Many people building a custom home, whether a vacation retreat, a second residence, or a primary home in a new city, wonder whether they must hire a local architect. The answer is no. Architects regularly design homes far from their studios, and in many cases a remote architect is the better fit. Here is how it works and what to expect.
Why clients hire architects from outside their area
- Design vision. The right architect for your taste may not be in your city. Clients often choose the designer first and the location second.
- Specialized experience. Mountain homes, coastal builds, and desert residences each present particular challenges.
- Second homes. If you live in one place and are building in another, a local architect is not necessarily closer to you.
- A fresh perspective. An outside architect sees a site without the habits of the local market, which can lead to more original solutions.
Bjella Architects has designed homes across North America, from California, Hawaii, and Florida to Montana, Minnesota, and New York, plus projects in Canada, so remote collaboration is a regular part of how we work.
How a remote project works
Site understanding
Great architecture begins with the land: sun path, views, slope, wind, vegetation, and neighboring structures. A remote architect typically combines site visits at key moments with surveys, topographic data, drone and aerial imagery, photography, and local knowledge from the builder and consultants. Early site visits are especially valuable, and many clients walk the land with their architect as the first step.
Communication
Video calls, shared drawings, 3D models, and online review tools make it easy to review design progress in real time. A good studio sets a regular rhythm of check-ins so you are never wondering where things stand.
Local team
A remote architect assembles a trusted local team: a general contractor, structural and civil engineers, and, where required, a locally licensed architect of record or local consultants who understand regional codes. The design architect holds the vision; the local team handles regional specifics.
Codes and permitting
Building codes, energy requirements, and approval processes vary by state and municipality. Your architect should research these early and coordinate with local officials and consultants, so permitting does not become a surprise.
Construction
During construction, your architect stays involved through periodic site visits, review of photographs and progress reports, and prompt responses to the builder’s questions. Regular reviews protect the integrity of the design while the house is being built.
Advantages of the remote model
- A broader choice of architects, rather than only those nearby
- Often a more focused, personal relationship, since the architect plans visits deliberately
- Access to experience across many climates and building types
- Solutions informed by work done elsewhere
Questions to ask a remote architect
- How many projects have you completed outside your home region?
- How often will you visit the site, and at which stages?
- Who will be my local contacts, and how are they selected?
- How do you handle local codes and approvals?
- Are travel costs included in the fee or billed separately?
- How will we communicate, and how often?
The fee question matters: travel is sometimes billed in addition to the design fee. Our guide to architect fees for custom homes explains what to look for in a proposal.
Tips for a smooth project
- Share your site early. Surveys, photos, and any restrictions or covenants are valuable from day one.
- Choose the builder thoughtfully. A strong local contractor is the architect’s most important partner on the ground.
- Plan visits around milestones. Site walks, design presentations, and construction reviews are best scheduled in advance.
- Keep decisions moving. Prompt feedback keeps a remote project on schedule.
Is remote design right for you?
For most clients, yes. What matters is not the architect’s zip code but their experience, communication, and ability to bring the right team together. If you are considering a custom home anywhere in North America, you can see how our past projects came together in the gallery, or reach out directly to talk about your site.