Why You Should Hire an Architect for Your Custom Home or Renovation
August 13, 2025
If you’re considering building a new home, renovating a vintage property, or finally creating that weekend getaway you’ve been dreaming of, one important question may be on your mind: “Do I really need to hire an architect for this project?”
As a residential architecture firm in Chicago with over 25 years of experience designing one-of-a-kind homes, our answer is simple: Yes—you should hire an architect.
But we also understand why homeowners ask the question. Whether we’re meeting someone casually at a neighborhood gathering or sitting down for a formal consultation, the conversation often begins the same way: “Can my builder handle this? Or is an architect really necessary?”
What Does an Architect Actually Do?
To answer that, it helps to understand what architects bring to the table—and how their involvement can shape the outcome of your project.
At Jaffe Architecture, we don’t just draft plans. We guide you through every step of the architectural design process, ensuring your home reflects your lifestyle, maximizes your investment, and navigates the many complexities of construction with clarity and care.
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The Five Phases of Architectural Design
One of the best ways to understand an architect’s role is to look at the five core phases of architectural design. These phases define how we approach each project and how our fees are structured.
We’ll dive deeper into each phase in future posts, but here’s a quick overview:
1. Schematic Design (SD)
This is where your vision begins to take shape. Through conversations, site studies, and conceptual sketches, we start to define the layout, flow, and character of your home.
2. Design Development (DD)
Here, the big ideas from Schematic Design become more detailed. Materials, systems, and specific design elements are refined, helping you visualize how the final home will look and feel.
3. Construction Documents (CD)
This is where your project becomes buildable. We produce detailed drawings and specifications that allow contractors to price and build your home accurately.
4. Bidding (BID)
We help you solicit competitive bids from qualified contractors and review proposals to ensure you’re making informed decisions.
5. Construction Administration (CA)
Once construction begins, we stay involved—answering contractor questions, reviewing shop drawings, and conducting site visits to help ensure the work aligns with the design intent.
Why These Phases Matter
It’s worth noting that the first three phases—Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documents—typically represent about 75% of our total architectural services, both in terms of time and fees.
That’s because most of the critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making happens before a single nail is driven or wall is framed.
In short: Clear, detailed design up front saves you time, money, and stress during construction.
Beyond the Basics: Our Client-First Approach
At Jaffe Architecture, we’re known for going beyond a standard set of drawings.
From the very beginning, we take the time to learn how you live, what you love, and what will make your home feel uniquely yours. We conduct detailed client interviews, perform in-depth site evaluations, and craft solutions tailored to your goals, routines, and design aspirations.
Whether you’re building a new home in Wisconsin, renovating on the North Shore, or designing a getaway in Harbor Country, we approach each project with care, curiosity, and craft.
What’s Next?
This post is the first in a series where we’ll break down each phase of the architectural process—starting with Schematic Design, where your project begins to take form.
If you’re thinking about building or renovating a home in Chicago, the North Shore, Lake Geneva, or Southwest Michigan, we invite you to follow along.
Stay tuned for more insights—and if you’re ready to start the conversation about your own project, we’d love to hear from you.