1. Share your property and wish list
Tell me the address and what you hope to do: a second story, an ADU, opening up the plan, a whole-home transformation. That is all I need to prepare.
For San Diego homeowners planning a custom home or rebuild
Before you spend $1,000,000 building a new home, spend 30 minutes with an architect.
The New Build Strategy Session is a free 30-minute call with Micah Winkelstein, AIA, a licensed architect with over 20 years of San Diego residential experience. Whether you are planning a custom home, weighing a teardown and rebuild, or looking at an SB9 lot split, you leave with a clear picture of what your lot allows, what it will realistically cost, and the smartest way to get there. No sales pitch.
Designed while Director of Design at Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel
One conversation. Three ways to build. Build it yourself as owner-builder · Hire your own contractor with me as your architect · Have one team handle design through construction
How it works
A clear path in three steps
2. We talk through what is possible
In 30 minutes we cover what your lot and zoning actually allow, a realistic construction budget range, and how permitting will go in your jurisdiction.
3. You leave with a path
Build it yourself, hire your own contractor with me as your architect, or have one team handle everything from design through construction. You choose what fits.
Frequently asked questions
What does an architect charge for a custom home?
Architectural fees for custom homes typically run a percentage of construction cost, and the right number depends on scope, site, and how much support you want through construction. On the call I will explain how I structure fees and give you a realistic range for your project. No surprises later.
Should we tear down and rebuild, or remodel what we have?
It comes down to the condition of the existing structure, what zoning allows on the lot, and how far your plans are from the house you own. Sometimes a remodel gets you 90 percent of the way for far less. Sometimes rebuilding is cheaper than fighting the existing structure. This is exactly what the strategy session sorts out.
How long from design to permit?
For a new home, plan on several months of design and construction drawings, then plan review with your jurisdiction, which can run a few months more depending on where you are. I will walk you through the realistic timeline for your lot and jurisdiction on the call.
Do I need an architect, or can a contractor handle the design?
For substantial projects, design decisions made early determine most of the cost and nearly all of the result. A licensed architect works for you, not the build schedule. I also work smoothly with contractors: yours, mine, or a fully integrated team.
What does the strategy session cost?
Nothing. It is 30 minutes, free, with no obligation. If the project is not feasible or not ready, I will tell you that too.
What happens after the call?
You get clear next steps for whichever path fits: guidance to proceed on your own, a design proposal with me as your architect, or an introduction to a fully managed design-build process. No pressure in any direction.
Request your New Build Strategy Session
Designed while Director of Design at Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel