FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Can You Hire an International Architect for US Project?

rulamo | Posted in General Discussion on May 16, 2020 10:44pm
I want to hire an architect and builder to help me construct a new residence in Houston. However, I was wondering about the feasibility of hiring an architect from another country (whose designs I like) to help me with the initial designs and then having a local architect or builder do the final construction/ permit documents.
 
An architect from Russia I have corresponded with has offered me two options: 1) The first option is called the “initial architectural concept.” We are looking for an image of the house, a sketchy floor plan, sketches. 2) The second option is called “Architectural project”. Based on the concept, we work out in detail the layouts, sections, facades, display materials in detail, and make realistic visualization. — He then writes “with these albums you can go to the local designer and builders who will develop technical documentation that meets local construction standards.”
 
A part of me is enticed since the aesthetic sense of this architect is exactly what I am looking for. Another part of me is worried that I will waste a lot of money on drawings and material selections that might not translate well to the local market. Looking for any insights from builders/ architects/ or connoiseurs who can tell me if there are any pitfalls of going in this direction.
Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. jlyda | May 17, 2020 02:32am | #1

    I have been part of projects like this in the past. In the reverse though, where architects from US design for other countries. I’ve done a lot of work for a high profile architect from the US working all over the world. It’s been about 8 yrs since I have done an international project with this architect, but my experience will probably apply still. Your international architect will have to be hired on as part of a team with a US architect acting as the chief architect. The US architect will take on all the liability etc, so it’s not something that they will take lightly. It might be hard to find an architect in US willing to do this for an international architect they do not know. The architect I work with is well known, respected and knows architects all over the world, so other architects are usually happy to help as they can use his work to beef up their portfolio. I would ask your Russian architect if he has any connections to the US. Your architect will have to work on a US team, unless he/she has time served in the US and is fully licensed for US work.

    Also, another big factor is the building code issue, materials and methods can be quite a bit different between countries. I’ve been on the receiving end of this conflict a lot, it’s not easy.

    My advice for budget and sanity. Tell your Russian architect to develop a concept drawing using US building code to the best of his abilities and then hand the concept off to a US architect to develop a working drawing. Our code is called International code, but in reality it’s not really international at all.

    1. rulamo | May 17, 2020 07:53am | #2

      Thank you for your reply. Could you explain again the meaning of a "concept drawing" (would that be similar to "schematic design", what the Russian calls "The architectural concept": "We are looking for an image of the house, a sketchy floor plan, sketches. At this stage, we can show how the house and its structure will look.") Would this be a helpful guide to a US architect, and would it help shave off the cost of working with a US architect?

  2. jlyda | May 17, 2020 09:01am | #3

    Yes, it would be very helpful for an architect to have this info from the Russian. Truthfully, you won’t really need a to hire a expensive (creative) US Architect as the visual will have been established by the Russian. You need an architect that is willing to just be a pencil pusher and bring the Russian design to US standard. A design build firm may even take on the work. I prefer design build as they will be better on budget and streamline the whole process. I would only pay the Russian for concept (the basic look) w/out a ton of dimensions and details. Don’t bother with structural detail as it will not apply to US methods anyway. A good builder, architect and engineer will be able to mimic the look and apply it to US construction standard. I’ve done a lot of international work, have a company in US and the U.K., I am also sub contracted by a company building structures for the hospitality industry all over the world. I can tell you with the most confidence that you want to build to a US standard (have to anyways). There are only a small handful of Asian and European countries that build to a US standard or better. From the Russian I would request exterior elevations to scale and a basic floor plan. Kind of like the floor plans you see online for cookie cutter builders, where they write the dimensions of each room as a text, but do not show dimension stop lines and wall thickness. It will be helpful if your Russian is aware of common code requirements like minimum required width of stairways, hallways, toilet clearance and minimum riser/tread width for stairs. If these things are not considered the US architect will have to scrap the layout and make it their own. Have you considered finding a project that the Russian has designed already and just handing it off to US architect for interpretation? This way you only pay for an American architect. If you along with an architect can gather up enough info you might be able to match the design very closely. I’ve done historic replica building and mimicked Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the past. It is very possible to achieve the look you are going for with the right US architect.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Simple and Discreet Countertop Power

A new code-compliant, spill-safe outlet from Legrand offers a sleek solution for a kitchen island plug.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data