From Concept to Completion: Why Architects Matter

We’ve had prospective clients approach us with one to two-page plan sets. To put that into perspective, LEGO offers an A-frame cabin set with a 256-page instruction booklet—your home deserves at least that amount of attention to detail, right?

Building a custom home or tackling a remodel is one of the biggest investments most people ever make. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve created a thoughtful process that takes the stress off your shoulders and delivers a seamless, hospitality-driven experience from the first sketch to the final walk-through.

Before You Embark: Key Differences Between Architectural Documents

First, let’s talk about some of the different types of architectural plans. Here’s a breakdown of how they differ in purpose, content, and detail level:

• Schematic Design (SD): These drawings lay out basic design concepts early in the process. They may include rough floor plans, site plans, and basic elevations, but the overall level of detail is low—think big picture. Estimating and sequencing discussions also begin at this stage, with pricing based on historical knowledge for the cost per square foot.

• Design Development (DD): Once a client has signed off on the SD drawings, DD is where initial concepts are refined. Details are more precise at this stage, but not enough to break ground. This phase involves collaboration with engineers and consultants to resolve design decisions, integrate building systems, and ensure the project aligns with budget, code, and client expectations. It’s also common to engage a general contractor at this point for more accurate pricing and constructability feedback. We highly encourage you to choose a general contractor you trust and who supports your goals—endless cycles of bidding with multiple contractors erodes confidence and costs valuable time for everyone involved.

• Permit Set: The purpose of these drawings is to demonstrate that the project complies with all applicable building codes, zoning laws, safety regulations, and accessibility standards. It is not a full construction set, but it must include information relating to property boundaries, window placement, structural design, and wall assemblies. At this stage, pricing should also be further developed into a working construction control estimate, which serves as a baseline for tracking costs throughout the project. These drawings are not, however, required to include finer details such as finishes, interior elevations, cabinets, or trim—the focus is on code compliance, not finish details.

• Construction Documents (CDs): This is the most detailed preconstruction set—your ultimate road map, so to speak. They include precise dimensions, materials, systems, and specifications, serving as the legal and technical foundation for bidding, permitting, and construction. This should also include details for trim, moulding, and siding—essentially everything the builder needs to construct the project.

• As-Built Drawings (Record Set): When the dust has finally settled and you’re getting comfortable in your new home, this set documents what was actually built, reflecting any detours taken from the CDs. Though rarely done due to time or cost, we believe record drawings are a worthwhile investment. They can reduce liability, support future renovations or maintenance, and provide a valuable resource for the client that preserves the architect’s design intent after construction ends.

Now that we’ve covered what the different types of architectural plans are, here are five reasons why it’s so crucial to have them fully developed before construction begins. Here at True Bearing Built, that means having the Construction Documents in hand and fully approved.

1. Architects Turn Your Vision into a Smart, Buildable Design

You may have a rough idea of what you want—an open kitchen, lots of light, or maybe a home office. An architect takes those ideas and turns them into a functional, structurally sound design that fits your lifestyle and budget. They think through every detail from the onset: how natural light enters the home, how rooms connect and flow, where to add storage, and how to make the space adaptable for the future. They also ensure your home feels great to live in while keeping it code-compliant and practical to build.

2. A Complete Set of Plans Saves Time, Money & Headaches

Incomplete or poorly drawn plans often lead to delays, confusion, or costly changes during construction. When a full crew is already on-site, time is money. Every hour spent waiting for clarification, reworking a mistake, or adjusting a layout mid-build adds to your labor costs—and can ripple out to delay material deliveries, permitting, inspections, or the next phase of work. What might seem like a small oversight on paper can quickly turn into a costly issue in the field. When key details are missing or unclear, builders and subcontractors are left to interpret the design themselves, which increases the risk of making mistakes, requesting change orders, or work that needs to be redone. They also reduce guesswork, minimize risk, and lead to more accurate estimates, schedules, and coordination during preconstruction.

With a clear and complete set of plans, our team can move forward with confidence and save you time, money, and stress.

3. Contractors Work Better (and Faster) with Clear Plans

Hiring an architect for the duration of the project directly improves the efficiency of the build itself. When plans are highly detailed and thoughtfully coordinated, they serve as a central reference for everyone involved in the project. With detailed plans in hand from the start, we’re able to order materials with precision, avoiding delays due to missing items or incorrect quantities. This foresight helps us stay ahead of supply chain issues and avoid unnecessary downtime. We can also manage our construction schedule with greater confidence, knowing exactly when each phase of work should begin and end—something that’s especially valuable when coordinating with multiple crews and subcontractors. The result is a smoother, faster, and more cost-effective process.

4. Professional Plans Simplify Permits and Approvals

Navigating the permitting process can be one of the most complex and time-consuming parts of building a new home. From zoning regulations and critical area ordinances to shoreline protections and energy codes, each project must meet a specific set of local requirements. Without a clear, professionally prepared plan, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of submissions, rejections, and costly revisions.

That’s where an architect’s expertise makes a big difference. A stamped set of architectural drawings shows reviewers that your project has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly engineered. These documents speak the same language as city planners, building departments, and environmental agencies, ensuring your application is complete, code-compliant, and ready for review. This can shorten wait times, minimize back-and-forth, and increase the likelihood of a timely approval.

In addition to city or county requirements, professional plans also help satisfy other entities that may have a say in your project—like neighborhood associations, historic preservation boards, or state environmental regulators. Architects are trained to anticipate these snags and design with them in mind from the start, helping you avoid delays down the road.

5. An Architect Is Your Co-Pilot Throughout the Journey

Most architects offer Construction Administration (CA) services—which we highly recommend. No matter how detailed the plans are, there will always be new challenges during construction. Unexpected site conditions, material substitutions, or new ideas often arise once the build begins. In most cases, the time and money saved during construction will more than pay for the service. This ensures they stay engaged as a trusted partner, ready to clarify design decisions, adjust drawings, and keep everyone focused on your vision.

Their ongoing involvement brings clarity when decisions need to be made quickly, whether it’s adjusting window placement due to framing constraints, solving a layout issue in real time, or helping you evaluate a last-minute change. Because they understand both the big picture and the technical details, architects help ensure that every solution supports the integrity, beauty, and function of the final home.

Final Thought: Good Plans Pay for Themselves

Hiring a qualified architect or designer may feel like an added expense, but in reality, it saves money by preventing delays, minimizing mistakes, and ensuring a more efficient build. Your dream home deserves more than a napkin sketch or cookie-cutter plan. A complete set of professionally drawn architectural plans gives your project the direction it needs to succeed.

Whether you’re just starting to dream or ready to build, True Bearing Built is here to help you navigate your construction journey from concept to completion—with the design expertise and experience necessary to bring your vision to life.

Ready to break ground on your dream home? We offer in-house design services, or we’ll connect you with a trusted local architect to set you down the right path.