Where can I find a good architect that won't cost me $20,000? I'm interested in West Indies/French Quarter style with a small carriage house. I love Eric Watson, Whorter, and a few others but can't afford them. Any suggestions?

If you don't want to spend the money for a custom design, find plans which are not one-of-a-kind, and you will be able to get them relatively cheap, and most can be tweaked for a nominal upcharge. My suggestion is to start by asking those architects whom you already like. Perhaps they already have a design which might work for you, at a reduced cost.

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understand that architects not only design the home, they have alot to do with the construction of it. just saying...

call ed rolan (850)814-2642. he's a great friend, great architect and is giving great deals right about now....not enough work out there for everyone.

Thanks SJ - I'll do that.

Many neighborhood associations here require architectural plans for the homes so the idea of tweeking pre-designed plans may not work.

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Garner Chandler, Broker-Associate, CRE, CCIM
Beach Properties of Florida
850-218-1020
http://www.lifeonshore.com

In addition, the site is a primary consideration in the design of a building, and choosing a stock plan, making decisions isolated from the site conditions, does not produce the most satisfying
design solution. A good architect can save you a lot of money by creating a design that fits your needs explicitly. My two cents.

Hey,

My sweet hubby is great (in my incredibly-biased opinion)! His most recent finished project is the EO Wilson Biophilia Center at Nokuse Plantation in Freeport.

You can see some of his work at www.pvandr.com or www.anthonyvallee.com.

Anthony Vallee
850-532-3951

He'd love to see how he can help you.

You can search on SoWal for "Modern Housing". This thread has a couple of residential images. We are able to do more traditional designs as well. Is your site within any development with an Architectural Review Board? Thanks. Ed

I highly recommend Matthew Savoie if you're interested in West Indies/French Quarter style. Check out www.mcsavoie.com and his phone number is 850.622.0057.

Scooter - the reason the architects you mention cost that much is because they are highly trained, do a good job, and spend a lot of time on your project - it's a definite case of "you get what you pay for".

Since you seem to have some favorite local architects, maybe you could approach them about a reuse of one of their previous designs - it is usually cheaper than a fully custom design.

Hiring the cheapest architect you can find or an unlicensed draftsman is like getting the cheapest doctor or a med student to perform surgery on you - the money you save isn't worth it and there's a reason why there are rules against it.

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The enemy is ignorance.

Thanks so much for all your replies. I've loved Eric Watson from day one. I've contacted him and he is more affordable than I originally thought. Hopefully, we will be working together soon.

www.cfhdesignstudio.com.
Chandra Hartman....excellent designs!

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www.TeresaClineGallery.com
GOING TO THE DOGS

Bill Pantsari

(850) 231-7096

bill@pantsari.com

Hi Scooter,
If Eric doesn't work out, talk with Doman Bock Architects LLC
Ron Doman and Doug Bock are from Louisiana, live here now, with many plans that fit your West Indies/ French Quarter design requirement. They designed many homes and commercial bldgs in Rosemary Beach, check out their portfolio at: www.domanbock.com/portfolio . They are the Town Architects for Draper Lake Coastal Village where their office is in the Sales Center. We are intersted, as a builder, in building some of their plans in Draper Lake and other communitis aong 30A etc.

David W. Thomas Homes, LLC would like to build your home for you!

There are many wonderful architect in Sowal, but I love Ron Domin, his website is:

http://www.dominbock.com/

I have never worked with anyone that was so dedicated and easy going, he will do whatever it takes.

Tell him BB sent you!

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"Save the tata's!!!"

Hi BB
I just suggested Ron and Doug to Scooter, they really are outstanding, its great for Scooter to hear from a homeowners perspective as well as a builder!

I also love Domin Bock. Been in a few of their houses. I will definitely talk with them also before making a decision. Thanks again for all your help!!!!! Who Dat!!!!!!!

WOW! Their work is beautiful. The residents of SoWal are truly blessed to have such stunning architecture compliment one of the most beautiful natural environments in the U.S.!

Hi Scooter,
Please allow us to take a look at your home plans and bid on building your home!

David W. Thomas Homes, LLC
ffimg1@aol.com
850-774-1359

Try Darrell Russell. He use to be with Looney Ricks and Kiss, but recently opened his own firm, A Boheme Design. Here's their link:

Home Page

I have worked with Darrell Before and been very happy.

Also, I am now building a new house and HIGHLY recommend Harvey Gersham, GCCI, as a contractor. Here's his link:

GCCI

Working with Harvey has been an unbelievable experience. He goes way overboard and does not cut corners, does not build to MNIMUM codes, he knows construction like no one I have ever seen.

All his subs have been wonderful and he has made building a house, a great experience.

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A Local in Disguise

Scooter,

There are some great local architects listed above. I am sure will find just what you are looking for given the choices.

Once the design process begins, consider incorporating an illustration into the process. Nothing builds confidence like seeing the house before construction begins.

Best of luck,

Chris Davis
Redfish Rendering llc
www.redfishrendering.com