Then I researched about James Thorpe who they said was their wonderful architect.

From my experience as an architect, investor, contractor, subcontractor (I have worn all of these hats), the best way is to pay for work the moment it’s completed.

It is a gorgeous unit designed by my husband, in consultation with a local architect and lightening designer, so a lot of people just want to see it.

Just because you are polished in your podcast and YouTube channel, this does not guarantee credibility (he had also been in a prominent program called Fox & Friends). 

After personally reviewing the property and noticing an issue with the foundation of the pool and pointing it out to them, (I am not even a contractor or an architect and noticed this) they came back two days later with an estimated rehab of 95K!!!

@Jeff Cliff for a good amount of residential work in the US you are generally not required to have an architect, this varies by jurisdiction so you will just want to check with your local building department to confirm.

Some projects can justify this, but the product/deliverable that comes from an architect, at least on the engineering front, would often leave much to be desired and especially as you don't have your design folks involved with the hands on field engineering aspects of building, you're going to suffer with design issues.On that subject, by the way, are you sure you're needing new units? 

Everyone knows that the bedroom has to have a window, the architect just forgot it. 

@Roger Verastegui as an architect turned contractor, traditional construction is a more affordable way to build that pre-fab.

Data acquisition is becoming prevalent & AI is likely to be more prominent.