(Crosspost from Houston board...figured I might get more general tips here)

A couple of years ago, we bought an older home in Spring Branch with the intent of remodeling it over time. Now my wife isn't a fan of that idea so we're looking to explore our options for improving the floor plan and possibly adding space, all in one go. The scope of work would potentially include (in rough order of priority): remodeling kitchen, relocating master bed/bath/office space, adding/expanding laundry/mudroom, renovation of guest bathroom, adding covered patio, and depending on cost, building out additional square footage on the second floor or above the garage (house is a "story and a half"). Basically, if we're going to be moving out for several months to a year, I want to knock out as many wishlist items as the budget will allow.

I've compiled some recommendations from here, neighbors, etc. for GCs, but I'm lacking in references for architects. Unfortunately, neither my wife or I have the eye for design, nor are we good at visualizing the possibilities for the spaces. Thus, we're looking for someone who can provide valuable feedback/recommendations for the layout of each space, what amenities to consider including, and give us some rough ideas on budget so we can better prioritize (in addition to ultimately drawing up the plans if/when we get there). Bonus points if they are familiar with dealing with HOAs in the Memorial area. I'm also curious on what to expect in terms of cost for preliminary services like this. We aren't ready to shell out for a full set of architectural drawings yet, and I would rather not sink several thousands into work that may not be feasible with our budget.

I greatly appreciate any architect recommendations you may have and/or other tips for tackling multiple projects like this. Buying an already remodeled home is back on the table, but we like our current neighborhood a lot, and I'd rather not go that route if we can avoid it...

We used Remodel & Addition Gallery | lcthomasdesign LibbyCaran Thomas Design. She does a lot of work in the Memorial area and lives there as well. Is familiar with the original houses in the area and how they were built.

Tips I learned from the process:
- Really sit down and think about what you want to do and how you want it to look. It will help with the process if you have thoughts on what you want to do. If you don't, the meetings will not be efficient. Make a few copies of your house plans, blow them up on big sheets and have you wife start marking things that she would like to do. This will help you visualize the current house and how it can change. The more you are familiar with the current floorplan, the better your conversations will go.
- Not sure how you both are wired, but in my case the wife was focused on how the remodel will look and not so much the mechanics and how things will work. Architect will pick up those things, but you may need to be that person that tells her if something won't work or could be a big engineering impact. (ie putting bathroom in the middle of a slab will require tunneling/busting slab for sewer lines).
- Natural light was a big deal for the wife.
- Also, make sure your infrastructure is good before remodeling. We did not replace our sewer lines at the time of the remodel, and it was a disaster afterwords, but luckily did not impact the new areas. Remodelers know you have a limited budget and don't bring it up, because it takes away some of the budget you will use for their part of the project. Also, the wife doesn't want her budget cut for things that no one ever sees.

Good luck.

For my complete first floor remodel the architect I used was Ron Jackson with R. B. J. Architectural www.rbjarch.com 281-650-8677.

I had contractors out to discuss what we wanted to do and received quotes from them. Then had the architect do the drawings and tweak the design. It's been a couple years, but I think the contractor quotes were free and the architects charge a percentage of the total project.

Also here to recommend Libby

We used Cusimano Architect on a total gut, remodel, and addition. Couldn't have been happier.

https://www.cusimano-architect.com/

He also has links to his Houzz and Instagram pages. Both are worth a look.

Can't agree more with the whole offering by HDeathstar, as well as The Not So Big House book series advice.
Very impressed with the Libby Caran Thomas Design website, process & achievements.

That said, you will benefit more from the training & state license of an Residential Architect ... the focal term for what you asked specifically in this Q. Although a distant Architect can help with Plan layouts tailored to serve your lifestyle, remodeling would be best served by a local Architect, sooner or later and certainly to finish the whole tamale.

So far, the websites offered above Hide all the Team's education & licenses. If like to dig, then verify here
https://indreg.tbae.texas.gov/Reports/IndividualSearch but does not give Education clues, so Ask.

Maybe Find An Aggie searches might be important for you. It's always frustrating to find a Home Builder there that is devoid of a Contsruction Science degree, the closest degree might be finance, accounting or even more distant from building/design/engineering.

"AIA" only means they pay dues to their organization and lunch together, all for the good of architecture & their community.

I also agree that budget is a prime point prior to Plans completion/Bidding, so having the Architect bring on board the design team would be a local remodeling Home Builder w/Constr.Sci degree to rein in deal-breaking costs with his insider costs on file, since non-buyers (ala Architects) do not have access.
May I also block two-hat Architect/Builders as not the "A" path to follow? A Jack of all trades is ....

Good luck.
I tell my clients this will be akin to a birthing experience ...