Get an architect or pick a building plan online and go to builder?

Call and ask some local architects if they've done this split here before.Many times you can't do it though.

I am doing some ground up construction with the same GC/Architect on all three current projects.

Initially I called a local architect for some insight on what could/could not be done but he advised me to go straight to the planning department to get some feedback.When I sat down with a "planning advisor" with no paperwork in hand it's pretty obvious I'm not there with the hope of jumping in a bulldozer the next day, I was just looking for advice. all the lots on my street are the same size land, there are a few big apartments on the street, could I potentially rezone and build up?

I just finished working with an architect to get plans submitted but want to make sure that I'm as knowledgable as possible before I take the next steps.  

More than half the time you spent performing personal services in ALL trades or business spent doing “qualified RE pro activities”.Qualified RE Activities include:Developing - Meetings with engineers, architects, etc or do this work yourself.

So I got myself into a tight spot submitting plans without an engineer or architect's stamp.

The average income for a CAD drafter in the Midwest is $45G's, but here as a project architect I barely made $40G.

The useful piece of advice I did get is to talk to an architect about it.

As an architect, we were taught the concept of "defensible space" which is basically a theory that states an area is safer when people feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for that piece of a community.