When Indianapolis homeowners start dreaming about a renovation or addition, the first call is usually to a general contractor. After all, the GC is the one who “gets things done,” right?
But according to Jeremy Portillo, founder of Retrofit Design, that’s where most people get it wrong.
“I often think maybe I should pitch services as a contractor simply for the fact that most homeowners feel like they need a contractor first,” he says. “Because the contractor’s the one that gets things done, so the GC should be the one that knows everything.”
What many don’t realize is that starting with an architect doesn’t just improve the design — it can prevent the most expensive mistakes down the road.
When you hire an architect, you’re not just paying for drawings. You’re hiring someone who’s trained to think ahead — to design around the things you know you want, and the ones you don’t yet realize you’ll need.
“When you hire the right architect, they’re going to ask about the future,” Jeremy explains. “You’re planning for not just what you say you need, but having a conversation that leads to discovering the things you didn’t know you needed.”
That long-term perspective is what keeps a renovation from turning into a revolving door of costly fixes.
“The most expensive projects are the ones where you do it first and it’s wrong,” he says, “and then you do it again, and then you make a change later.”
In other words, an architect doesn’t just design your space — they design out regret.
Contractors are indispensable. They make the design come to life. But as Jeremy points out, a builder’s expertise lies in construction, not necessarily in concept.
“Even the clients that have a GC in mind — the best contractors will send them to an architect,” he says. “Sometimes they’re design-build teams where the contractor hires a drafter or designer, but with an architectural education and experience, I know I can come up with the right solution for that specific family.”
That’s what sets architects apart: they look at your family’s lifestyle, long-term goals, and the home’s context before anyone picks up a hammer.
It’s easy to see why many homeowners think skipping an architect saves money upfront. But the numbers tell a different story once construction begins.
“Uncovering and redoing something is going to break the bank every time,” Jeremy says. “If you do it right from the beginning, that’s where you save.”
Architect-led design also tends to keep projects on budget more reliably because every detail — from materials to window specs — is considered before construction starts.
“We once had a project where the client wanted to save on windows,” he recalls. “They looked great, but after moving in, they said they could hear the traffic and feel the air moving in. We replaced them with better-quality windows with a sound rating, and that made all the difference.”
That story shows how a small design conversation upfront can save thousands later in comfort, energy, and resale value.
Jeremy is quick to point out that architects and contractors work best together — not in competition.
“We bring a bunch of relationships with contractors to the table too,” he says. “It’s not like you hire us and you’re left wondering who’s going to build this thing. We walk you through the process of finding the right GC.”
The goal, he says, is to form a triangle of trust: homeowner, architect, and contractor — each supporting the other to make the best possible home.
Retrofit Design’s process is less about flashy marketing and more about building relationships — one homeowner, one coffee meeting at a time.
“I’m meeting people every week in coffee shops and co-working spaces, just getting to know them,” Jeremy says. “Our work is all word of mouth. We’re here to build something long-term — we’re not moving fast, and we don’t plan on packing up and leaving anytime soon.”
That long-game philosophy, rooted in community and conversation, is what makes Retrofit Design’s projects feel personal — not transactional.
Should I hire an architect or a contractor first?
Hire an architect first. They’ll design your home holistically, help you plan for the future, and often connect you with trusted contractors for execution.
What’s the difference between an architect and a design-build firm?
Architects focus on customized, lifestyle-driven design; design-build firms focus on construction efficiency. The best projects combine both through collaboration.
Finding the right architect shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
Social Brick connects homeowners with vetted architects — professionals like Jeremy Portillo — who understand the value of both design and community.
Whether you’re renovating a 1930s bungalow or expanding a family home, the right architect can help you do it once — and do it right.
Let us find your dream architect on Social Brick today!