Architecture Phase

What can we do for you?

01. Pre-Design

We start with an initial consultation to understand your goals, timeline, and budget. Together we look at your site and work through the permitting requirements that shape what can be built.

02. Design

Next we develop several design options with floor plans and 3D renderings. Schematic drawings are detailed enough for a builder to give a preliminary cost estimate.

03. Permits

Once the design is finalized, we prepare the permit documents and typically handle the submittal for you. We also answer review comments and resubmit while construction documents are prepared.

04. Construction

You receive construction drawings detailed enough for a general contractor to build from. We can help you vet builders, answer questions on site, and confirm the project is built to the design.

Don't just take our word for it.

Here's what our clients have to say.

"RD's team provided us with a very special creative process designing our home...If you are seriously looking to elevate your next project, work with Refine Design!"

Shy F.

Mountain Lodge

"Stone and Julia were very professional and extremely helpful in designing our project. Their patience and attention to detail were integral in configuring a change of use building."

Dustin D.

Ballard DADU

"They not only helped bring our vision to life, but offered a point of view we had not thought of. I highly recommend this duo - they are incredibly easy to work with."

Kendall F.

Gig Harbor Remodel

"No words can describe how exceptional Julia and Stone are at their work...Not only did they research extensively into the building codes but they poured so much thought into the design."

Yu Chi S.

Seattle Bathroom Remodel

"It was great working with Refine Design Architecture for our cabin expansion. They listened to our requirements, offered feedback and produced designs that fulfilled our vision"

Antonio G.

Leavenworth Cabin Addition

"Their work was on schedule, on budget, and their ideas were very helpful. If you're searching for an architectural team that can fit the bill, look no further."

James M.

Accessibility Retrofit

Have questions?
We have answers.

Every home project is different, and so is the way it moves through each architecture phase. These are the questions we hear most often from homeowners who are getting ready to begin.

What are the architecture phases of a home project?

We follow five industry-standard phases: Pre-design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Administration. Pre-design covers your vision, site, and permitting requirements. Schematic Design produces multiple options with floor plans and 3D renderings. A structural engineer joins during Design Development. By the end of Construction Documents, you have an approved building permit, a complete set of construction drawings, and a finalized specification package. Construction Administration follows, with us answering questions and checking that the project is built as designed.

Do I need a licensed architect for my project?

In the area we serve, an architect is not legally required for custom homes unless the project includes four or more units. Many homeowners still choose one because the work involves zoning, building codes, and permit requirements, all of which we understand. Our architects are licensed, and responsibility for code compliance rests with them and our project managers, not with software. We can walk you through what your particular project needs during a free consultation.

What does construction cost for a custom home?

We can't give you a construction figure without knowing your project. Cost depends on the size and complexity of the home, the site conditions, and the materials chosen. We weigh cost against fire resilience, sustainability, and design, and we compare materials side by side in a matrix. Schematic drawings are prepared so a builder can give a preliminary cost estimate, and we recommend working with a general contractor for cost estimating. Get in touch and we'll talk through your goals and budget.

How long do the architecture phases take?

For clients with a clear vision and defined program, design and permitting typically takes 4–6 months, depending on the jurisdiction. That range covers the design phases and the permit review, during which we prepare your construction documents. The pace depends on how quickly decisions are made, how complex the site is, and how long the local jurisdiction takes to review. Construction is separate and depends on your builder. If you're unsure where your project falls, we're happy to talk it through.

How much does an architect charge?

Our fees typically range between 5% and 15% of total construction cost. Where your project lands depends on the home's complexity, the site conditions, and the level of service you need. Pricing is also tailored to the project's size. Some clients want full service from first sketch through construction. Others need only certain phases, such as permit drawings or construction administration, which we sometimes provide on an as-needed, on-call basis. The free consultation is the place to start, since it covers your vision, site, budget, and what is possible.

Why work with an architect through every phase?

A successful project comes from context, client input, and construction knowledge, and each phase builds on the one before it. Working with one team means decisions made early, such as site layout, budget, and regulatory factors, carry through to the drawings. We bring the architect, builder, and engineer together early, which helps align the design with site and budget realities before construction begins. Our lighting and electrical plans are meant to reduce surprises for the builder and electrician. Our details aim to produce homes that are structurally sound and compliant with local building codes.