Residential Architect Needed, Design a Modern Second-Story Home Addition

Project Overview I am planning a major second-story addition to my existing single-story home in Sacramento, California, and I am looking for an experienced residential architect or architectural designer to help me transform my ideas into a professional architectural concept. Important: At this stage, I am not looking for permit-ready construction drawings. My goal is to develop the overall architectural design, floor plans, exterior appearance, and realistic 3D renderings. Once the final design has been approved, I will work with a local California architect and structural engineer to prepare the permit and construction documents. The new second floor will be built above the existing garage and guest bedroom. I already have: * Existing floor plans * Preliminary measurements * Contractor proposal * Initial concept sketches These documents will be shared with the selected freelancer after proposals have been submitted. ⸻ Project Goals I am looking for someone who can take my ideas and improve them—not simply redraw my sketches. I welcome creative ideas and architectural recommendations to maximize functionality, aesthetics, and the overall appearance of the house. ⸻ Overall Concept The second floor will be constructed above the garage and guest bedroom. The new level will include: * A private office facing the front of the house * A balcony connected to the office overlooking the front yard * A large playroom occupying the remaining space * A wall and interior door separating the office from the playroom * New staircase connecting the first and second floors * Mini bar built underneath the staircase ⸻ Two Design Concepts Required Please create two complete architectural concepts. Option 1 * Front balcony * Rear terrace/deck Option 2 * Front balcony * No rear terrace I would like both options so I can compare functionality, cost, and appearance. ⸻ Staircase Design The staircase will begin from the existing office located next to the kitchen. I am open to different staircase layouts, including: * Straight * L-shaped * U-shaped (if feasible) The design should maximize usable space while creating an attractive transition between the first and second floor. Underneath the staircase I would like a custom mini bar. I would appreciate recommendations regarding the best layout. ⸻ Exterior Design One of the most important parts of this project is ensuring the second floor looks like it was always part of the original home. Please design the exterior so the addition integrates naturally with the existing architecture. I am looking for recommendations regarding: * Roof design * Roof lines * Window placement * Window sizing * Balcony design * Exterior finishes * Architectural details * Overall curb appeal ⸻ Interior Design The second floor should feel bright, open, and modern. Please provide design recommendations regarding: * Room layouts * Natural lighting * Ceiling heights * Door placement * Flow between rooms * Storage ideas * Space optimization ⸻ Deliverables I would like the following deliverables. Floor Plans * Updated first-floor plan showing staircase * Second-floor floor plan * Roof plan * Furniture layout suggestions (optional) ⸻ Exterior Elevations Please provide elevations for: * Front * Rear * Left * Right ⸻ 3D Exterior Renderings Please provide realistic renderings showing: * Front of house * Rear of house * Left side * Right side These renderings should clearly show: * Roof * Balcony * Windows * Overall architectural style ⸻ 3D Interior Renderings Please provide realistic renderings of: * Office * Playroom * Balcony * Staircase * Mini bar * Landing * Hallway (if applicable) ⸻ Source Files Please include: * PDF drawings * CAD / DWG files * Revit files (if applicable) * Chief Architect files (if applicable) * ArchiCAD files (if applicable) * High-resolution renderings ⸻ Information Available I have already prepared several documents to help with the project, including: * Existing floor plans * Preliminary second-floor layout * Room dimensions * Contractor proposal * Existing measurements * Concept sketches To keep the proposal process manageable, I will share these documents, photos of the existing house (interior and exterior), and additional measurements with the selected freelancer or shortlisted candidates after reviewing proposals. ⸻ Ideal Freelancer I am looking for someone who has experience with: * Residential additions * Second-story home additions * Modern residential architecture * 3D architectural visualization * Exterior home design * Staircase design * Space planning Experience with California residential projects is a plus. ⸻ What I Would Like Included in Your Proposal Please include: * Examples of similar second-story additions you’ve designed. * A link to your portfolio. * Which software you use (Revit, AutoCAD, Chief Architect, ArchiCAD, SketchUp, etc.). * Your estimated timeline. * How many design revisions are included. * Whether you provide photorealistic renderings. * Any ideas or recommendations you already have based on this project description. ⸻ Final Note I value creativity and collaboration. I am looking for someone who can act as a design partner—not just a draftsman. If you enjoy improving layouts, creating beautiful residential spaces, and proposing ideas that enhance both functionality and aesthetics, I would love to work with you.