You’re at the starting line on your home renovation, but before your Pinterest/HGTV dreams can become reality and the fun begins, you should find an architect.

It’s important to note there is a difference between an architect, an architectural designer, and a design/build firm. An architect is only called such if he or she is licensed by the state to design buildings and advise on their construction. The license usually includes a certain level of education, experience, and construction proficiency.

For instance, in New Jersey, architects are required to hold a degree in the field from an accredited institution, complete 5,600 hours of experience with a practicing architect, and pass the state’s licensing exam.

In contrast, an architectural designer is typically not licensed by the state and usually has  less or different education and experience. They will also be limited to what they are allowed to do, depending on state regulations. Design/build firms bundle their design and build services together in-house. As such, they may or may not work with licensed architects throughout their process.

Your first step should be to familiarize yourself with the American Institute of Architects, the professional membership organization for licensed architects in the United States.

1. Stop by the AIA

A simple Google search for “residential architect” in your geographic area could yield way too many results, or too few. The national AIA website will help you fine tune your search; there’s an online database of over 20,000 architecture firms.

Using their Architect Finder tool, will narrow the search by location and building type, then review firm profiles and pictures of sample projects. The AIA has nearly 300 state and local chapters around the country, and each of those should have a fairly comprehensive website of their own.

2. Ask your friends, family, basically everyone.

Cast as wide a net here. Ask friends, family members, neighbors, even your realtor, whether they have an architect to recommend. See an architect’s sign outside of a project in progress on your street? Ask the homeowners how it’s going and if they’d work with that architect again.

Getting referrals from people that have been through the remodeling process is probably the most reliable source for finding an architect.

3. Visit houses you like.

Check whether the local AIA chapter hosts a house tour in your area. Or try finding a home you really like, and ringing the owner’s front doorbell. A realtor may also be a good source if a house you like is currently for sale.  While you are there ask the owner/realtor, “Who designed this house?”

4. Search the internet.

There are several online platforms to aide in the search and read reviews, such as Google, Yelp, , Thumbtack, and , although Angie’s list, Thumbtack, and Home Advisor trend towards contractors rather than architects. Just search these sites with a grain of salt, keeping in mind that listings cost money and reviews aren’t actual.

If talking to neighbors in person isn’t an option, sign up with Nextdoor. It is a private social network for individual neighborhoods, with over 99,000 neighborhoods across the country represented. Asking for architect recommendations via its forum is like canvassing the neighborhood without the awkward small talk.

5. Visit a home supply or specialty store

Lastly, visit an outlet that specializes in your area of interest. For example, say you want to initiate a remodel that is more of a historic house restoration. In New Jersey, the Historic preservation office is a program for protecting and preserving historic buildings. Its offices could provide you with  a listing of residential architects with proficiency in that area.

Another resource is specialty home shows, which are often large-scale events hosted at convention centers. New Jersey Home Show showcases “sustainable products and services.” Architects with a specialty in remodeling exhibit there, alongside retailers and homebuilders.

Visiting specialty stores (or even your local lumber yard) in your area is also an option, as staff may be familiar with practicing professionals or have business cards to distribute.

“Prompt, professional, and trustworthy. That’s all I wanted when our family wanted to open up our living room and dining room,
and Home Architect Studio delivered.”

~N.B.
Wyckoff,  NJ