Hiring an Architect vs. a Residential Designer on Cape Cod: What’s the Difference?

For residential projects in Massachusetts, you are not required to hire an architect. So the more important question is: Who is actually designing your home?

At a large architectural firm, the name on the door may not be the person working on your project day to day. Your home may be handed off to junior staff, and reaching the principal when you have a question can be difficult.

Fine Line Design works differently. You work directly with us.

Kevin has more than 40 years of experience in design and construction, a bachelor’s degree in construction management and a master’s degree in architecture. Graham has a Bachelor of Arts from UMass Amherst, where he studied architecture, and has worked alongside Kevin in residential design for more than 15 years.

When you call with a question, you talk to the people actually designing your house.

We produce complete residential construction documents, including structural drawings coordinated with and reviewed by a licensed structural engineer. We also use ArchiCAD and BIM technology to create highly coordinated plans efficiently, helping us keep our fees focused on the design and drawings you actually need.

We typically do not build expensive construction-administration services into our fees. We can recommend competent builders, remain available during construction, and provide additional involvement when needed.

The difference isn’t simply “architect or residential designer.” It’s experience, accessibility, attention to your project, and knowing exactly who is designing your home.