Build the right team before you build the house.
A homeowner should not have to guess whether to call an architect, interior designer, surveyor or soils engineer. Start with the project and property; then assemble only the professionals the work actually needs.
Who do you need first?
Answer three quick questions. We will show the likely team, then carry your answers into a private consultation request.
- DG Builders preconstruction lead
- Architect
- Licensed surveyor
- Structural engineer
- Title 24 consultant
- Soils / geotechnical engineer (when site or scope requires)
This is a planning guide, not a determination of required consultants. Site conditions and the reviewing agency determine the final team.
Who should you call first?
For a new home, addition or major remodel, start with property feasibility, an architect and early contractor/preconstruction input. That first review should test zoning, budget and buildability before the design becomes expensive to change. For furnishings and finish-only work, an interior designer may lead.
Architect, interior designer or furniture designer?
| Professional | Main job | Typical questions |
|---|---|---|
| Architect | Building concept, plans, code coordination and consultant team. | What can fit, how spaces connect, what drawings are required? |
| Interior designer | Interior planning, cabinetry, lighting, materials, fixtures and details. | How should the home function and feel? |
| Furniture / styling designer | Furniture, rugs, art, window treatments and final composition. | What completes the rooms after construction? |
What is a survey?
A licensed survey documents property boundaries and may show topography, grades, structures, easements and other site information. The architect and engineers use it as a reliable base instead of designing from an online parcel image.
What is a soils report?
A geotechnical—or soils—engineer investigates soil and site conditions. Depending on the project, the report may guide foundations, retaining walls, slopes, excavation, drainage and seismic recommendations. Not every interior remodel needs one; hillside, basement, retaining-wall and ground-up projects commonly need closer review.
Who else may join the team?
- Structural engineer: foundations, framing, beams and seismic calculations.
- Title 24 consultant: California energy-compliance documents.
- Civil engineer: grading, drainage and utilities when required.
- Permit coordinator: submittals, corrections and agency communication.
- General contractor: pricing, scheduling, procurement and construction.
How do you pull a permit in Los Angeles?
- 01
Check the property
Review jurisdiction, zoning, overlays, records and scope.
- 02
Create the base information
Obtain survey and geotechnical information when required.
- 03
Design and coordinate
Architect, designer and engineers develop one plan set.
- 04
Submit for plan check
The agency reviews documents and issues correction comments.
- 05
Resolve and issue
The team responds, pays fees and obtains the permit.
How do you choose a good architect or designer?
- Ask for relevant work in the same project type and jurisdiction.
- Confirm who produces drawings and coordinates engineers.
- Request a written scope covering deliverables, revisions, plan check and construction support.
- Check the license of any professional whose work requires one.
- Compare communication, references and problem-solving—not only the fee.
- Ask what is excluded and who owns consultant coordination.
Not sure who you need?
Complete the planner above. DG Builders will help define the right next step.
Build your project teamOfficial starting points
Los Angeles Planning: ZIMAS property searchLADBS: plan check and permitsCalifornia Architects Board: license search