We are in the middle of a new build influenced by the Prairie School. I listed below builders, designers and architects that came up during our discovery phase. Note that many of these are Midwest based. I found, "A Field Guide to American Houses" and "American House Styles: A Concise Guide" particularly helpful for identifying key design elements.

http://www.builtbytradition.com
http://www.genesisarchitecture.com
http://www.gibbonsfortman.com
http://swanarchitecture.com
http://www.sandravitzthum.com
http://russellversaci.com
http://christiangladu.com
http://www.bungalowcompany.com (owned by Gladu)

Lots of nice (free) reference material on-line with simple key word searches on google:

http://www.ci.glendale.ca.us/planning/craftsmansurvey/craftsman%20style%20guide-pdf%20version.pdf

Here is a link that might be useful: Build Blog

I've lived in a 1916, 6500 sq ft Arts and Crafts house. It was pretty upscale at the time it was built. But old houses are money-pits!! Something always needs repair or replacing. Our new house has craftsman elements, but is probably classified more as cottage? I think you've made a good choice by building a new home.

I agree that most builders don't get craftsman quite right. My suggestion to you would be to start collecting pictures and ideas of "details" you want in your new home. Lots of pictures! Take those pictures with you and interview a few architects to make sure they understand what you want in a home. You probably won't find a "tract" builder to give you the home you want. A craftsman home is all about the "details", and with a good custom builder you should be able to build your dream home. Don't rush into anything. I don't know what your budget it, but a real craftsman build can put a dent in the pocketbook.

A magazine I had subscribed to for years when I lived in the "old house" was American Bungalow. You will often find pictures of new craftsman houses there. Jon Rentfrow is an architect in Colorado, and his website has a lot of good pictures. (link below). Also, check out http://www.architecturalhouseplans.com. I found this website had more homes with craftsman elements than many others.

Good luck. Keep us posted!

Here is a link that might be useful: Jon Rentfrow Design

Thank you so much:)
Your house looks lovely! I really like prairie too. Ideally I'd do a Greene and Greene look I'm just not sure if that would blend well in suburban Maryland;)

Thanks Joyce,

I'd bet your old house was stunning. They had an elevation I loved but the floor plan was just terrible. My budget seemed high at first but now it seems really inadequate however I am very very good at finding sales/bargains. I also am hoping to find someone who will work with me on scalable finishes. Like some things clearly need to be done at time of construction...some things can be added later. It's not just cost, my oldest is 3 and my youngest is 15 months so I'd hate for something to get ruined by them.

Good luck, Zyllah. As I said before...if any picture you find (either interior or exterior) catches your eye, cut it out, print it...just save it. It will all come together in the end!!

And, set up a pinterest board for your inspiration pictures. Truly, and honestly, I've found that to be the easiest way for me to organize all the online inspirational content. (And, they are easy to post to GW from pinterest too, when it is time to post a question on how to get this look or that; etc)

I should have mentioned that Houzz.com is a wonderful place for inspiration. Search on "craftsman" and you will come up with hundreds of pages of ideas and pictures, both interior and exterior. And if you just ask, you can often find out a vendor of a particular item you like.

I love pinterest and houzz.com. On pinterest I'm also zyllah. I was looking at architectural salvage last night but nothing I saw really spoke to me. Otoh the stained glass artist who did the restoration work on the Greene and Greene houses actually cost much less than I thought he would.