Turn around on Construction plans for a 3 unit design

[Rich Hupper]

I bought a 3 unit building last year. Got bids from 5 architects to redesign 2 residential units and 1 commercial unit and do some historical preservation design. The bids ranged from 8500 to 50000. Being the newbie I am I went with the 8500.00 bid. This was November 22. We are now close to May 23 and I still do not have construction plans so I can apply for a permit with the city to do the work. 

I have never hired an architect for a project this big before so I don't know what is normal. Should I be more patient with the architect?