Frequently Asked Questions
Custom Home Architecture
You've got Q's and we've got A's . If it's your first time here we recommend checking out one of our latest "ASK AN ARCHITECT" webinars with architect James Knight.
Whether you are looking for architectural design services in North Georgia or are ready to break ground, we have answers. Below, we address common questions about our process, our service areas, and what it takes to build a luxury home, a short term vacation rental cabin or your dream retirement home in in the mountains.
Location & Feasibility
Which areas of North Georgia do you serve?
We are locally based and specialize in the region's unique terrain. As a premier custom home architect serving Blue Ridge, GA, we also cover Ellijay, Blairsville, Jasper, and the surrounding mountain communities. We act as luxury home builders for Gilmer County, as well as Fannin and Union Counties. If you are looking for a custom home architect near me in these specific areas, we are your local experts.
I haven’t bought land yet. Can you help me find a lot?
Yes. In fact, we highly recommend involving us before you purchase. We offer a North Georgia site visit land feasibility study to evaluate potential properties for an architectural POV. Building on a sloped lot in Georgia comes with unique challenges regarding soil, topography, and foundation costs. We help you avoid purchasing a lot that is "unbuildable" or prohibitively expensive to develop.
Do you handle zoning and HOA restrictions?
Absolutely. We are well-versed in the local regulations, including building restrictions in Blue Ridge, GA, and county-specific zoning codes. We handle the documentation and advocacy required for HOA Architectural Review Boards, ensuring your design is approved without compromising your vision.
Additionally, you can read this blog about Frequently Asked Questions.
Design Style & Customization
What do you mean by "unlimited design"?
"Unlimited design" means exactly that: during the initial concept phase, we offer unlimited revisions to ensure your blueprint is perfect. We don't cap your creativity or charge you for refining the layout until you are 100% satisfied. Architect James Knight will partner with you throughout each phase of design to make sure he understands your intent and vision for design.
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
As for style, we don't do generic everything is "truly custom". We have many clients who enjoy modern mountain home design in Georgia. Reynard also has experience with clients who come to us when they want rustic luxury home architects who can blend high-end contemporary aesthetics with the natural beauty of the landscape. Whether you are looking for mountain modern house plans or distinctive contemporary cabin floor plans, we create bespoke designs that are tailored to your lifestyle without limits.
Do you use pre-designed plans, or is everything custom?
Every project we undertake is a turnkey custom home design in GA. We do not sell stock plans. Your home should reflect you and your specific lot. Our process starts with a blank slate and ends with a unique masterpiece, distinguishing us from volume builders who modify existing templates.
I live in Florida/Atlanta. How do we manage the design remotely?
We have extensive experience acting as Atlanta-based custom home builders for remote clients. Many of our clients are building second homes and cannot be on-site weekly. We use advanced project management software (Monday.com) and video conferencing to keep you fully integrated. We are the go-to vacation home architects for Blue Ridge and the surrounding region because we make the remote process seamless and transparent.
Process, Costs, and Contracts
Should I hire an architect and builder separately?
You have the freedom to choose the path that fits your project best. While we operate primarily as an architectural design and project management team for design build in North Georgia, we understand that every client has different needs. We offer three flexible ways to work with us:
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The Integrated Design-Build Approach: This is our most popular "turnkey" service. We integrate architectural design services and construction management under one roof. This unified approach prevents the common disconnect between "what was drawn" and "what can be built," saving you time and money while ensuring the integrity of your modern mountain home design.
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The Tender Process: If you prefer to hire a separate builder, we can serve strictly as your architect. We will produce the design and construction documents, and then guide you through a competitive "tender process" to help you vet and select the perfect third-party builder for your specific needs.
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Owner-Builder Support: For clients who wish to act as their own General Contractor, we provide the essential roadmap. We deliver a comprehensive set of professional architectural plans and construction documents, giving you the detailed specifications you need to manage the build yourself.
How much does it cost to build a custom home in the mountains?
This is the most common question we get. The cost to build a custom home in North Georgia in 2025 varies based on the steepness of your lot and your finish levels. As a home architectural design firm in North Georgia, we know our clients expect high-quality finishes. During our initial consultation, we listen to your wants/needs, values, and goals and work to provide a realistic budget forecast so you know exactly what to expect before we draw a single line.
What type of contractors' pricing model do you suggest: Fixed Price or Cost-Plus?
When comparing a cost-plus vs. fixed-price builder in Georgia, we believe the "Cost-Plus" model is superior for custom luxury homes. A fixed price often forces builders to inflate costs to cover unknown risks. A Cost-Plus model is 100% transparent: you see the actual invoices for materials and labor, and you pay a set builder’s fee. This ensures you pay for exactly what goes into your home—nothing more, nothing less.
Do you provide 3D architectural renderings and visualizations?
Yes. High-quality visualization is standard in our custom vacation home design GA packages. We offer detailed 3D renderings so you can visualize the sight lines, sunlight, and flow of your modern mountain home before construction begins.
See our Terms and Conditions Page for additional information.