NSBH: Home Professionals Directory

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Home Professionals Directory

"The qualities we long for have everything to do with taking time, building for the long term, crafting and paying attention to who we are, what we care about, and how we affect our world. The Not So Big House celebrates the beauty of daily life. With minimum means, it makes the act of living an art. It restores the soul to the structure."

--from The Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka

Home Professionals Directory

Sarah Susanka is pleased to provide a searchable directory of home professionals who embrace the philosophy of designing and building Not So Big. If you are a professional involved in home design and improvement, we welcome you to register to be listed in the directory.

If you are a homeowner looking for a professional to help you design, build or remodel your home you can search to find a firm or individual to assist you.

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We cannot endorse any one person or firm - you will still need to interview until you find the right person for your project. However, all of the people listed here should be familiar with the philosophy of designing and building Not So Big®, and have indicated enthusiasm and support for the idea.

Selecting an Architect
As you go about the selection process, it is important to check that the architect is interested in the issues that are bringing you to seek out architectural help. Currently, residential architecture is practiced regularly by only a few architects. Although many architects enjoy designing houses, if they are inexperienced in home design, the process may not go smoothly. Just as you wouldn't go to an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor for a sore foot, so in selecting an architect, it's best to find someone who has made houses their specialty. Questions To Ask An Architect During Your Selection Process»

Check references carefully, make sure that you like the character and quality of the architect's work, and communicate clearly about your expectations, including budget. As described in The Not So Big House in Chapter Five, people's goals regarding dreams, details and dollars rarely coincide. The architect and the client need to work closely together to make sure that compromises are made in either quality, quantity or cost to design a home that the client can afford. If a builder is selected early in the design process, he or she can also help give pricing information along the way. This is by far the most difficult part of any house design process. Don't think it will go away by not discussing it.

Two great resources for anyone wanting to hire an architect: Designing Your Perfect House by William J. Hirsch Jr., AIA and How To Work With An Architect by Gerald Lee Morosco, AIA

If you need assistance in searching or registering for the directory, please contact listing@notsobighouse.com