Archival Designs, Inc.

Archival Designs, Inc. works with predesigned residential plans for homeowners and builders shaping a home. The family-owned company dates its experience in the industry to 1983 and traces its history to designer David Marc Loftus, known for combining classical references with contemporary solutions. After his death, the team of designers he trained continued developing the collection and answering questions about the plans.

Its online catalog brings together thousands of designs—close to 3,900 in the collection reviewed—and organizes searches by bedrooms, stories, square footage, style, and features. Visitors can browse single-story or two-story layouts, homes with basements, compact houses, country homes, and larger designs. Filters help compare floor plans before selecting one for a particular lot and lifestyle.

Styles include modern and contemporary homes, ranch houses, Craftsman designs, traditional or modern farmhouses, cottages, barndominiums, and homes inspired by European architecture. The catalog also separates detached garages, garage apartments, workshops, and accessory dwelling units. Searchable features include porches, courtyards, walkout basements, home offices, exercise rooms, two primary suites, and butler’s pantries.

Before purchasing a plan, buyers need to check which documents a package includes. Archival Designs explains that contents can vary by design, but a typical set may include a cover sheet, foundation drawings, floor plans, exterior elevations, a roof plan, cross-sections, and lighting and electrical diagrams. Some sheets serve as estimating guides, and the company notes that details vary; it recommends requesting the specific list before buying.

Customers who find a suitable layout but need changes can request a modification. The process starts by selecting a design and describing the adjustments; a sketch can be attached for detailed changes. The dedicated modifications page lists a $25 consultation fee for preparing an estimate, credited toward the modification cost if the customer proceeds, and a typical turnaround of one to two business days for the estimate.

Guidance continues beyond choosing a plan. The site offers a free introductory 15-minute call with David Park, a senior designer with more than 30 years of experience in residential and other building projects, to discuss a design and possible modifications. Visitors can also submit questions through a form and contact bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking plan specialists, which can help clarify package contents or next steps.

Archival Designs brings together a broad library for comparing styles and layouts with a team that can explain the scope of the documents or assess specific changes. The Suwanee address is the location listed in its business record; plan research and selection take place primarily online. For an actual build, the company recommends confirming which sheets come with the chosen design and what adjustments may be needed for the lot or applicable requirements.