The owner–architect relationship is a long collaboration. Understanding the process reduces conflict and improves design outcomes.
Typical sequence
- Inquiry and consultation
- Proposal and agreement
- Programming / discovery
- Schematic design
- Design development
- Construction documents
- Bidding or negotiation
- Construction (with optional CA)
Owner responsibilities
Timely decisions, honest budgets, access to the site, and paying consultants/surveys as agreed.
Architect responsibilities
Design leadership within scope, coordination of included consultants, and communication of issues that affect cost or schedule.
Where marketplaces fit
Platforms like Acre & Angle help with introduction and matching. The professional agreement and project still sit between you and the firm.