The Art of Custom Home Architecture
Every great home begins with great design. In this episode, Kim Hibbs talks with architects Jeff Day of Jeff Day & Associates in St Louis, MO and Jamie Walker of Walker Home Designs in Holladay, UT about the creative process behind truly custom homes.
Together, they reveal what makes a successful architect-builder-client partnership, how to avoid costly design mistakes, and why collaboration from day one leads to smarter, more beautiful, and more efficient homes.
They also dive into everything from value-engineering and copyright myths to current architectural trends, the real meaning of “modern farmhouse,” and must-have design features like sculleries, home offices, and indoor-outdoor living spaces.
Whether you’re building your forever home or dreaming of one, this episode will inspire you to think bigger and design smarter.
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Season Three, Episode Three | Transcript
Meet the Architects
Jeff Day | Jeff Day & Associates (St. Louis)
Jeff shares how an early love of drawing and carpentry led him to architecture. His firm specializes in both residential and commercial design and is known for high-performance, green building practices.
“Back in 2006 when we launched the company, being a green architect was rare in St. Louis. Now codes have caught up, and we’re pushing new technologies into the way homes are used.”
Jamie Walker | Walker Home Designs (Utah)
Jamie grew up building with his father and grandfather and founded Walker Home Designs in 2000. His team is known for efficient, family-focused plans and whimsical themed spaces featured in the Salt Lake Parade of Homes.
“Builders told me our plans were bidding $10K–$30K less because they used space and materials more efficiently. That’s the construction background at work.”
Why You Need a Builder at the Design Table
Homeowners often think they should finish architectural plans before talking to a builder. Both architects warn against it. Jamie shares how five bids on his own house varied by $100K because details weren’t specified.
“You’re better off putting your dream team together early with your builder, architect, and designer so everyone guides you to success without surprises.”
Kim and Jeff agree that competitive bidding creates confusion and rarely saves money. In tight markets like St. Louis, most builders use the same subcontractors and collaboration beats competition every time.
How to Hire an Architect
Jeff suggests starting with goals and style preferences, then interviewing for personality fit and experience with local codes and design review boards. Compatibility matters; you’ll work together for months.
Understanding Architectural Pricing
Jamie breaks down three tiers of plan providers:
- Draftsman (lowest cost, limited structural knowledge)
- Home Design Firm (mid-range, usually charges by square foot)
- Licensed Architect (5–15 % of construction budget, most comprehensive service)
He urges clients to check credentials and personality fit before hiring. Resources like his 27 Questions to Ask Your Architect help clients prepare.
Who Owns Your Custom Home Plans?
Jeff clarifies that architectural plans are intellectual property. Reusing or modifying drawings without permission violates copyright laws and even small changes don’t make them new.
“That old myth about changing a plan 20 percent — it’s just that, a myth. You can’t derive your design from another plan and call it your own.”
Both architects stress working within legal reuse agreements and respecting the liability architects carry for every plan built.
When Clients Bring Inspiration Plans
Both architects welcome reference images and floor plans as starting points. Visual communication helps translate ideas, but homeowners should be open to fresh concepts that fit their lifestyle, site, and budget.
Buying Plans Online vs. Designing Custom
Jamie notes that plan libraries can be useful for visualizing layouts, but warns that online plans often lack engineering or don’t meet local codes. Jeff adds that true custom design reflects your customs and the way you live.
Architectural Style Trends & Design Details
Northern Utah Home Design: Modern farmhouse and Prairie style dominate; European white exteriors are rising; timeless detail is key.
St Louis Home Design Trends: Craftsman remains a staple, while true modern homes with strong rooflines and glass are gaining traction.
Both warn that many mass-produced modern farmhouse designs lack authentic roots and will date quickly without thoughtful detailing.
Designing for Performance & Technology
Jeff and Jamie discuss how software like Revit and advanced materials (SIPs, ICF, and steel-framed insulated panels) improve efficiency and reduce cost. Proper solar orientation and daylight planning can cut energy use for decades.
“We can model your home and show you exactly where the sun hits on your birthday at noon. Design is about how you live hour by hour.” – Jeff Day
Must-Have New Home Features in 2021 and Beyond
- Sculleries / dirty kitchens for hidden prep and appliances
- Spa-style wet rooms with walk-in showers and steam features
- Suspended-slab basement spaces for gyms or theaters
- 12–14 ft coffered ceilings instead of vaulted ceilings
- Expansive covered patios and outdoor living rooms with fire features and screens
- Statement home offices with built-ins and hidden doors
These trends reflect post-pandemic priorities for comfort, functionality, and year-round livability.
Closing Thoughts
A custom home is the largest investment many people make, and the design team you assemble matters as much as the design itself. Do your homework, hire licensed professionals, and bring your builder into the conversation early.
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