What To Expect When Working With an Architect - Part One

What to Expect When Working with an Architect

From First Meeting to Final Build: A Guide for Homeowners and First-Time Clients

If you’re considering a renovation, new home, or custom building project, chances are you’ve wondered: What exactly does an architect do—and how does this process work?

To help answer those questions, we turned to two team members at O’Sullivan Architects—Erion Nikolla, AIA , and Jonathan Stone, Associate Principal—to walk us through the experience from start to finish.

1. “I thought the architect handled everything...”

Architecture is a team effort—this finished development showcases how thoughtful coordination between architects, engineers, and contractors can bring a shared vision to life.

“One of the most common misconceptions, especially among homeowners or those new to the process, is the belief that the architect is responsible for handling every single aspect of the project.”— Erion Nikolla, AIA

While we coordinate with consultants, contractors, and other professionals, we’re ultimately one part of a larger team. Some of those team members—like engineers or surveyors—are hired directly by the client.

“We never leave our clients on their own... We guide them through the process, educate them about the various players involved, and help keep everything moving in the right direction.”

2. What to Bring to Your First Meeting

“At the outset of any project, three components are especially important: the project scope, the budget, and the timeline.”— Erion Nikolla, AIA

“It can be helpful for a client to have a general idea of the program for the project they are trying to bring to fruition... I also find it helpful if a client has a preference as to the style of architecture or design aesthetic they would like us to utilize in our initial design concepts.”— Jonathan Stone, Associate Principal

Even if you're not sure where to begin, don’t worry—that's part of our role. As Jonathan adds:

“As architects, we can help with this process by examining the existing conditions along with the city or town’s zoning bylaws, which will help define some of the parameters that may be 'by right' or otherwise require variances.”

3. Excitement, Overwhelm, and Everything In Between

From idea to reality: a finished kitchen that balances warmth, utility, and timeless design.

Seeing it all come together, clean lines and thoughtful layouts help deliver the calm clients' hope for during construction.

“There are two moments when excitement tends to peak: at the very beginning and again near the end.”— Erion Nikolla, AIA

The early design phase is full of energy and ideas. But as the project progresses—into permitting, budgeting, and construction—clients can start to feel overwhelmed. That’s completely normal.

“Clients may get overwhelmed or even be surprised by the amount of information and coordination that is required to get approvals from cities or towns long before we can get into refining the design elements that will directly influence the client's experience within the finished space.”— Jonathan Stone, Associate Principal

This is where your architect becomes a critical guide:

“We stay grounded in the original goals... and help clients make decisions that protect both the spirit and the feasibility of the project.”— Erion Nikolla, AIA

4. Precedent and contemporary design trends, using industry resources to bring different perspectives to projects

Architects help turn inspiration into structure-starting with layout planning that honors both function and aesthetic.

Renderings bridge the gap between dream and design, allowing clients to visualize the spaces.

“How do architects balance client preferences with current design trends or industry standards?” — Erion Nikolla, AIA

This question comes up often, especially when clients arrive with a folder of saved images, sketches, or ideas collected over time. It’s part of the excitement of the process—and part of what makes each project unique.

As Erion explains:

“Balancing client preferences with design trends and industry standards is one of the most nuanced aspects of an architect’s role. Client inspiration can come from a wide range of sources, anything from a photo they saw on Pinterest, to a house they admired down the street, to an imaginative illustration that may not even be physically or technically feasible. These references can vary widely in style, age, and realism, and they don’t always align with what’s practical, code-compliant, or reflective of today’s building standards.

Our responsibility is not to copy these ideas literally, but to understand the essence of what the client is drawn to. What feeling are they trying to achieve? What materials, proportions, or spatial qualities speak to them? From there, we work to distill those preferences into a design that feels both deeply personal and grounded in architectural integrity.

At the same time, we bring our knowledge of current building technologies, energy efficiency standards, zoning regulations, and design best practices to guide the development of a solution that is as thoughtful as it is buildable. Our goal is always to maintain the excitement and emotional resonance of the client’s original vision, even as we refine it into something real, functional, and enduring.

Ultimately, great design is a dialogue. It’s about finding the intersection between personal expression, timeless principles, and the technical realities of construction. That’s where architecture becomes meaningful, and that’s where our work truly begins.” - Erion Nikolla, AIA

This balance of vision and feasibility is one of the many ways architects help clarify the design process, ensuring that the final outcome not only looks great but also works in the real world.

Wrapping Up: The Value of Partnership Working with an architect isn’t just about drawings or permits—it’s about collaboration, problem-solving, and building a shared vision. From that very first meeting through the ups and downs of the design and construction process, your architect becomes a partner in navigating the complex and exciting path from idea to reality.

At O’Sullivan Architects, we see each project as a chance to tell a unique story—one rooted in our clients’ goals, shaped by professional insight, and brought to life with care, creativity, and craft.

Whether you're planning your first renovation or embarking on your dream home, understanding how the process works is the first step toward a more confident, enjoyable experience.

Coming Up in Part Two: We’ll take a closer look at what happens after those early conversations—from programming and feasibility studies to navigating municipal approvals and zoning research, often in collaboration with clients, attorneys, and city officials. We’ll also explore the importance of early coordination with general contractors to streamline construction, avoid surprises, and keep projects on track.

As we often say, “It’s more of a marathon than a sprint.” But with the right team in place, it’s a journey worth taking.