We are operating a 50/50 JV where i deal with all the financing, legal, accounting, insurance etc and he deals with the permits, construction, contractors, architects and so on. 

I am currently looking into self storage and was curious if anyone would have an architects they would recommend.  

As an Architect I tell all my clients that remodeling an existing house is as complicated as building a new one.

This is a quick list of what you need to do and verify from my experience as an Architect.1.

**The strategy I'm trying is to prepare plans and permit applications with architects, then shop those around to GCs. 

You don't have to be a professional architect or designer, but you'll have an incredible advantage if you know at least the basics, and it'll give you the ability to recognize potential where others can't.

I've contracted with an architect to design the prefabricated/modular high rise, and will have it overlooked by a team of civil engineers.My next steps would be to submit the proposals to city officials/zoning.

That puts plans in at 20 days, comments addressed by architect at about a week, plus plans reviewed again for another 20 days.

I was wondering if anyone can advise me whether or not I will need an architect.

Then get an architect/GC and ask for the plans, while simultaneously look for funding.