An architect wants to put their name on something that looks nice so they can say they designed it.

I would speak with planning as soon as possible to see if they will view this "code-hack", as the architect states, the same way.

I'm an architect in Tacoma. 

Whether the contractor pays the architect $100, or $50,000, it is not your concern.

I understand a project of this size would require a full time team of Architects, Urban Planners, Commercial construction team etc in house or hired out with prior experiences.  

Are you an architect/engineer?...

I'd start with a local RE attorney, and try to get a good local architect or land use consultant that can help with possible after the fact permits. 

It just needs some work or maybe an extra bathroom would be the key.”As an architect, I’m happy to put ~$50K of work into this if I can finance it. 

I've spoke with a few architects so far and the going rate for an architect is around $10k.

That technically triggered the requirement to get a COO before they moved back in.... but no one paid much attention to this, not myself, not the architect, not the customer, and not even the officials at the little high-end SoCal beach city.