fwiw, I've also moved alot being in the RE bizz and I've lived in a few homes that were actually designed by an architect and not one of your cookie cutter floor plan boxes you find today in most sub-divisions..... everyone of those homes were beautiful and a joy to live in. I'll admit there is a real difference, no doubt; but it's gonna cost you, and not 'just' upfront. On the other hand, it'll also generate a higher resale value and likely appreciate better than most homes would too.
I actually LOVE architecture, so cheers
