Home Design Process

What can we do for you?

01. Pre-Design

We begin with a free consultation about your vision, site, budget, and what is possible. We review your inspiration images and preferred materials, and help you weigh financial and regulatory factors early.

02. Design

We develop multiple design options with floor plans and 3D renderings, then keep refining the 3D model as your ideas take shape. Schematic drawings are detailed enough for a builder to give a rough cost estimate.

03. Permits

Once the design is finalized, we prepare the drawings and documentation for permit submittal. We can lead the process or support you, and we respond to review comments and resubmit when needed.

04. Construction

We deliver construction drawings detailed enough for a general contractor to begin building. We help you vet builders, coordinate between consultants, and stay involved, sometimes with weekly or biweekly meetings.

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.

Building or renovating a home is never one-size-fits-all. Here are straight answers to the questions we hear most often about how the design process works with us.

What is the home design process, step by step?

We follow five industry-standard phases: Pre-design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Administration. Pre-design starts with an initial consultation about your goals, timeline, and budget. In schematic design, we produce floor plan and 3D options. 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. During construction we answer questions and help make sure the home is built as designed. We like to finish with a final walkthrough.

Do I need an architect for my home project?

For custom homes in our area, an architect is not legally required unless the project includes four or more units. Many homeowners still choose one, because a home involves more than drawings. Our architects are licensed, and we understand local zoning codes, building regulations, and permit requirements. We help you understand realistic costs, and we provide detailed documentation. That documentation can also help you meet construction loan requirements. For additions and conversions, our understanding of structural integrity helps ensure the finished spaces are safe and suitable for their new use.

What does construction cost for a custom home?

We can't give you a construction number without knowing your project. Cost depends on scope, site conditions, and the materials you choose. We balance four priorities: cost, fire resilience, sustainability, and design. A comparison matrix helps us weigh siding, roofing, or insulation against all four. Our schematic drawings are detailed enough for a builder to give a rough order-of-magnitude estimate, and we recommend working with a general contractor for cost estimating. If you'd like a realistic picture for your own project, get in touch and we'll talk it through.

How long does the design process 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 shift with the complexity of the home and how quickly decisions are made. Review time at the permitting office also plays a part. We prepare construction documents while the jurisdiction reviews your permit application, so the work keeps moving. If you're still unsure what you want, we produce multiple floor plan and 3D options to help you decide. Contact us to talk about your own schedule.

How much does an architect charge?

Our fees typically range between 5% and 15% of total construction cost. Where your project lands in that range depends on the home's complexity, the site conditions, and the level of service you need. We tailor our pricing to the project's size, complexity, and site. Some services are optional add-ons beyond our core architectural work. For example, we sometimes provide construction administration on an as-needed, on-call basis. The consultation is free and covers your vision, site, budget, and what is possible, so you can get a clear sense of fit before committing to anything.

Why hire an architect for your home project?

A good home comes from context, client input, and construction knowledge working together. We listen first. Our architects aim to uncover a building's purpose and design around the people who will use it. We bring early coordination with your surveyor, septic designer, engineer, and builder, so the design vision lines up with site and budget realities before construction begins. We handle permit paperwork, which saves time and reduces the risk of rejected applications. We stay involved through construction. Every decision is guided by a real person who knows your project.