Architects!

So, we've finished our final round of meetings with potential architects. With few real recommendations to act on, cold-calling random people to see if they would be willing to help you with a 'low' budget project has been grueling. I think I've had phone and/or in-person meetings with 20 or so. These have garnered a large range of responses. From big firms, fancy firms, single employee firms, design-and-build firms, to the architecture student that we met in the Barnes and Noble we've gotten responses from 'I can't help you, I only do $350/sf homes.' to 'You guys seem nice, and I'd like to help you but you'll have to double your budget.' to 'Sure, I know some guys.' and only a few 'These are the types of projects that we like.'

Apparently, its really easy to build an expensive house, but much more difficult and time consuming to get a well-built, inexpensive house, especially one with lots of 'issues'. What with the economy and all, you'd think that more would be interested...

Also, all of these guys have made the same comment: 'Wow, you guys have really done your homework!' This seems odd to me. How are you supposed to find someone that will fit your situation if you don't know what your situation is?

-A