Are You the Right Fit to Be a Client of N3 Architecture?
Let’s skip the usual fluff: most people who come across this won’t be a fit.
And that’s the point.
At N3 Architecture, we don’t just draw plans—we design modern, lasting homes for people who want to do things the right way.
Our clients value design, care about quality, and want a team they can trust and collaborate with.
If you’re looking for the fastest or cheapest way to build, this isn’t for you.
We don’t take every project. We don’t say yes to everyone.
This article is here to help you figure out if working with us is even worth pursuing.
No hard feelings if it’s not.
You’re Likely a Good Fit If…
Not everyone is a match—and that’s okay. But if the following describes you, there’s a good chance we’ll work well together.
1. You Want a Home That’s Actually Yours
You’re not pulling from a plan book. You’re not copying something from Pinterest. You want a home that fits your life—not a trend, not your neighbor’s.
You care how it feels to move through the spaces you call home. You want something modern, different, and personal.
If you’re just trying to check architect off your list, we’re not your team. We design for people who care deeply about the outcome.
2. You Care About Doing It Right
You understand that cutting corners now leads to problems later. You’re not here to just meet the minimum—you want a home that’s well-built, durable, and built to perform.
A code-minimum home is the worst possible home you are legally allowed to build.
If that’s your goal, we’re not your firm.
You value craftsmanship. You’re willing to invest in materials, systems, and details that make your home healthier, more efficient, and longer-lasting.
3. You Want a True Collaboration
You’re not looking to hand off a napkin sketch and disappear. You want a partner in the process—someone to challenge ideas, offer solutions, and make the design better with every conversation.
We work best with clients who want to be involved, but also trust the process.
We’re not just here to draw what you say. We’re here to help shape what’s possible.
4. You Understand the Process Takes Time
If you want it fast, we’re not the right firm. We move with intention, because thoughtful design takes time.
Our process includes feasibility studies, zoning reviews, material research, sustainability strategies, and detailed coordination with your builder.
Rushing skips all of that—and that’s when mistakes happen.
We spend time up front so you’re not paying to fix things during construction.
5. You’re Drawn to Modern Design (Even if you don’t know the terms)
You don’t have to be a design expert. But you know what you like—and it’s not vinyl siding and fake shutters.
We specialize in modern and contemporary homes. That doesn’t mean cold or minimalist. It means clean lines, clarity of form, and details that serve a purpose.
If you’re after a generic farmhouse or a quick colonial with a 3-car garage and a bonus room, we’re not the right fit.
Who Should Hire a Different Architect
We’re not trying to be everyone’s architect. If you recognize yourself in this list—it’s probably best to keep looking.
1. You Just Want a Set of Plans
If you’re shopping for someone to draw something just so you can get a permit, that’s not us. We’re not a drafting service.
We’re a full design firm. That means we’re involved from day one to the final detail. If you only want us for the paperwork, we’re not interested.
2. You’re Focused on the Lowest Price
If your first question is “How cheap can we build this?”, we’re not your firm.
We respect budgets. But we don’t chase the lowest bids, and we won’t design around bargain-bin materials or slap-together crews. If that’s your plan, we’ll politely pass.
3. “Good Enough” Is Good Enough
We don’t design to the lowest legal standard. We design homes that perform better, last longer, and feel better to live in.
If your attitude is “just make it pass inspection,” we won’t be a good match.
4. You’re a Jerk
Blunt, but necessary.
We don’t work with people who are rude, dismissive, arrogant, or inflexible. It’s not worth it—for us or for you.
You don’t have to know everything. But you do have to treat the team with respect and trust that we know what we’re doing.
If you think being a good client just means writing checks, you’ll hate our process. And that’s fine—we’re not for you.
One More Thing: The Contractor Matters
We don’t just design. We collaborate—with builders, engineers, and other professionals who take their craft seriously.
The best projects are built by teams that talk early and often. That’s why we prefer to bring the builder in during the design phase—not after the drawings are done.
When the architect, client, and contractor work together from the start, the results are better:
- Fewer surprises
- Fewer delays
- Better design decisions
- More accurate budgets
If you’re planning to hire the lowest-bid contractor without considering experience or values, we won’t stick around for that.
We won’t put your project—or our name—into hands that don’t care.
Yes, Let’s Talk About Fees
We charge what we charge for a reason.
Not to price people out. Not to get rich off one project. But to support the kind of work we believe in: Thoughtful design, smart detailing, and clear communication.
You’re not paying for drawings. You’re paying for:
- Focused exploration and strategy
- Coordination with consultants
- Informed energy and code analysis
- Problem-solving that prevents expensive mistakes
- A process that’s organized, efficient, and collaborative
This isn’t a commodity. It’s a custom, professional service.
If you’re comparing architects by who costs less per square foot, you’re missing the point.
Want to know more? Read: Understanding Our Fees and What They Include
TL;DR: You’re Our Kind of Client If...
- You want something personal, not a plan off the shelf
- You care about quality—and are willing to invest in it
- You want a team you can trust and collaborate with
- You understand great design takes time
- You’re drawn to modern architecture and thoughtful homes
Still nodding along?
Great. That’s a good sign.
Before You Contact Us...
We strongly recommend reading these first:
They’ll give you a clearer sense of how we work—and whether it’s worth having that first conversation.
Because when we take on a client, we’re all in. And we expect the same in return.
If what you’ve read here resonates with you...
If you’re looking for a collaborative, high-quality, and thoughtful design process...
Then it’s time to take the next step.
If you’re ready for a smarter, more thoughtful home design process—let’s talk →
