How does one approach an architect with my Little House in the Desert for Mom project? I spent a very frustrating day on the phone trying to find an architect who 1) does single-family residential 2) knows anything about 'sustainable' design or whatever the buzzword is, and 3) is willing to work a project so small. One smarmy chap actually said, "How is your house going to benefit us?" I'm feeling frustrated. You'd think someone would snap it up.
Have you read The Not So Big House by Susan Susanka? IT's a very good book. It and the sequel, Building the Not So Big House have suggestions for finding a architect for what you're doing.
Sounds like a prima donna. You prolly should have said, "well, with that attitude I guess it won't!"
SSQ has a major distrust of architects because his Dad used to have to try to build what they drew! ;o)
We bought Chief Architect and I drew my own plans for the addition. SSQ did all the load calculations, since it's a two story and we have to deal with snow-loads, etc.
There are some nice 'desert' plans on the internet. This site has some nice Southwestern designs. You could buy a set of plans like this, then just employ a general contractor, or do it yourselves, subbing out the things you are not comfortable with doing. If you Google a search for house plans there are a ton of sites. You could prolly find one with straw bale walls, if you looked, or just do the whole thing with ICF's!