You should check around more. I looked at Brian Cullingworth profile on Houzz. He only have a few projects there showing and no reviews yet. What I learned from my current building process is to be patient as the preparation stage. Do not get into a big hurry to get started. I made that mistake in getting the process started prior of doing more research.....i wanted a pool for my children for the summer and I am still in the building process and with no end insights. As for the fee....many companies charge for a designing plan. They highest I came across is $2800 in Texas and the company will credit 50% back if you start the construction with them. I recommend you speak with more people or get some other companies from Houzz.com