Choosing a Timber Frame Designer

You’ve made the decision to build a timber frame home, or include timber elements as part of your home design. Now what? Begin by choosing a designer, either a designer employed by a specific timber frame (TF) company, or an independent home designer. While the former works for a TF company that may or may not package building services, an independent designer can provide you with plans that can then be bid on by prospective TF companies.
It is important for homeowners to select a designer that is experienced in timber frame design. If you already have a rough idea or plan in mind, take it to the TF designer and let them integrate it with a frame. You should feel comfortable communicating with your designer, and have the ability to discuss changes to the plan. The designer will be the person designing your dream home, so it is important to feel that they are connected with your vision and home needs. Try to be as open as possible about the characteristics of the home you want as well as your thoughts regarding the budget.
In general, TF designers charge by the hour, per square foot, or as a percentage of the total job. Establish early on what is included in the price of the design, as architectural drawings can be separate from TF design. Shop drawings, or piece drawings, are also generally not included in the price.
When meeting with the designers, set up deadlines according to your needs and communicate them, but do try to remain flexible in the process. It is important to remember that customizing your dream house means making adjustments in both time and money. Open lines of communication are the key to a successful building experience.
Here’s a common order of events in the design process

•   First meeting and site visit to where you are building
•   Finalized floor plans
•   Elevations and Timber Frame Design
•   Finalize all drawings
•   Engineered plans (see below)
•   Shop or piece drawings

Engineer stamped plans are becoming more and more common as more locales are requiring new construction to be built to code standards. Designers have relationships with engineers and will deal with getting the plans to them to be approved. They will make sure the timber frame complies with local codes and is structurally sound.