When it comes time to develop the plan for a custom home, many of our clients come to us and ask – do I really need an architect? The answer is – probably.  A custom-designed home is created specifically for the family who will live there.  In most cases, custom-designed homes require the services of a licensed architect. Architects are licensed professionals. Like doctors and lawyers, they have completed university programs and lengthy internships, and they have passed a series of rigorous exams. Their training covers many areas, ranging from landscape design to structural engineering.