Contemporary Home Architect

The contemporary home architect.

A black and white image of a custom home residence

At Refine Design Architecture, we are your starting point for any contemporary home build or renovation—guiding you from first sketch through construction. As licensed contemporary home architects in Washington, we collaborate closely to craft modern, site-specific homes that meet local permitting requirements and elevate daily living. Our work goes beyond drawings: we choreograph light, views, and circulation to create memorable architectural moments that make you pause, reflect, and connect with the world around you. From clean lines to open floor plans, our high-caliber contemporary design, detailed documentation, and personalized service shape 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 contemporary home architects collaborates with you to understand your modern design vision and goals, while verifying and navigating the legal requirements to build your contemporary home.

02. Design

This is the good stuff. With your contemporary ideas and our modern design expertise, our team puts together several design options featuring clean lines, open spaces, and innovative materials. We explore floor plans and look at renderings of your contemporary home in 3D.

03. Permits

At this point, your contemporary design is ready to be submitted to your local jurisdiction to obtain necessary building permits. We can lead this effort, or assist you in obtaining permits for your modern home project.

04. Construction

Lastly, we provide you with construction drawings for your contemporary home, detailed to a level that can be given to a general contractor to start building your project! We can help vet builders experienced with modern construction and coordinate during the 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 contemporary home isn't a "one size fits all" process.

What is the contemporary home design process?

Our contemporary home design process follows a clear path: idea generation and modern design exploration → detailed design development → secure funding → permit acquisition → find a qualified builder and start construction. Each phase builds on the previous, ensuring your contemporary home vision is realized with precision and care.

Do I need a licensed architect for contemporary home design?

In Washington State, a licensed architect isn't always required by law, but is highly recommended for contemporary home projects. Modern homes often feature complex structural elements, large windows, open floor plans, and innovative materials that benefit from professional architectural expertise. Our licensing ensures your contemporary design meets all building codes and structural requirements.

What does contemporary home construction cost?

Contemporary home construction costs vary widely based on project scope, materials selection, and level of customization. Modern homes often feature premium materials like steel, glass, and concrete, along with high-performance windows and energy-efficient systems. The complexity of contemporary design elements and finishes significantly impacts the overall investment in your project.

How long does contemporary home design and construction take?

Contemporary home design typically takes 2-4 months, depending on the complexity of modern elements and client decision-making. Construction ranges from 8-18 months based on project scope, custom features, and material availability. Contemporary homes often require specialized trades and materials, which can extend timelines but ensure superior quality results.

How much does a contemporary home architect cost?

Contemporary home architect fees typically range from 8-15% of construction cost for residential projects. The investment reflects the specialized expertise required for modern design, complex detailing, and coordination of innovative building systems. Our comprehensive service includes design development, construction documentation, permitting assistance, and construction administration to ensure your contemporary vision is executed flawlessly.

Why hire an architect for contemporary home design?

Contemporary home design requires expertise in modern materials, structural innovation, and energy efficiency. Our team brings specialized knowledge of clean-lined aesthetics, open floor plans, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. We navigate complex permitting requirements while coordinating with contractors to ensure your contemporary home achieves both striking visual impact and functional excellence.