We are at the beginning stages of redoing our house outside of the Woodlands. It will be a significant remodel including adding square footage on both the first and second floor, redoing interior walls, adding windows, and potentially adding a second floor to our detached garage. We plan to have plans drawn up for everything and then decide if we want to do it all at once or in pieces and contract accordingly.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a remodel architect? We are looking for someone that is going to spend the time helping us figure out the best options to accomplish what we want, not just draw up what they think it should be. North side of town is preferable, but open to anyone that would be good.

The search begins with reviews gleaned from Yelp (ugh), Google, HOUZZ and of course TBAE to insure they are licensed. Mark Tood seems to own that part of the world, as a result from brief searches.
https://indreg.tbae.texas.gov/Reports/IndividualSearch

Then you must phone or email the top picks to see what percetage of their biz is RESIDENTIAL (very important, long story upon demand), THEN if interested in remodels (not ever as fun as new) THEN when they might get started and how long these usually take to get to the bidding phase.

Locally I have found that referrals from non pros are very prone to be

• profit to the Realtor, banker, developer in one way or another
• false pride or boating w/o merit of the homeowner, remodeled owner
• biggest customer of the shop

Another way to skin this cat would be to find a 5-star remodeling contractor that works with architects, interview his clients or Google reviews then see if what his archtiect suggestions might be, then see if you can live with any of them. The caveat here is to be sold on a non-architect draftsman married to the builder (not you) and limited therefore, hands tied in opening up the whole candy store for selections.

This is too verbose only because so many like you don't know The Way to get the best answers to the puzzle ahead. For some it can be as simple as a restaurant referral but the scope of work for a residential remodel properly tailored one does not find on a limited menu.

End of soap box FINALLY

We used Cusimano Architect for our remodel. Our situation was similar to what you are describing.

https://www.cusimano-architect.com/

https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cusimano-architect-pfvwus-pf~562222303

We used R. B. J. Architectural. He drew what we wanted and a couple different other versions to better use our space.

Ron Jackson
R. B. J. Architectural
www.rbjarch.com
281-650-8677

How was your experience with Cusimano? We're contemplating something similar and he was going to be our first call. He designed a house in our neighborhood that we loved and seems relatively well reviewed online

Obviously, he's a great architect. I think all his positive reviews come from his ability to listen/interpret what his clients want and use his expertise to make it perfect.

In our instance, I'd praise his patience. Our first meeting, we told him everything we wanted. Then we probably met on a weekly/bi-weekly basis to discuss other ideas we would consider along the way.

He's just really good at what he does. It's his insane attention to detail. We've been in our house for 2 years since he finished our project, and I can't think of a thing I would change.

Appreciate the response.