Home Professionals Directory

"Architects build dreams, and we also have to help clients reconcile those dreams with real budgets. A house that favors quality of design over the quantity of space satisfies people with big dreams and not so big budgets far more than a house with those characteristics in reverse."

--from The Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka

In response to the incredible popularity and growth of our lists of home design and improvement professionals, we have upgraded and replaced the lists of Architects, Designers Builders and Craftspeople with an all-new Home Professionals Directory. There is no charge to use the new directory. It is searchable by professional category and by location. So give it a whirl and Search Now to find just the right professional to help you with your home improvement and building plans.

Architects from all over the country have contacted us, asking to be listed as designers of Not So BigŪ houses. We cannot endorse any one person or firm - you will still need to interview architects until you find the right person for your project. However, all of the people listed in this directory should be familiar with the philosophy of designing Not So Big, and have indicated enthusiasm and support for the idea.

As you go about the selection process, it is important to check that the architect is interested in the issues that are bringing you to seek out architectural help. Currently, residential architecture is practiced regularly by only a few architects. Although many architects enjoy designing houses, if they are inexperienced in home design, the process may not go smoothly. Just as you wouldn't go to an Ears, Nose and Throat doctor for a sore foot, so in selecting an architect, it's best to find someone who has made houses their specialty.

Check references carefully, make sure that you like the character and quality of the architect's work, and communicate clearly about your expectations, including budget. As described in The Not So Big House in Chapter Five, people's goals regarding dreams, details and dollars rarely coincide. The architect and the client need to work closely together to make sure that compromises are made in either quality, quantity or cost to design a home that the client can afford. If a builder is selected early in the design process, he or she can also help give pricing information along the way. This is by far the most difficult part of any house design process. Don't think it will go away by not discussing it.

Additional Links to Professional Resources

Not So Big House Architects List
List of the architects featured in the book, Creating the Not So Big House.

Service Magic
Provides links to finding an architect.

AIA Members on the Web
Another searchable database: search for members of the American Institute of Architects with offices in your own home town.

AIA
The Web site of the American Institute of Architects.

ProFile on the Web
A valuable searchable database; architects are just one of the many professionals you can find through this site. Go into the "Search" page, type in your state, select "Single Family Residential" as your focus and "Architects" as your service, then press the button to find residential architects in your area.

Improvenet
Another searchable database: the architects and other professionals have been prescreened by Improvenet.

Grand Plans
Guides you as you make decisions about designing your dream home.

Artifice Great Buildings Online
Search the collection for works by hundreds of famous architects from ancient times to the 20th century, including such people as Alvar Aalto, Louis Kahn, and Luis Baragan.

Sustainable Building Sources
The Greenbuilding Professionals Directory is another place for you to look for an architect. We encourage all architects and building professionals interested in Not So Big House issues to register with this site. This site also offers a calendar of events.