Do I need an Architect?

When Would I need one?

For many people, this is an intimidating luxury that may not be the right fit for their new home or addition. But architects do so much more than high design of luxury skyscrapers We help our clients make designs that can pass building permit inspection, navigate local codes, and efficiently lay out plans for high quality desirable homes at any price point.

Yes, often local jurisdictions require a design professional by law, whether that is an architect and or engineer in order to obtain a building permit.

By far, the number one value-added proposition I try to provide my clients is to help them navigate the process of design and permitting as a holistic approach. We don't just leave once the design is finished.

Our process starts with figuring out if the project is even feasible on the land or the existing home they have.
Once we determine it’s reasonably possible, then I go on to help my clients add their planned addition in a way that is efficient, well designed, and helps them achieve their goal of getting a building permit.

Even in Jurisdictions where no structural engineering is required, many Architect's licenscing requirements forbid making plans without one.

The number one Value Added Proposition

Do I need a Structural Engineer?

What is a Building Permit?

A building permit is a written permission from a local authority having jurisdiction to build your project. Typically, a city though often counties, have this authority over unincorporated land.

This permit involves a process of review and verification by the city to confirm that the project is complying with federal, state, local laws, and any other applicable laws. The number one point of this is to ensure the safety for the general public and or occupants of the building.

I bought plans on a website do I need an architect?

Plan websites offer a great catalog for different home plans; however, unless explicitly provided most plan websites don't offer signed and sealed drawings for the state the plan sets are located in. This means that often the city or county may require an architect and structural engineer to provide their professional state seals, construction document level details, and other items not included in the plan website set. For an owner hoping to avoid hiring an architect,t this can result in paying way more than they would have just selecting an architect. That is why it's important to weigh the costs and know what your city requires before buying home plans.

Aren't architects just designers? I dont need design just a permit

While Architects are trained in design, once they graduate and head into the field, they end up learning a whole suite of skills to help deliver safe, high-quality, and appropriate buildings to be constructed.

Some of the architect's skill sets besides design:

-Permitting Assistance

-Space organization and planning

-Construction Documentation

In the vast majority of Home Projects, a structural engineer is required by either the Authority Issuing the permit, State Laws, and or the Architect's code of conduct to hold their license. Jake Coombes Design reserves the right to refuse services to any client who does not want to work with structural engineers. Structural Engineers add peace of mind that your project will stand up and they have high standards. It is Jake Coombes Desing's pleasure to partner with several structural engineers in the Kansas City Area.

I just need House Plans and not Details or Large Drawing Sheets

Most Jurisdictions require detailed drawings for a permit and Structural Engineering. This often means the final deliverable to the City for Permit Review will be a Set of Drawings, several pages in Depth. This is a minimum viable product for legal review. See Section on Structural Engineering above. Architects who sign and seal a single plan, no matter how small the project, without sufficient detailing and Structural Engineering Services from a Professional Engineer, are taking YOUR safety into their own hands and likely violating State Law.