Ausilio Design owner and designer, Michael Ausilio, is changing the architecture industry norm with economical pricing and transparency, being the sole designer, drafter, presenter, and communicator.
For many homeowners and developers, hiring an architect feels like a non-negotiable first step in new constructions, additions, or renovation projects. The profession of architecture itself holds weight, evoking prestige, expertise, and necessity. But as construction costs soar and economic pressures mount, many are beginning to ask: Is an architect always essential, and why does it cost so much?
In short: not necessarily, and it’s complicated.
In fact, depending on the size and scope of your project, your local or state law may not require one at all. In states like Washington, residential structures under 4,000 square feet don’t need an architect’s stamp. For these smaller-scale builds, families and developers alike are finding a smarter, more affordable alternative: working with residential designers like Michael Ausilio.
Ausilio, the founder of Ausilio Design, is part of a growing movement pushing back on the assumption that architects are a universal requirement. He explains with numbers: “Suppose an architecture firm wants to design a million-dollar home. They’re going to charge around 8–12%, which is $80,000–$120,000, because they’ve got a team of ten people and heavy overhead to cover.”
But before throwing the architecture profession under the bus, it is important to understand why their rates are what they are. It is not greed but structure. “It’s expensive to become an architect,” Ausilio says. “They’re paying for licensure, insurance, ongoing education, and continuing certifications, every single year. Clients end up covering those costs, whether they realize it or not.”
That’s before factoring in additional staff and consultants that often work under one architecture umbrella. When one hires a firm, they’re not just hiring one professional but hiring the whole team. One for drawing, another for project management, and a third for concept design. “Every piece is often handled by someone different,” Ausilio adds. “Even though you’re paying one lump sum, it’s being split across multiple people; sometimes even separate companies.”
This disjointed model can be a recipe for confusion and inefficiency, and the invoices often keep coming long after the work feels done.
Ausilio is not an architect, and that’s exactly the point. He’s a residential designer and CAD specialist with over a decade of experience designing everything from custom tooling to home renovations. Unlike traditional firms, he operates as a one-man powerhouse, combining client meetings, design work, drafting, and technical expertise himself. “I deal directly with the client. I’m the drafter. I’m the designer. There’s no middleman. And I’m fast because I’ve done it a thousand times.”
Ausilio’s hands-on, streamlined approach dramatically reduces overhead, which means lower prices for clients. But more importantly, it reduces confusion and miscommunication. “When you work with me, you’re talking to the person actually creating the drawings. This is true collaboration, to the very definition. In fact, I do live sessions with my clients where they witness the idea coming to life through the power of technology. I bring them into my world, I turn them into a designer in their own right. That means no lost details, no guesswork, and no delays.”
Despite this, most people don’t even realize that residential designers exist. “People assume an architect is the only option because it’s the most well-known title,” says Ausilio. “But when architects are turning down garage projects because the margins aren’t there, it’s designers like me who fill that void.”
For projects that do require an architect’s stamp, such as commercial work or homes over 4,000 sq. ft., Ausilio partners with licensed professionals early in the process to provide what he calls a “pseudo architecture firm.” It’s a collaborative structure that maintains liability while keeping costs down, all without compromising on expertise. “Legally, an architect needs to be involved from the beginning for certain projects. So we bring them in early, pay them for their stamp and review, and the client gets a full-service experience, without paying the full-service price.”
One of Ausilio Design’s biggest selling points is financial transparency. “With big architecture firms, you’ll get a vague estimate. And then the add-ons begin. It’s like a faucet you can’t turn off,” he says. “With me, clients see everything up front: scope, cost, timeline, payment schedule. There are no surprises.”
Ausilio didn’t set out to become a disruptor, it’s just that his mentors were. “I just love designing,” adds Ausilio. He started in research and development, working on robotics and prototyping. But it was residential drafting that hooked him. “It was just fun. I like talking to homeowners, solving problems, and making ideas real.”
After juggling two jobs for several years, he launched Ausilio Design full-time during COVID-19 and never looked back. “The demand exploded. I partnered with a local engineer, took on more structural work, and started designing homes from the ground up. And technology has only made it easier.”
The key is understanding what your project actually requires and not defaulting to the most expensive option out of habit. “People should know their choices. That’s all I’m trying to do; educate them.”
Today, Ausilio’s work stretches across neighborhoods, counties, and state lines. But his motivations remain deeply personal. “My dad was a carpenter,” he says. “He is a talented craftsman and the hardest worker I have ever known. He built things with his hands. I’m proud to be doing the same, just in my own way.”
The architectural industry may be built on prestige and influence, but Ausilio Design’s success proves there’s another path: one grounded in skill, service, and substance. “For me, it’s about creating something lasting. Helping people. And building a legacy that inspires others.”
