Hiring the right architect is just as important to the ultimate success of your project as hiring the right contractor. Many contractors are either formally trained or self trained designers and thus offer design as part of the package. Other contractors, while not designers themselves, employ in-house architects, kitchen and bath designers, and even interior designers. Still other contractors can refer you to architects whose work they know and respect.
If you are planning a large job, you may want to hire your own architect to draw up plans before hiring a contractor.
What will the design cost? Architects usually charge a fee equal to 5 to 15 percent of a project's budget. At the low end of this range,
you'll get design service only. Pay more and they'll help you choose a contractor and oversee construction.
(Remodeling News, 1996)