When designing (and building) a custom home in Ithaca, NY, or the Finger Lakes, choosing the right residential architect is key to bringing your vision to life. You want a partner who understands and can execute your vision, in addition to working well with your collaboration style. But how do you evaluate architects to determine which firm is right for you?

Our team covers 6 points to consider when selecting a residential architecture firm, including what to look for in a portfolio, the benefits of a design-build partner, and FAQs about the overall process.

Ready to start a project? So are we. Book a consultation to learn how we can design your home.

The Key Takeaways:

Design-build architects are ideal for first-time home builders because they streamline the communication process. Working with a single partner backed by a team of expert craftsmen means you don’t have to manage multiple contractors.
Ithaca, NY architects are attuned to the area’s unique landscape and regulations. Look for architects who balance your sustainability, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
Schedule basic consultations with multiple residential architects to get a sense of their communication style and design philosophy. This is a great chance to ask about their process and gain insights into their portfolio.

1. Define Your Vision & Needs (A Basic Consultation)

The first step in evaluating a residential architect is identifying what you need from the project—in other words, why do you need an architect? Are you looking for a completely custom home, a renovation, or an addition to your existing property? What design features or functionalities do you want to prioritize? What is your budget or timeline?

These logistical questions are just a few starting points when considering a design partner. Of course, you don’t know what you don’t know, especially if this is your first home build. We recommend consulting with an experienced residential architect to walk you through the design process.

Besides clarifying your goals, an initial consultation helps you articulate design challenges you may be facing (e.g., limited space, storage needs, accessibility requirements) and learn how the architect would approach them. The point of the consultation is not to get an immediate solution but, rather, to see if you align with the architect’s process and the role they will play in the project.

We recommend booking a basic consultation with multiple architects to see which firm aligns most with your needs and values.

2. Check Their Portfolio & Design Style

An architect’s portfolio can tell you a lot about their creative vision. While most residential architects can adapt their style to their client’s preferences, many gravitate toward a specific aesthetic and may specialize in a look.

When exploring a firm’s portfolio, look for projects that resonate with your aesthetic as well as insights into how they solved a client’s spatial challenges or requests. This can include a mix of residential projects and commercial spaces. If the portfolio doesn’t match your vision, ask if the team can adapt to your style or consider a firm more experienced in your style.

What to consider when evaluating a residential architect’s portfolio:

Which projects appeal to your style and why?
How does the architect incorporate the client’s goals or lifestyle into the design?
How does the surrounding environment factor into the design?
How does the architect resolve site constraints to deliver a functional and beautiful space?
Does the architect’s project curation showcase their strengths?
Can you find testimonials or reviews testifying to the quality of work?

Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for additional references or talk to the designers to probe their design philosophy.

As an Ithaca-based residential architecture firm, Trade Design Build specializes in contemporary custom homes and modern commercial architecture that blend seamlessly with the natural environment. We prioritize long-lasting natural building materials to limit our carbon footprint. And our designers and craftsmen tailor our clients’ homes to their lifestyles, focusing on quality-of-life details that enhance rather than adorn.

3. Look for Integrated Design-Build Services

Unlike traditional architecture processes that focus solely on concepts and design, modern design-build firms integrate design and construction services into a frictionless process. Clients often prefer design-build firms because they manage and advise on every aspect of the project, from start to finish.

Advantages of Integrated Design-Build Construction:

Clients only work with one vendor, avoiding the hassle of finding, vetting, and managing multiple contractors.
Having a single point of contact ensures consistent communication and reduces confusion.
Open collaboration between designers and builders reduces friction, producing a more cohesive final product.

The design-build model is central to Trade’s process. Not only does it reduce choice fatigue by providing clients with design-informed recommendations throughout the project, but bringing builders into the design process early ensures concepts are grounded, feasible, and within budget.

We take the process further by integrating woodshop services. Meticulously crafted custom furniture and built-in casework help bring our clients’ vision to life.

4. Visit Their Projects

Touring an architect’s completed projects is one of the best ways to experience their capabilities. While this can be more difficult with residential architects for privacy reasons, check their portfolio to see if they’ve completed commercial projects such as restaurants, bars, wineries, or other community spaces.

