Finding the Right Designer

Top 3 Considerations when choosing a design partner.

Designing a custom home isn't solely about plans; it's about collaboration. When you hire a designer, you’re not simply paying for drawings. You’re investing in someone’s ability to translate your story, site, and priorities into a livable, lasting home. Finding the right designer begins with understanding what to look for in their work, their process, and the relationship you’ll build together.

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1. Look at the Portfolio

   Each designer has a unique set of skills they apply across a range of styles. Some focus deeply on a specific vernacular, while others bring a broader, more adaptable approach shaped by experience and training. Ask yourself these questions when reviewing portfolios:

   1. Does the work resonate with you, and can you explain why?

      Being able to articulate what draws you to certain spaces or details matters more than simply liking the images.

   2. Is there in-progress or "on-the-boards" work?

      This often reveals how a designer develops ideas and if the portfolio is a mirror or a mix of itself, for example. If the portfolio is very similar to finished work, it may reflect specialization, while a broader range of work often signals adaptability.

   3. Can you see your own project taking shape in this portfolio?

If the answer to these questions is yes, you're likely on the right path.

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2. Expect a Relationship, Not a Transaction

   Designing a home is an ongoing conversation. Timeframes vary depending on complexity, scope, and how decisions unfold. This is not a one-time exchange, but a professional relationship that can span months, sometimes longer, from early design through construction.

Ask yourself:

• Is this someone I trust to guide me through an important investment?

• Am I comfortable building a working relationship that extends beyond a single phase?

If the answer is yes, you're likely on the right path.

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3. Understand the Process

   Every studio has its own way of working, but most projects move through similar stages from discovery and conceptual design to construction documents and coordination.

   
   

   At Folding Oaks, each phase is approached with transparency and collaboration so clients always understand where their project stands and what comes next. Clear communication early in the process leads to smoother decisions later.

What to Look Forward To

The design process should feel engaging, not intimidating. You'll see ideas evolve from sketches to 3D models to construction drawings, a visual story of your home taking shape. At its best, design is a creative partnership built on trust, curiosity, and shared intent.

Site sketch with house revealing opportunities and constraints.

One important distinction worth understanding is the difference between a designer and a draftsman. A good designer doesn't simply draw what's requested; they help uncover possibilities you may not have considered, thanks to the extensive training and experience they bring to the table. This brings us to the topic of fees.

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A Brief Note on Fees

While this topic could warrant an entire article of its own, it's important to acknowledge it here. Custom homes often involve multiple professionals: a draftsman, a design professional, a surveyor, a structural engineer, a geotechnical engineer, an interior designer, and, occasionally, other specialists.

Design fees are often higher than those for stock or online plans, which are priced by volume. Custom design, by contrast, reflects a collaborative process shaped around a specific client, site, and set of goals.

It's often helpful to view design fees as a proportion of the overall construction budget rather than as an isolated number. When approached that way, the value becomes clearer. Ultimately, design is an investment in how you live, not a set of line items to compare.