What can you expect from your architect?

For one thing, this very special type of professional should create a residence that will work for the client and also draw from their education, experience and common sense to design something that's functional and the best solution based on the specs and constraints provided.

If the individual is artistic and creative, so much the better but, at this point, this should be seen as the frosting on the cake and these two latter elements should never be the one that overwhelm the rest. This could spell big trouble. Like anything, an architect needs to be managed and guided by the client into creating what's needed.

Don't expect architects to go on automatic pilot and deliver the goods with little or no intervention from the client. Only expect them to hold their ego in check and you should be so lucky!