In addition the architect needs to come up with plans, that is another 3K.

Hoping to find a contractor who has great carpentry resources and has a relationship with a good architect/structural engineer as these projects will be gut rehabs with second floor additions.  

He identifed himself as a "deal architect."

I'll answer your question with 3 questions of my own.Question 1:  What if you were going to be a Doctor, Lawyer, Architect, Hairdresser, Massage Therapist, and more, would you have no problem paying (and in some cases paying a lot) for your education?

You'll need drawings (plans, elevations, etc) to submit for permit, I would highly recommend you work with an architect or designer rather than the builder for the drawings unless the builder is design/build. 

I work in sales selling high end luxury home furnishings to the trade only: interior designers and architects.

Shoutout to another Architect!

Engineer and the architect to sign on it ...

Also does anyone know if an architect would be needed?

I'm a young architect working in the Los Angeles area with experience in planning and designing high-end spec homes and multi-family projects.I am planning on making my first purchase and looking for advice on how to use cash from partners to purchase a property using a traditional loan (not a corporate loan).