[MFAFF]

Paul,

This is top challenge for any architect...one that really gets the creative juices going. I wish I still lived in Alexandria VA and could drop by.

First off... chat to a few locals and see if they are interested in the challenge.
You may want to note down a few essentials that you want to have...the floor, the mezzanine.. anything else? Bathroom? Kitchen area etc etc just so you discuss the same thing with each and add to the list as you talk. Having a pack of information relating to the barn (a simple sketch plan with some dimensions is fine, a few pictures of thee barn, inside and out, plus a few of its setting and views towards it would be great.)

A conversation like this should be 'free'....and then you can discuss what you might obtain for say a $5000 fee in terms of a few options/ concepts which accommodate your ideas. You should discuss what 'deliverables' they are prepared to generate in this phase....it might be a few plan options with sketches to explain the basic layout, a quick 3D sketch etc... but ensure that what you are asking for represents a realistic ask for the amount of money you are prepared to pay a this stage.

I suggest that within that fee the architect allow for an initial kick off workshop session, walking around the site with you...an update session half way through (say 2 weeks into the project) then a final session with you and family after a month. This allows you to have a mid course correction of the work, rather than let the design wander off into the long grass.

At the end of project the architect should hand over a couple of colour printed copies of the report he/ she has done for you, with right to use the designs and material as you chose. You should be able to work out if you could work with them more to develop the designs or not by then.

The architect 'should' be able to provide some advice regarding how realistic the idea are in terms of relevant legislation.. turning a barn into something else... changing the appearance etc. And also any big 'gotcha's' regarding installing a solid floor and some advice on structure, even if its only 'get professional advice"!

The more you put into it before you interview/ hire an architect the more they have to work with and the more they can deliver for the price.

An alternative could be to chat to a couple of architecture schools near you (Virginia Tech has an Urban Design Campus in Old Town Alexandria and there's Catholic University in DC.... they might be interested in this as a quick design study for the new students in the fall...and you might obtain some inspiration and great ideas to kick your own ideas into gear.

I hope that helps..