What comes after the McMansion? There’s probably no one answer, but architect and author Russell Versaci suggests America’s rich heritage of domestic architecture gives us plenty to draw on. He says that a sensibly designed house can borrow from many eras and suggests homeowners "pick and choose and not put themselves in an architectural, historical straitjacket."

Traditionally an architect’s fee is based on a percentage of construction cost. The percentage varies from firm to firm, as do “standard services.” Some architects charge an hourly rate or a combination of the two fee systems. The large amount of money involved in building a house creates anxiety for clients, and a wise architect guides them gently through the process.

To make a room cozier or more dramatic or to tie spaces together, designer Paul Hickman uses sophisticated painting techniques—often involving six or seven colors. Some of these techniques are akin to those used to create special effects in restaurants or entertainment spaces.

Four architects weigh in on the challenges of designing big houses — picking a style that looks right at a large scale, helping clients understand just how big a 5,000-square-foot house can be, designing communities of large houses on small lots, and helping clients take advantage of the design opportunities that a large house presents. For example, large collections can be organized, displayed and become a part of daily life.

Local artisans can add a custom touch to a new house for a surprisingly affordable price. The only hitch is that they are often small, one-person operations, and they can be hard to locate. In Ann Arbor, Mich., where I live, I found a brother and sister team who make tiles, a potter who can make sinks, and two muralists.