They responded that the architectural fee for the 10 unit townhome project is $45,000.

I have the funds to renovate the property but currently waiting for architectural plans to get approved to start work..

Home Designer suite from Chief Architecture.

Architectural drawings aren't done until after you close property (and only then can you have exact #s from contractor).

Went to college for architecture and have worked in my professional life as a building inspector, insurance underwriter, and actuary, and I lived in a 2-fam and had two more 2-fams in my hometown of Buffalo, NY, and sold those when I got a job offer and moved to New Orleans, LA. 

My experience is on the architectural side.  

Lmk if you need referral to a architecture that can provide drawings and permit filings. 

I personally don't like the architecture of that style of building. 

First, structure the closing of purchase of the land and start of that reverse exchange so it is a little delayed and you can get entitlements and permitting and architecture well under way. 

I'm considering a new construction build of a 4-plex and more in the future...I was wondering if there were any solid Architectural Draftsman out there that you would recommend?