followers: 27
last_updated: 2026-11-07
---

# Jesse Lizer

Original Houzz profile: [Jesse Lizer](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/jesse-lizer-pfvwus-pf~1199650520)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Dike, IA
- **Houzz rating:** 0.0 out of 5 (0 reviews)

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Influencer

Located in North East Iowa, we specialize in Energy efficient home design.  Focusing on solar design, highly/super insulated and tight structures.  Energy efficient renovations or new design.  Can provide everything from design consultation, construction drawings and services, interior design services, energy efficient renovation consultation and design, solar sun studies, estimated energy use and paybacks, to Energy Star certifications.  Multiple different building styles are reviewed and recommended based on your specific goals and location (zone).

### Typical Job Cost

$2,000 - 5,000

Costs are tailored to your specific needs and scope of services provided

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Jesse Lizer |
| Address | Dike, Iowa 50624, United States |
| Phone | (319) 505-0313 |
| Website | http://www.emergentarch.com |
| License Number | 06948 |
| Followers on Houzz | 27 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Jesse Lizer](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/jesse-lizer-pfvwus-pf~1199650520)
- **Website:** http://www.emergentarch.com
- **Phone:** (319) 505-0313

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Energy Efficient Design Recognitions

**Affiliations**
- [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471)
- [AIA Iowa](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-iowa-pfvwus-pf~1863333408)

## Selected projects

- [Lizer House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lizer-house-pj-vj~969682)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Kelley House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kelley-house-pj-vj~1437455)
  - Location: Waterloo, IA
  - Photos: 5
- [Dhingra House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dhingra-house-pj-vj~969679)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1

[See all 3 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/jesse-lizer-pfvwus-pf~1199650520)

## Ideabooks

- [lzerarc's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/483637/list/lzerarc-s-ideas) — 278 ideas

[See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/lzerarc)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Can you tell me where you purchased the wall light fixtures? Thank you** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: this is actually my home.  The lights are simple off the shelf lights from Menards.  I believe they were only about $50 each or something like that!

**Q: Another thought on the architect** *(in Building a Home)*

Really appreciate everyone's feedback on my architect question the other day (talk me out of using this architect). We are going to use a trusted realtor on our new home build. She has been in the industry forever and is well known in the community. We used her to purchase our current home and she was outstanding. I questioned whether to even use a realtor, but she made it clear that she'd be at every single meeting, reviewing contracts and working on our behalf every step of the way. Based on our experience and her reputation I believe her. 
There are a couple of home builders in the area that meet our criteria. They have outstanding references, have been in business for 30+ years and have a reputation for attention to detail and strong communication. As I was discussing the architect situation with our realtor she said that the builder has two architects that they use. Our goal is to find one of their builds that closely matches our requirements and then use an architect to tweak to our specifications. 
If we go that route (as opposed to using an architect separately), obviously the builder won't let us take their plans out to bid. That concerned me and I told the realtor that could really open us up to paying more than necessary. She said that the couple of top builders we're looking at will charge around 15% and can be expected to come in with competitive bids (as long as we're good with 15%). 
Does this seem reasonable? I know all the architects on the forum will come out of the wood work, but since we plan to base our plan off an existing structure I just can't see paying $20k+ for an independent architect and going out to bid. There are only a couple builders I would consider anyway, so not sure how competitive that bid process would be.

A: If you want the best design for your family and how you use it, use the architect you want to use. Do not use the ones the builder has. they typically work with/for the builder. They come as a team, and there is a reason for it. It benefits the builder in most cases. As a side note, at least around here, very few builders actually have true architects, yet many claim they do. What they actually have is a "designer" with drafting ability. Do not want to jump to conclusions, but if you are serious about them, request if they are actually a licenses architect.

The process is simple, not sure why it needs to be any harder.
Hire the architect you want. Let him/her work through with you your home design based on your program and needs. They will make it fit your site, take day lighting into consideration, materials and products to best fit your needs, etc. That is their job. A builder will typically have a set of options to choose from, and anything differing from that is full retail price add.
Modifying a spec home doesnt mean you will save any money on the construction process. Most builders around here price modified spec homes as they would a full custom home from scratch.
After the architect makes the plans, have the plans bid by 3 or more contractors you like. You get a number, and construction starts. As problems arise, you consult your architect. Remember, they are one your side, looking out for your best interests. They can review change order costs or find solutions to fix issues that may arise other than what a contractor may suggest or push. 
No realtor needed, unless you want to sell or buy an existing home. 
And for full disclosure, yes, I am an architect. However 15% fee for a home? sign me up! Typical rates are anywhere from 3-8 around here.

**Q: Furring strips for siding: Is cement based product acceptable?** *(in Building a Home)*

Hi, all. 
So after much going around and around figuring out how to create an air gap behind our cedar and hardie siding (both vertical), we have arrived at using horizontal furring strips with 1/2" gaps every so often to function as a weep hole within the system (Thank you, Worthy!). Our contractor has suggested ripping down treated plywood (1/2") or 1/4" cement boards.
Is either of these the obvious better option? Any other better choice? I see the light at the end of the tunnel!!! 
Thanks

A: will the strips be used as 100% attachment method for the siding? If so, can not use 1/4" as that is thinner than Hardie allows. I used 3/4" treated plywood ripped and installed it vertically over the 2" thick foam.

**Q: PERSIST Wall System?** *(in Building a Home)*

Has anyone built a house using a PERSIST or REMOTE wall system? Thoughts? Gotchas?

A: I assume you are familiar with Green Building Adviser. You will be hard pressed to find someone building a wall to that insulated standard on this forum. GBA will be your best resource for those types of walls. Congrats on considering advanced construction methods.

**Q: foudation poured, second floor almost framed, freaking out** *(in Building a Home)*

I just realized that my architect put in 4 ft windows in the basement and in the basement bedroom he put in 4'5''( egress). They seem ginormous, I am upset beyond belief. Builder ordered all windows ( actually made a mistake by ordering 1/2 ft bigger windows for the first floor). I was so focused on windows on the 1st and 2nd floors I didn't look at the basement. The basement windows except egress are just above ground, but look sooo big. Has anyone seen anything like this?

A: doesnt sound like its a problem...however I hope you are/were not mad at the architect!....

**Q: Cost to Build** *(in Building a Home)*

Hi, i have a question. Has any one here used cost to build from Startbuild.com? If so how accurate is their estimate and does it only include material and no labor? Or both? I need it to provide to my bank to get a loan. Thanks

A: Do you have final building plans to give to subs to get bids? If the answer is no, then you need to start there. As others noted, you will need complete bids or accurate estimates to provide the bank to cover every possible cost of the project from site and grading to the final shingle on the roof. Then have some contingency. You will also need the final plans and specs for the bank for them to develop a pre construction value of the built home to know if your costs are more than its assumed appraised value.

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*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-07.*