Important Considerations: An architect will usually charge a percentage of the cost of their home as their fee, but some are willing to negotiate this fee structure. A Designer is generally able to draw plans much like an architect, but is not certified to approve the structural engineering of the home. A Draftsman is a good option if you know pretty much the home design/elevations that you desire up front and just need plans drawn/developed to reflect your intentions. Both Designers and Draftsmen charge by the square feet and incur a separate engineering fee plan review. Note that some builders have draftsmen on their staff as well and will include their services in the cost of their build or charge separately.