If your goal is to go custom, the most important trait to look for in an architect is one that listens to you. The design process should be a collaborative dialogue between you and your architect. An architect that listens will be able to translate your home vision into reality within the unique constraints or challenges of your specific project and your jurisdiction’s regulations. 

We found and interviewed 6 architects (via Houzz and Google search) that are local, all of whom have their own style and approach to their craft. I created an Evaluation Form to help rate our architect candidate list. The form can be used as a tool to benchmark the architects you interview:

You can download the PDF version of the Architect Evaluation Form.