House Architect

Your house architect.

A black and white image of a custom home residence

At Refine Design Architecture, we are your starting point for any custom house project—guiding you from first sketch through construction. As a licensed house architect team in Washington, we collaborate closely to craft 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. Our high-caliber 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 house architect team collaborates with you to understand your project vision and goals. We verify and navigate the legal requirements to build your home.

02. Design

This is the good stuff. With your ideas and our house architect expertise, our team puts together several design options. We explore floor plans and look at renderings of your home in 3D.

03. Permits

At this point, your house architect 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 permits.

04. Construction

Lastly, we provide you with construction drawings, detailed to a level that can be given to a general contractor to start building your project! We can help vet builders and coordinate during construction to keep the project aligned.

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 working with a house architect isn't a "one size fits all" process.

What is the house architect process?

Our house architect process follows a proven path: idea generation and collaboration, design development with multiple options, securing funding and permits, then finding a builder to start construction. Each phase builds on the last, ensuring your vision translates seamlessly from concept to completion. We guide you through every step, making the journey as smooth as possible.

Do I need a licensed house architect?

In Washington State, a licensed house architect isn't always legally required, but is highly recommended for complex residential projects. Licensed architects bring expertise in building codes, permitting requirements, and structural considerations that protect your investment. For custom homes, additions, or significant renovations, a house architect ensures your project meets all legal requirements while achieving your design goals.

What does house construction cost?

House construction costs vary widely based on project scope, size, materials selected, and site conditions. Custom homes typically cost more than production homes due to personalized design and higher-quality materials. Your house architect can help establish a realistic budget early in the process. We work with you to balance your vision with your budget, ensuring every dollar is well-spent.

How long does a house architect project take?

Design phases typically take 2-4 months, depending on project complexity and decision-making pace. Construction timelines range from 6-18 months based on scope and size. Your house architect helps establish realistic schedules from the start. Weather, permit processing times, and material availability can affect timelines, which we factor into our planning process.

How much does a house architect cost?

House architect fees typically range from 8-15% of total construction cost for residential projects. We offer various fee structures depending on project scope and client needs. Investment in a house architect pays dividends through better design, smoother permitting, and reduced construction issues. Our detailed documentation and contractor coordination often save more than our fees cost.

Why hire a house architect?

A house architect brings thoughtful design thinking, permitting expertise, and contractor coordination to your project. We create spaces that elevate daily living through careful attention to light, views, and circulation. Our experience navigating building codes and local requirements saves time and costly mistakes. Most importantly, we help translate your vision into a home that truly reflects how you live.