Home Renovation Architect

The home renovation architect.

A black and white image of a custom home residence

At Refine Design Architecture, we are your starting point for transforming your existing home—guiding you from first sketch through construction completion. As licensed home renovation architects in Washington, we collaborate closely to reimagine spaces that honor your home's character while meeting modern living needs and local permitting requirements. Our work goes beyond drawings: we choreograph light, views, and circulation to create memorable architectural moments that make you pause, reflect, and connect with your transformed space. Whether updating a single room or reimagining your entire home, our high-caliber design, detailed documentation, and personalized service shape renovations your family will cherish for generations.

Meet our Residential Architect Team

What can we do for you?

Learn More

01. Pre-Design

This is where we get on a first name basis. Our team of architects collaborates with you to understand your renovation vision and goals, assessing your existing home's potential and navigating the legal requirements for your project.

02. Design

This is the good stuff. With your ideas and our design expertise, our team develops renovation options that honor your home's character while meeting your modern needs. We explore updated floor plans and visualize the transformation in 3D.

03. Permits

At this point, your renovation design is ready to be submitted to your local jurisdiction to obtain necessary building permits. We can lead this effort, or assist you in navigating the permitting process.

04. Construction

Finally, we provide you with detailed construction drawings that can be given to a general contractor to begin your renovation! We can help vet builders and coordinate during construction to keep your project aligned with the design vision.

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 renovating a home isn't a "one size fits all" process—every existing home presents unique opportunities and challenges.

What is the home renovation architect process?

Our home renovation process follows a proven path: assessment and idea generation → design development → secure funding → obtain permits → find a qualified builder and start construction. We begin by thoroughly evaluating your existing home's structure, systems, and potential. Then we work with you to develop design solutions that maximize your investment while respecting your home's original character. Throughout the process, we coordinate with contractors and navigate permitting requirements to ensure your renovation proceeds smoothly.

Do I need a licensed architect for my home renovation?

In Washington State, a licensed architect isn't always required for home renovations, but is highly recommended for complex projects involving structural changes, additions, or significant spatial reconfigurations. Licensed architects bring expertise in building codes, structural requirements, and design solutions that maximize your renovation investment. For major renovations, an architect ensures your project meets all safety requirements and zoning regulations while achieving your design goals. We help determine early in the process whether your specific renovation requires architectural licensing.

What does a home renovation cost to build?

Home renovation costs vary widely based on project scope, existing conditions, materials selected, and complexity of work required. Kitchen and bathroom renovations typically represent the highest cost per square foot, while cosmetic updates are more budget-friendly. Structural modifications, systems upgrades, and permit requirements also impact overall investment. We work with you during the design phase to understand your budget and develop renovation solutions that maximize value while meeting your goals.

How long does a home renovation take?

The timeline for home renovations depends on project complexity and scope. Design and permitting typically takes 2-4 months, while construction can range from 2-3 months for single room renovations to 6-12 months for whole-home transformations. Structural modifications, systems upgrades, and permit reviews can extend timelines. We provide realistic schedule expectations during the design phase and coordinate with contractors to keep your renovation on track throughout construction.

How much does a home renovation architect cost?

Home renovation architect fees typically range from 8-15% of construction cost for residential projects, depending on scope and complexity. We also offer fixed-fee arrangements for specific services like feasibility studies or permit assistance. Our comprehensive approach includes design development, construction documentation, permit coordination, and construction support. The investment in professional architectural services typically pays for itself through better design solutions, smoother permitting, and reduced construction issues.

Why hire an architect for your home renovation?

A home renovation architect brings thoughtful design thinking, permitting expertise, and contractor coordination to transform your existing space into something extraordinary. We see potential in your home that you might miss, developing creative solutions that maximize natural light, improve circulation, and create meaningful connections between spaces. Our expertise in building codes and renovation complexities prevents costly mistakes while ensuring your project enhances both function and beauty. We design renovations that don't just update your home—they elevate how you live in it.