Visiting a completed space will give you a tangible idea of how well the architect executed the client’s vision. How does it feel to be in and move throughout the area? How do the design choices reflect the resident’s preferences or the client’s brand? The best architects in Ithaca, NY, focus on the details, combining functionality with delight. Ultimately, quality craftsmanship should keep the design intent intact throughout the project.

5. Ask About Sustainability Practices

Like many communities in the Finger Lakes Region, Ithaca residents share a passion for eco-friendly design choices. Sustainable building practices that consider the natural surroundings encourage custom homes tailored to their location.

As a leading residential architecture firm in Ithaca, NY, Trade Design Build invests in sustainable home design. Sustainable materials are the responsible choice given that, often, the go-to materials used in standard construction projects are petroleum-based or can be unhealthy to live around.

We focus on sourcing natural or recycled materials that are equally beautiful and functional, and our team is experienced in installing energy-efficient systems that enhance home performance. Trade is well-versed in Ithaca’s regulations and sustainability-related incentives.

6. Align on Communication & Collaboration Styles

Designing and building a custom home involves a consistent back-and-forth between you and the architect. As such, your communication styles must align to encourage productive collaboration.

Does the team actively listen to your needs? How do they address feedback and adapt? Do they explain their perspective clearly? The relationship must begin with mutual respect and accountability to proceed.

From a logistical perspective, ask about the team’s communication and project management process. Some questions to consider:

Who is your main point of contact?
How frequently will you receive project updates?
Is there a way to monitor timelines and progress outside of regular meetings?
How will they communicate and resolve challenges?
How much involvement will you have in the decision-making process?

There’s no single “right” answer to these questions—ultimately, it comes down to your preferred communication and collaboration style. Residential architecture firms are capable of designing homes based on your brief, but the best results come from active collaboration from both sides. Talk to the architect to figure out an enjoyable process that suits your relationship.

Selecting a Residential Architecture Firm FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a residential architect?

The cost varies depending on the scope of your project, the architect’s experience, and the pricing structure. Architects may charge a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the project cost (typically 5-15%). It's important to discuss fees upfront to ensure they align with your budget.

How long does the design process take?

The design timeline depends on the complexity of your project. Concept development, revisions, and finalizing plans could take many months, accounting for decisions and feedback. The construction phase takes about a year to complete, averaging 10–16 months. Be sure to ask your architect for an estimated timeline during your initial consultation.

Do architects handle zoning regulations and permits?

Yes, most residential architects determine if there are zoning issues through a zoning and code analysis. This is especially important in Ithaca, where zoning requirements can vary based on location and environmental factors. Trade Design Build’s construction team pulls the building permit.

What is the difference between a design-build firm and a traditional architect?

A traditional architect focuses solely on design, creating plans that contractors then build. A design-build firm manages both design and construction as separate contracts managed under one partner. This offers a streamlined approach that reduces the need for coordination between multiple parties.

Can I make changes to the design after it’s finalized?

While changes are possible, they may come with additional fees or impact the timeline. It’s best to address all major design elements during the planning phase to avoid costly adjustments later.

What should I bring to the initial consultation?

Bring ideas, inspiration, and any documents that outline your project needs. This could include photos of homes you like, a Pinterest Page or mood board, a rough budget, a list of priorities, and details about the site, such as surveys or existing plans.

Working With a Residential Architecture Firm in Ithaca, NY

Choosing a residential architect in Ithaca, NY, is about more than technical skills. The goal is to find someone who understands your vision, respects your budget, and values the unique character of the Ithaca area. By taking the time to consult, review portfolios, visit projects, and assess their communication style, you’ll set the foundation for a successful home design.

Trade Design Build is a boutique firm that prioritizes quality craftsmanship, sustainable building, and intentional modern design. Our design-build and woodshop capabilities cover all the client needs to craft a seamless partnership.

Tell us about your project to learn how we can realize your home.

(6 Tips) How to Choose a Residential Architect in Ithaca, NY