Which Design Path Is Right for Your Custom Home?
One of the most common questions we hear at LANDEN Design Build is:
“Are you architects?”
The answer is no.
LANDEN Design Build specializes in custom home design and construction as a Residential Home Designer and Design-Build Firm.
However, the real question isn’t:
“Should I hire an architect or a home designer?”
The better question is:
“What type of design team is best suited to my project, budget, and goals?”
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that there are actually three design paths available:
- A Residential Home Designer
- A Licensed Architect
- A Hybrid Design Team combining both residential design and architectural services
Understanding the differences can help you make a much more informed decision before investing thousands of dollars in the planning and design of your new home.
Option 1: Residential Home Designer
Residential Home Designers specialize exclusively in designing homes.
Unlike architects, who may design everything from hospitals and hotels to office towers and shopping centres, Residential Home Designers focus specifically on:
- Custom homes
- Acreage homes
- Estate homes
- Renovations
- Additions
- Secondary suites
- Garage suites
Because they focus exclusively on residential projects, many home designers develop extensive expertise in residential building methods, current housing trends, family living patterns, and construction budgeting.
At LANDEN Design Build, residential home design is what we do every day.
Option 2: Licensed Architect
Architects are highly educated professionals licensed to design a broad range of building types.
They may design:
- Custom homes
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Hotels
- Shopping centres
- Office towers
- Institutional buildings
- Multi-family developments
Architects are licensed and regulated professionals who must maintain professional standards and liability coverage.
For highly specialized projects, complex architectural designs, or projects requiring extensive architectural oversight, an architect may be the ideal choice.
Many architects also specialize exclusively in custom homes.
Option 3: The Hybrid Approach
Many clients are unaware that a third option exists.
This approach combines the practical residential design expertise of a specialized home designer with the professional review and oversight of a licensed architect.
For many custom home projects, this can provide the best of both worlds.
At LANDEN Design Build, we regularly collaborate with Architect Michael Koerner of Harrison Bowker Architects.
Depending on the project, Michael may provide:
- Architectural vision and consultation
- Design review
- Contemporary and modern design inspiration
- Architectural plan assessment
- Professional architectural certification and stamping if required
- Construction review and site inspections
Meanwhile, LANDEN’s design team can complete much of the planning, drafting, budgeting, and 3-D rendering work.
This collaborative approach often allows clients to receive architect-level review and involvement without the cost of retaining a full architectural firm from the beginning of the project.
Why Some Clients Choose an Architect
Some homeowners simply prefer having an architect involved.
Others may be pursuing:
- A highly customized architectural statement
- A complex modern design
- Additional professional oversight
- Architectural certification
- Prestige and recognition associated with an architectural practice
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
For many clients, having an architect involved provides an added level of confidence and peace of mind.
Why Some Clients Choose a Residential Designer
Many custom home clients discover that a highly experienced residential designer can provide everything they need.
Benefits often include:
- Lower design costs
- Faster turnaround times
- Extensive residential-specific expertise
- Detailed construction knowledge
- Strong budgeting experience
- Practical construction solutions
For acreage homes in particular, practical construction experience can be just as important as design creativity.
Education and Experience Matter More Than Titles
While architects undergo extensive university education and licensing requirements, many highly successful Residential Home Designers possess decades of hands-on design and construction experience.
At LANDEN Design Build, founder Greg Genereux holds:
- Architectural Technologist Diploma (SAIT)
- Land Planning and Zoning Certificate
- Structural Design training (SAIT)
- Journeyman Read Seal Carpenter credentials (SAIT)
- Cabinetmaker credentials (SAIT)
Combined with more than 40 years of custom home design and construction experience and involvement in well over 1,000 custom homes.
The lesson?
Titles matter.
But experience matters too.
Design-Build: Another Important Consideration
One question many homeowners forget to ask is:
“Will the same company that designs my home also build it?”
A true Design-Build company offers several advantages:
- Better communication
- More accurate budgeting
- Fewer surprises during construction
- Greater accountability
- Improved coordination between design and construction
Because the designer and builder work together from the beginning, many issues can be identified and solved long before construction starts.
Comparing the Three Options
Residential Home Designer
Best For:
- Most custom homes
- Acreage homes
- Cost-conscious clients
- Practical construction-focused projects
Relative Cost:
$
Lowest
Hybrid Design Team (LANDEN + Architect)
Best For:
- Clients wanting architect involvement
- Contemporary and modern designs
- Added confidence and professional review
- Projects benefiting from architectural certification
Relative Cost:
$$
Moderate
Full Architectural Firm
Best For:
- Architect-led projects
- Highly specialized designs
- Clients wanting full architectural involvement throughout the project
Relative Cost:
$$$
Highest
So Which Option Is Best?
The truth is:
There is no universal answer.
All three options can produce exceptional results.
The best choice depends on:
- Your budget
- Your design goals
- Your desired level of involvement
- The complexity of the project
- The experience of the professionals involved
At LANDEN Design Build, our role is not to convince you that one path is better than another.
Our role is to help you select the right design team for your project.
Whether that means using our in-house design team, incorporating architectural review and certification through Michael Koerner, or pursuing a fully architect-led process, we want you to make the decision that best fits your goals.
Because at the end of the day, the best design solution is the one that gives you complete confidence in the home you’re building.
“For clients who would like additional architectural involvement, LANDEN Design Build works closely with Architect Michael Koerner of Harrison Bowker Architects. Depending on the project, Michael can provide LANDEN’s clients with a full architectural review, design consultation, plan certification, and construction review services where appropriate.” Or you could use Michael’s firm for the entire design process.
“Learn more about Michael Koerner and Harrison Bowker Architects”