I am pleased to provide a searchable directory of home professionals who embrace the philosophy of designing and building Not So Big.
Homeowners
Looking for a professional to help you design, build, or remodel your home? The Home Professionals Directory is the best place to find someone who is aligned with the Not So Big books and principles.*
Home Professionals
If you are involved in home design and improvement and your work is in keeping with Not So Big aims, there is no better way to connect with your ideal clients than to register for the Home Professionals Directory.
*I cannot vet registrants, but all those listed on the Directory are familiar with the Not So Big House book series and have listed themselves because they are interested in serving clients who want such a house.
As you go about the selection process, check that the architect is interested in the issues that are bringing you to seek out architectural help. Currently, residential architecture is practiced regularly by only a small number of architects. Although many architects enjoy designing houses, if they are inexperienced in home design, the process may not go smoothly. Just as you wouldn’t go to a dentist for a sore foot, when you select an architect, it’s best to search for someone who has made houses their specialty.
Check references carefully. Verify that the architect is licensed and permitted to provide services in the state in which your property is located.
Study their style. Make sure that you like the character and quality of the architect’s work.
Communicate clearly about your expectations, including budget. As described in Chapter Five of The Not So Big House, people’s goals regarding dreams, details and dollars rarely coincide. The architect and the client need to work together to make sure that compromises are made in either quality, quantity or cost to design a home that the client can afford. If a builder is selected early in the design process, he or she can also help by giving pricing information. This is by far the most difficult part of any house design process. Don’t think it will go away by not discussing it.
Come prepared to each architect interview. Bring this list of Questions To Ask An Architect During Your Selection Process.
No results for your area on the Directory? Check out your local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Some chapters maintain a list of their members who specialize in residential projects. The AIA also has a searchable data base of all its members, and a list of all of the chapters, so you can find one close to you.
Another great resource for finding architects is Houzz. Just search for licensed architects specializing in residential design.
Books
Designing Your Perfect House by William J. Hirsch Jr., AIA
How To Work With An Architect by Gerald Lee Morosco, AIA
If you need assistance in searching or registering for the directory, please contact us.
300-101 400-101 300-320 300-070 300-206 200-310 300-135 300-208 810-403 400-050 640-916 642-997 300-209 400-201 200-355 352-001 642-999 350-080 MB2-712 400-051 C2150-606 1Z0-434 1Z0-146 C2090-919 C9560-655 642-64 100-101 CQE CSSLP 200-125 210-060 210-065 210-260 220-801 220-802 220-901 220-902 2V0-620 2V0-621 2V0-621D 300-075 300-115 AWS-SYSOPS 640-692 640-911 1Z0-144 1z0-434 1Z0-803 1Z0-804 000-089 000-105 70-246 70-270 70-346 70-347 70-410