What to Expect: Working with an Architect on Your Custom Home Build
Insight from Architect Steve Barsch of Barsch Design
Designing and building a custom home is one of the most exciting projects you can undertake. It’s an opportunity to craft a space that reflects your values, accommodates your lifestyle, and stands the test of time. As an architect, my role is more than creating a blueprint—I’m here to guide your vision into reality and ensure everyone involved is confident moving forward. Open communication and mutual respect are key factors for a smooth and successful project.
At Barsch Design, we’ve been creating homes with timeless designs and lasting functionality since 1994. Along the way, we’ve partnered with incredible builders such as Forest St. Builders who have made collaboration a true pleasure.
What Makes the Architect-Builder Relationship So Critical?
The architect and builder are two essential players in your custom home project, and their ability to work together can make or break the experience. Here’s how we collaborate with builders to bring your dream home to life:
Translating Design Into Reality: As architects, we create the vision. Builders ensure it can be executed seamlessly. A close partnership means translating every detail from paper to construction with clarity and confidence.
Navigating Challenges Together: Unexpected issues can arise during construction. Having an architect and builder who communicate openly and problem-solve collaboratively ensures challenges are addressed efficiently without derailing the project.
Through Expertise: We share insights early on to anticipate challenges, streamline workflows, and optimize both time and budget.
One example of this collaboration with Forest St. Builders was on The Henry —a project where we worked with Forest St. Builders to transform a modest mid-century ranch into a stunning modern home. By maintaining consistent communication, we delivered a home that balanced creative design with practical construction, exceeding our client’s expectations.
Should You Hire an Architect or Builder First?
The sequence of hiring can vary based on your needs, but starting with an architect often makes the most sense. Here’s why:
Establishing The Vision: An architect works with you to create a clear design plan tailored to your needs, which then becomes the foundation for builder selection.
Flexibility With Builders: Once you have a design, you can approach builders who specialize in the specific requirements of your project.
That said, hiring both parties early in the process is critical. Builders can provide valuable input during the design phase, and architects can ensure designs are realistic and actionable.
How Involved Should You Be in the Design Process?
Custom homes are deeply personal, so your involvement should match your comfort level. At Barsch Design, we encourage active collaboration but always tailor the experience to you.
The Creative Phase: During early design meetings, we’ll explore your preferences and aspirations.
Decision Points: Whether it’s selecting materials or refining layouts, we present you with clear options, so you always feel informed and confident.
Progress Updates: You’ll stay looped in throughout the process with regular updates and opportunities to provide feedback.
What If You Don’t Know What You Want?
Many clients come to us with only a vague sense of what they want—or no idea at all. That’s completely okay. Part of our role is to help narrow down your goals and develop a clear vision for your custom home.
Discovery Conversations: Through discussions about your lifestyle and preferences, we’ll identify the elements that matter most to you.
Visualization Tools: Sketches, renderings, and examples help refine your vision and ensure it aligns with your expectations.
Iterative Design: Design isn’t a one-and-done process. We'll refine ideas together to ensure you're confident in every detail.
Bringing Your Dream Home to Life
Every custom home project is a journey, and partnering with the right team makes all the difference. Working with Forest St. Builders is always a rewarding experience—they bring craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a client-first approach that aligns perfectly with our philosophy. Together, we ensure that the process of designing and building your home is as enjoyable as the final result.
Whether you’re starting with a clear vision or just an idea, hiring an architect is the first step toward creating a home that’s uniquely yours. Let’s bring your vision to life.
— Steve Barsch, Founder of Barsch Design
Based in Denver, CO, Barsch Design has been creating timeless homes since 1994. With a focus on thoughtful design and close collaboration, they guide clients from the first sketch to the final construction phase, ensuring every detail is considered.
Forest St. Builders partners with elite Architects in the Denver area to ensure your design-build achieves your unique vision.
Ready to Bring Your Dream Home to Life?
