Why do I need an architect?

As I prepare for the Midwest Home Show (Nov. 19 - 21), I wonder who will be the first to ask me, “Why do I need an architect to design my home?”  It’s almost like a challenge or a dare.  People walk by my booth and see photos of well designed homes.  They know there is something different about these homes than most of the homes they encounter.  They can’t say what it is, but they see it just the same.  So they comment on how nice the homes look and then ask the question. 

So, I answer them because they paid to get into the show and I like to talk to people.  “You don’t need an architect to design your home.”   

Wow! Am I a great sales person or what?  No, you don’t need an architect.  But when you think about how much money you spend on a home and how big of an impact your home has on your life, maybe you should.  

Then the real conversation begins.

Think about the cars we drive.  Does anyone ever stop and ask why do I need a car that has been designed by a car designer?  Can’t I just do it myself or get my mechanic to do it for me?  No, they don’t because everyone knows they aren't qualified to design a car.  We spend way too much money on cars for them not to be designed by someone trained to do so.  

Hmm... so if you wouldn't do it with a car, why would you do it with a house that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars and that you want to last more than a life time?  Good question.

With the advent of HGTV, home owners have become much more aware of what can be achieved in home design.  But that doesn't mean they see a need to work with an architect.  But the question is the same, do you want to spend so much money on something not designed by someone who is trained to do so?  

While not everyone will use an architect to design their home, maybe they should.  Everyone can benefit from some level of architectural involvement in the design of a new home or addition.  A simple consultation can keep you from making mistakes that will cost you in the future.

I know my answer to this question will not instantly change the percentage of homes designed by architects, but for many of the people I have talked it has.  It has meant the difference between struggling through a complex and difficult process and the joy of designing and living in the home of their dreams.


So what do you think?  Can you benefit from the expertise of someone whose job and training it is to think through every day the issues you are facing with your new home or addition?