Architecture Blog

In Western Washington, successful home design depends on early stormwater and drainage planning, as rainfall, soil conditions, and site topography heavily influence grading, impervious surface management, and overall building placement.

In rural North Central Washington, home design is heavily shaped by site constraints such as septic and well placement, utility coordination, and challenging access and grading conditions, all of which must be carefully planned early through a site application process to ensure feasibility and cost control.

Deciding whether to remodel or rebuild in Seattle depends on the condition of the existing home, zoning constraints, budget, and long-term goals, with each option offering distinct advantages in cost, flexibility, and overall value.

Construction costs in North Central Washington are often lower than Seattle due to reduced market pressure and labor costs, though complex hillside sites, grading, retaining, and finish selections can still significantly impact the overall budget.

Building a vacation home in Lake Chelan, Leavenworth, or Wenatchee requires early attention to site conditions, local permitting, climate impacts, and construction logistics to ensure a well-designed, durable, and low-maintenance custom home that fits both the landscape and seasonal lifestyle.

Rain, humidity, and wind-driven moisture require careful home design in Western WA. Explore 7 architectural details that protect your home long-term.

Fire-resistant home design in North Central Washington combines Class A materials, ember-resistant detailing, evolving WUI code compliance, and Firewise site planning to help protect custom homes in areas like Leavenworth, Chelan, Wenatchee, and Winthrop from increasing wildfire risk.

ADUs and DADUs in Seattle both offer strong investment potential in 2026, but while ADUs typically provide lower upfront costs, DADUs often deliver higher long-term rental income and property value under current city code requirements.

Washington’s upcoming WUI code updates and 2026 WA DNR Fire Hazard Map will formalize wildfire risk classifications across North Central Washington, leading to stricter defensible space requirements and more fire-resistant design standards that will directly influence how homes are sited, built, and landscaped.

Seattle’s 2026 zoning updates are upzoning key neighborhoods to allow greater density, taller buildings, and more flexible Lowrise and Midrise development—creating new opportunities for townhome and multifamily projects in high-demand areas.

Methow Valley architects share firsthand strategies for fire-resistant home design in Eastern Washington and beyond. Build smarter in wildfire country.

Modern vs. rustic custom home design in Lake Chelan and Manson, WA — explore which architectural style suits your site, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

How much does it cost to build a custom home in Lake Chelan or Manson, WA? Get architect-backed cost breakdowns for lakefront and hillside properties.

Designing a custom home on Lake Chelan? Explore key considerations for climate, energy efficiency, and year-round comfort from local residential architects.

How we use AI tools to enhance our residential design process, from creating lifelike visualizations to streamlining code research — all while ensuring that every project is thoughtfully designed and managed by a real architect.

Thinking about building an ADU or Mother-In-Law unit in your Seattle backyard? Well, it just got easier and here's why.

Wondering how to navigate the building permit process in Seattle? Look no further, we've got you covered.

Love looking at the stars? We do too, so we make sure to design homes that preserve our dark skies. Here's how!

Wondering what materials would look best on your home? Check out our thought process for designing with the natural environment and choosing materials that reflect the surroundings.

Thinking about designing a snowy cabin getaway in the mountains of Washington? Let's breakdown our thought process when designing a home in a snowy climate!

On the fence about using a standing seam metal roof in your snowy climate? Here's exactly why you should!

Fire-resilient homes are becoming more and more important in today's climate. Here's how we are designing fire-resistant homes in eastern Washington.

Curious about what a rainscreen is and if you should use it on your home? Check out this article and we'll tell you why it's important in places like Seattle!

Exploring architectural styles for your new home? Discover 5 popular options — Modern, Craftsman, Rustic, Barn, and Farmhouse — and find the right fit.

A comprehensive guide to energy-efficient home design from residential architects — reduce utility bills, lower your carbon footprint, and build smarter.

Designing a custom home is a rewarding process that allows you to create a space perfectly suited to your lifestyle and preferences. By following these steps and working with a team of skilled professionals, you can navigate the complexities of custom home design and bring your dream home to life.

How to choose the right architect for your custom home — what to look for, questions to ask, and how to find the perfect fit for your project.

What is EUI and why does it matter for custom homes? Learn how architects use Energy Use Intensity to measure and improve building performance.

This post explores some of the sustainability practices that are being implemented in the architectural industry. Looking to make your project more sustainable? Find out how!

How are architects using biomimicry as inspiration? Learn how nature-based design principles are shaping modern residential architecture and custom homes.

Augmented and virtual reality are changing how architects design and present custom homes. Here's how RDA uses the latest visualization technology.

In this post, we will explore the great big world of insulation with you. We will provide what may be surprising answers to questions like: Why do we insulate? How much insulation do you need? How do we know what to do?

We experience architecture every day, sometimes it even subliminally evokes a memorable feeling. This post explores the importance of designing specifically for the building's inhabitants.

Curious what an architect can do for your project? From design to permits to construction coordination, here's a complete overview of architectural services.

The Future of Sustainable Urban Farming: Techniques and Their Implications for Architecture and Planning

There are 5 phases we follow throughout the design of a project. This post outlines our process and what you can expect. Learn more here!