Recommendations for architect and/or custom home builder in central Florida?

The only person I've heard in the Orlando area for custom home building from friends is Ray Coudriet. Very nice stuff in Isleworth he designed. Apparently his daughter's house in Gainesville was nice and designed by him. I never saw that one even though I was there the same time she was. Other than that, I don't know of any. Payne Stewart's house off Kilgore road was custom designed by a local architect and I've always liked that house. Probably a google search will find that guy's name.

 

The Slocum Platts architecture firm in Winter Park has designed some really beautiful homes in central Florida. I was going to use them when my wife and I were looking to build in Windsong. They did her parents house and guest house and they're stellar. We ended up buying an existing home and just renovating interiors--and of course the garage. Good luck!

 

A good friend of mine from architectural school is in that area. Brilliant guy, very high end designs. His name is Chris Schafer and I can get you his contact information if you are interested.


BT

 

Just sent you a PM.


BT

 

One of the top residential architects in the area! Google his name to see some of his designs. He was great to work with, on my garage project.

I'm sorry... it's Phil Kean

 

I would recommend BT.

 

Thanks Ron! I would have liked to work on the project but I think I am too far away to be effective from Canton. If you are ever travelling through Atlanta give me a shout.


BT

 

Thanks for the compliments. Home design is a pretty fun way to make a living. I am confident you will have a successful project.


BT

 

Where are you looking to build?
I vote for downtown, but I'm biased Great mix of people and different homes. Good schools, bars, and food. Very good range of inventory as well. It ranges from good condition historical, ready to remodel historical, ready to demo or new construction. My REA just bought two houses a block from mine and leveled them for new builds. Two others within 2 blocks went down as well. I went the alternate route (as have others) and bought a 1920's Craftsman for remodel and just figured I'd need to add a bigger garage.

I'll let you know how my architect does on the garage, but we won't be breaking ground until late Feb.

Cheers!

 

If you're new to the area and have any questions about Winter Park/Baldwin Park just ask. I've lived here for years and love this part of town.

 

This is going to sound wacko, but it's an angle that you and your wife should consider, but can be dismissed if nothing fits the criteria:

Are there any lakefront builder spec-homes currently on the market in the Lake Hart-Lake Mary Jane area? Since builders gotta build, you might be able to leverage the equity in your lot as part of your payment and reduce the amount you need to finance.

That is, if it fits your size, quality and architectural needs. Having a house built is often stressful to couples. It also speeds-up occupancy so you can enjoy it sooner. Maybe membership in the club at Lake Nona can offer fine dining, but it's still a newish, suburban area that hasn't yet "seasoned." I can understand your wife's concerns.

 

Yeah, it's too far away for me too.

 

I would recommend Dave Brewer .. I know him not from building (although I am a custom home builder) but from the car world he is an avid car guy and a real nice guy..Google his name and you will see his website.
LarryH