Finding An Architect To Design Your Home

What can we do for you?

01. Pre-Design

We start by listening. We learn your vision, timeline, and budget, look at your site, and walk you through the zoning and permitting requirements that will shape your home.

02. Design

Here your ideas meet our design expertise. We develop several design options with floor plans and 3D renderings, so you can see your future home before anything is built.

03. Permits

Once the design is final, we prepare the permit drawings and submit them to your local jurisdiction. We can lead the permitting process or support you through it.

04. Construction

You receive construction drawings detailed enough for a general contractor to build from. We can help you vet builders and stay involved during construction to answer questions.

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.

Choosing an architect is a big decision, and no two homes are alike. Here are straightforward answers to the questions homeowners ask us most often.

What is the process of working with an architect on your home?

We follow five industry-standard phases: Pre-design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Administration. Pre-design covers your goals, site, and the local permitting path. Schematic Design explores options. A structural engineer joins during Design Development. While the local jurisdiction reviews your permit application, we prepare the construction documents. By the end of that phase you have an approved building permit, a complete set of construction drawings, and a finalized specification package. During construction we can answer questions and help ensure the home is built as designed.

Do I need an architect to design my home?

For custom homes, an architect is generally not legally required unless the project includes four or more units. Many homeowners still choose one, because a custom home involves site conditions, zoning, and building codes that are easy to underestimate. Our architects are licensed and understand local zoning codes, building regulations, and permit requirements. We detail our work so the home is structurally sound and compliant with local codes. For conversions, we also bring structural knowledge so the new space is safe for its new use.

What does construction cost when working with an architect?

Construction cost depends on your site, the size and complexity of the home, and the materials you choose, so we don't quote a single number. We help you weigh financial and regulatory factors early and understand realistic costs. Where it helps, we compare materials such as siding, roofing, or insulation against cost, fire resilience, sustainability, and design. We recommend working with a general contractor for cost estimating. Our schematic drawings are detailed enough for a builder to give a preliminary estimate. Get in touch to talk through your project.

How long does an architect project take?

For clients with a clear vision and a defined program, design and permitting typically takes 4–6 months, depending on the jurisdiction. Your timeline can be longer if you are still deciding what you want. In that case we produce multiple floor plan and 3D options to help you decide. We prepare construction documents while the jurisdiction reviews your permit, which keeps the project moving. Construction time depends on your project and your builder, so we can talk through what to expect in a consultation.

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. Services are tailored project by project, so you pay for what your project requires. Some clients want us to lead permitting, and others want support while they handle it themselves. Some want us on call during construction. We offer a free consultation covering your vision, your site, your budget, and what is possible, so you can get a clearer picture before committing to anything.

Why hire an architect to design your home?

A good architect designs around the people who will use the home. We believe a successful project comes from context, client input, and construction knowledge, and we treat design as a collaboration that starts with listening to your needs and goals. We coordinate with the surveyor, septic designer, engineer, and builder early. That helps align the design with your site and budget before construction begins. Our details are meant to produce a home that is sound, code-compliant, and built the way you imagined.