Coastal Architect

The coastal architect.

A black and white image of a custom home residence

At Refine Design Architecture, we are your starting point for any coastal home build or renovation—guiding you from first sketch through construction. As licensed coastal architects in Washington, we collaborate closely to craft waterfront homes that meet local permitting requirements and elevate seaside living. Our work goes beyond drawings: we choreograph natural light, ocean views, and coastal breezes to create memorable architectural moments that make you pause, reflect, and connect with the water around you. From salt air considerations to storm-resistant design, our high-caliber coastal expertise, detailed documentation, and personalized service shape waterfront spaces your family will cherish for generations.

Meet our Residential Architect Team

What can we do for you?

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01. Pre-Design

This is where we get on a first name basis. Our team of coastal architects collaborates with you to understand your waterfront project vision and goals. We verify and navigate the legal requirements to build near the water.

02. Design

This is the good stuff. With your coastal living ideas and our waterfront design expertise, our team puts together several design options. We explore floor plans that maximize water views and look at renderings of your coastal home in 3D.

03. Permits

At this point, your coastal design is ready to be submitted to your local jurisdiction to obtain necessary building permits. We can lead this effort, or can assist you in obtaining waterfront permits.

04. Construction

Lastly, we provide you with construction drawings for coastal building, detailed to a level that can be given to a general contractor experienced with waterfront construction. We can help vet coastal builders and coordinate during the construction process.

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.

At Refine Design Architecture, we believe that building or renovating a coastal home isn't a "one size fits all" process.

What is the coastal architect process?

Our coastal design process follows a proven path: waterfront site analysis and idea generation → coastal design development → secure funding → obtain waterfront permits → find an experienced coastal builder and start construction. Each phase considers the unique challenges and opportunities of building near the water, from environmental regulations to maximizing views and natural light.

Do I need a licensed architect for coastal projects?

In Washington State, a licensed architect isn't always required by law, but is highly recommended for coastal projects due to their complexity. Waterfront building codes, environmental regulations, and site-specific challenges make professional architectural guidance invaluable. Our expertise in coastal design ensures your project meets all requirements while maximizing the potential of your waterfront location.

What does coastal construction cost?

Coastal construction costs vary widely based on project scope, site conditions, materials, and proximity to water. Waterfront properties often require specialized foundation systems, weather-resistant materials, and compliance with environmental regulations. The stunning views and unique lifestyle benefits of coastal living represent a significant investment that typically appreciates over time.

How long does a coastal project take?

Design typically takes 3-5 months for coastal projects due to additional site analysis and permit requirements. Construction ranges from 8-20 months depending on scope and complexity. Waterfront projects may face weather-related delays and require coordination with environmental agencies, but the result—a beautifully designed coastal home—is worth the investment in time.

How much does a coastal architect cost?

Our architectural fees typically range from 10-15% of construction cost for coastal residential projects. This reflects the specialized expertise required for waterfront design, including environmental considerations, permitting complexity, and coordination with specialized contractors. The investment ensures your coastal home is thoughtfully designed and properly executed.

Why hire an architect for coastal projects?

Coastal architecture requires specialized knowledge of waterfront regulations, weather resistance, and site-specific design solutions. We bring expertise in maximizing water views, managing salt air exposure, and creating indoor-outdoor connections that celebrate coastal living. Our thoughtful design approach and permitting expertise result in waterfront spaces that truly elevate your daily life by the water.