WA Architect

Refine Design Architecture

Your WA Architect partner.

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At Refine Design Architecture, we are your starting point for any custom home build or renovation—guiding you from first sketch through construction. As your WA Architect, 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. Led by Principal Architects Stone Faison and Julia Atkins, our team delivers high-caliber design, detailed documentation, and personalized service—shaping spaces your family will cherish for generations.

Meet our Residential Architect Team
The snowy exterior of a cabin in the woods. The cabin features an A-frame entrance to shed snow to the sides of the entry.
The image showcases a stylish interior remodel by a residential architect, connecting dining and living areas with a wood wall and open shelf feature.
An aerial view of a custom residence. The residence is three wings connected with glass hallways that allow passive heating and cooling. A stunning custom home designed by the residential architect, featuring modern lines, expansive windows, and a welcoming outdoor space.
Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, gray island, four wooden stools, and stainless steel appliances.
Bright modern kitchen with white cabinets, a large island with cooktop, and sliding glass doors leading to an outdoor patio where two people are talking.
Modern mountain home with stone and wood siding, snow-covered ground and trees, and a black SUV parked outside.
Modern staircase with vertical wooden slats, beige carpet, potted plant, and narrow window with outdoor view.
This elegant interior showcases a custom bookshelf designed by a residential architect, featuring sleek lines and integrated lighting for a modern touch.

What can we do for you?

Learn More
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01. Pre-Design

This is where we get on a first name basis. Our team collaborates with you to understand your project vision and goals, then verifies and navigates the legal requirements to build your home.

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02. Design

This is the good stuff. With your ideas and our design expertise, we put together several design options—exploring floor plans and reviewing 3D renderings of your future home.

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03.  Permits

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

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04. Construction

We provide you with construction drawings detailed enough to hand directly to a general contractor. We can help vet builders and coordinate during construction to keep the project on track.

Don't just take our word for it.

Here's what our clients have to say.
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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 home is never a one-size-fits-all process—every project is as unique as the people behind it.

What is the WA Architect design and build process?

Working with a WA Architect typically follows a clear progression: idea generation and pre-design research, schematic design and design development, permit submittal and approval, and finally construction. At Refine Design Architecture, we guide you through each phase with transparency and collaboration. We help you understand what to expect at every step—from early concept sketches to handing off detailed construction drawings to your builder. Our structured process keeps your project organized, on budget, and moving forward.

Do I need a licensed WA Architect for my project?

In Washington State, a licensed architect is not always legally required for every residential project—but it is strongly recommended for complex builds, significant renovations, and custom homes. A licensed WA Architect brings technical expertise, code knowledge, and design skill that can prevent costly mistakes and streamline permitting. For projects that require structural considerations, energy code compliance, or jurisdictional coordination, professional architectural services can be invaluable. Refine Design Architecture helps you understand exactly what your project requires from the start.

What does construction cost when working with a WA Architect?

Construction costs vary widely depending on the scope of your project, the materials specified, and current market conditions. A straightforward renovation will carry a very different budget than a fully custom new home. As your WA Architect, we help you make informed design decisions that align with your budget from the earliest stages of the project. While we cannot guarantee contractor pricing, our detailed construction documents give builders the clarity they need to provide accurate bids.

How long does a WA Architect project take?

Project timelines depend on the size and complexity of your home. Typically, the design phase with a WA Architect takes between two and four months, encompassing pre-design research, schematic design, and construction document preparation. Permitting timelines vary by jurisdiction and project type. Construction itself generally ranges from six to eighteen months depending on scope. Refine Design Architecture works efficiently and communicates proactively to keep your project on schedule at every phase.

How much does a WA Architect charge?

Architectural fees for residential projects typically range from eight to fifteen percent of total construction cost, though the exact fee structure depends on the services required and the complexity of the project. Some WA Architect firms charge hourly rates or fixed fees for defined scopes such as feasibility studies or permit assistance. At Refine Design Architecture, we are transparent about fees from the start and tailor our service agreements to fit your specific project needs. Investing in quality architectural services often saves money in the long run by avoiding design errors and permitting delays.

Why hire a WA Architect for your home project?

Hiring a licensed WA Architect means more than getting a set of drawings—it means gaining a design partner who advocates for your vision at every stage. Architects bring expertise in spatial planning, building codes, energy performance, and contractor coordination that elevates the quality and livability of your home. At Refine Design Architecture, we choreograph light, views, and circulation to create spaces that feel intentional and enduring. The result is a home that not only meets code but genuinely reflects who you are and how you live.

Good design goes a long way.

Get Started
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