Hello, We bought a farmhouse this summer and are now ready to renovate - basically add new bathrooms, remodel the kitchen and generally freshen up the place as it looks tired. Would like your advice on how to go about it. Should we hire an architect to manage the project? We will not be on site, and it seems a sensible thing to do, but are worried about: 1) Higher costs (what is the incentive for the architect to help us think of simple solutions?) 2) Over-renovation resulting in the farmhouse fitting more in Suburbia than rural France Any suggestions/advice would be much appreciated. Also, would value any recommendations of project managers,architects or artisans - we are in Aveyron, close to the intersection of department 12 and 82. Thanks!