Architects and designers please feel free to weigh in too.

Our architect also takes us through the building permit application process. 

Get the advice of a good architect, real estate agent and attorney.

I would add another one for safety but,I am neither an architect nor an engineer or contractor.Might want to consult one for a better answer.

He is rented because he said renting is the best because first off he was saving a ton of cash from down payment and then most importantly he could lease or sub lease and chase after the best contracts, he is IT architect.

The guy with the tiny house trying to get a approval for a 2nd garage parking space was in a suit and all of the people working with him, engineers and architects etc came in suits and tiesThe guy with the huge estate who wanted to build a colossal unnecessary back porch showed up in a hoodie and flip flops (it was 32 degrees out) he acted annoyed he even needed to show up.

Hi Winston, Building plan - would this be something you submit with an architect to see if their prototype could fit on the parcel in addition with checking with local jurisdiction?

If a variance is required, a variance is required.That said, the permissible uses of the surrounding buildings and prevailing uses in the neighborhood may provide support for whatever his proposed ask would be.Regarding the architects:While more expensive doesn't always mean better, there will definitely be a tangible difference between an architect who's used to residential remodels vs. an architect who's used to ground up development in the same municipality.

RH (the gated city) has really strict guidelines within their city.RHE is much more lenient, however, there are portions within the city that have CC&R's/HOA's that will dictate what you can do to the exterior of the property.Tip: make sure your contractor and architect actually do business on the peninsula.

A little bit about me:- I graduated with an architecture degree from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, and worked as an architect in Asia for 5 years.- I then transferred to real estate, working in business development for Jones Lang LaSalle for 11 years. - I have been working in the online marketing space for a little over 3 years, and have just recently decided to focus my efforts on video marketing for people involved in my 2 favourite subjects - building and real estate.I am really excited to be part of the Bigger Pockets community, to learn what is and is not working in terms of real estate marketing based on real efforts on the ground, and to add to the discussion from my knowledge whenever I can!