01 Idea Generation. We begin by getting on a first-name basis. As your residential architect in Lake Chelan, we collaborate with you to define the vision for your custom home—whether you’re building a modern retreat in Manson or a legacy home overlooking the lake. We review inspiration images, preferred materials, and talk through how you want your home to feel and function. This is where the creative process begins.

02 Design the Project. We evaluate your site, navigate Chelan County zoning, topography, and environmental constraints, and begin shaping your ideas into architectural form. As experienced residential architects, we produce floor plans, schematic studies, and 3D visuals that reflect your lifestyle and the unique character of the Lake Chelan Valley.
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‍03 Secure Your Funding. If you’re applying for a construction loan, most Washington lenders require drawings prepared by a licensed residential architect. We provide the detailed documentation you need to meet these requirements and move your project forward with confidence.
See how we support custom home planning →

‍04 Permit the Project. Next, we submit your drawings and forms to the appropriate jurisdiction. For homes in Lake Chelan, Manson, and Chelan County, we work directly with local permitting offices to ensure all requirements are met. Our team’s local experience as residential architects helps avoid delays and keeps the process smooth.
Read more about our permitting approach →

‍05 Find a Builder and Start Construction. With a complete set of construction drawings in hand, you can request bids or move forward with your chosen contractor. We help evaluate local builders and remain involved throughout construction to ensure your home is built exactly as intended by your residential architect.
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‍Want a deeper look at what it’s like to design a home with a residential architect in Lake Chelan?
Read our full blog post on the custom home design process →

In Washington State, the legal requirement to hire a licensed residential architect depends on the type and size of the project. For residential work in Lake Chelan, Manson, and throughout Chelan County, a licensed architect is not legally required unless the project includes four or more units. However, all commercial, institutional, and multifamily (4+ unit) projects do require one under Washington law.

That said, many homeowners still choose to work with a licensed residential architect for custom single-family homes. Why? Because licensure brings an added layer of training, accountability, and professional standards that help ensure the design is efficient, code-compliant, and buildable—saving time and money during construction.

To become licensed, architects must graduate from a NAAB-accredited program (usually a Bachelor or Master of Architecture), complete at least 3,740 internship hours under a licensed professional, and pass six national exams totaling over 33 hours. In Washington, licensed architects must also complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to stay current on codes, sustainability, and construction innovations.

At Refine Design Architecture, we uphold this standard on every project—whether we’re designing a lakefront home in Chelan, a hillside retreat in Manson, or guiding you through the Chelan County permitting process. When you work with a licensed residential architect, you gain peace of mind knowing your home is designed with lasting quality, safety, and integrity.

‍Learn more about our architectural services →
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Still wondering if your project requires a licensed architect? Read our blog post →
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Get in touch with our team to discuss your goals →

Construction costs in Lake Chelan, Manson, and surrounding parts of Chelan County can vary widely based on market conditions, site complexity, home size, material choices, builder availability, and the overall level of customization.

Currently, most custom homes in the Lake Chelan Valley fall in the $350 to $900 per square foot range. A thoughtfully designed home with moderate finishes and average site conditions may land around $350–$550/sf. On the other hand, high-end homes—with expansive glazing, premium materials, smart systems, and hillside or waterfront siting—can reach $800–$1,200+/sf, particularly where access or utilities are more complex.

The upper range of $1,500 per square foot applies to ultra-luxury homes with advanced mechanical systems, structural complexity, and exceptional detailing—not typical for most primary or secondary residences.

Every property in Chelan County is unique, and pricing should always be informed by your site, design goals, and construction expectations. As licensed residential architects, we help you understand what’s realistic, optimize the design for value, and provide detailed documentation to keep construction aligned with your budget.

‍Explore our full list of architectural services →
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Get in touch with our team → to discuss your custom home project.
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Read our blog post on designing and building with a residential architect →

Timelines for designing and building a custom home in Lake Chelan, Manson, or anywhere in Chelan County vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project.

For clients with a clear vision and defined goals, the design and permitting phase typically takes 4–6 months, depending on the jurisdiction—such as the City of Chelan or Chelan County Planning Department. If you're exploring multiple design options or moving at a more relaxed pace, this phase can extend to 8–12 months.

Once permits are approved, the construction timeline is shaped by site conditions, availability of contractors, and finish level. A well-planned, 2,000-square-foot custom home in the Lake Chelan area generally takes 12 to 18 months to complete, especially when accounting for weather delays, hillside excavation, and material lead times common in Central Washington.

‍Explore how we guide clients through the design and permitting process →
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Get in touch with our team → to discuss your timeline.
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Read our blog post on the custom home process in rural Washington →

Architectural fees can vary depending on the architect’s experience, reputation, and location—as well as how involved the client wants to be throughout the process. In Lake Chelan, Manson, and greater Chelan County, our fees as licensed residential architects typically fall between 5% and 15% of the total construction cost.

Some residential architects charge hourly with an estimated project total, while others offer fixed-fee structures. At Refine Design Architecture, we tailor our approach based on your home’s complexity, site conditions, and the level of service you need—always with transparency at the forefront.

Whether you're planning a lakefront retreat or a hillside residence, we’re happy to walk you through the fee structure that best aligns with your goals and budget.

‍Explore our architectural services and pricing approach →
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Want a better idea of what your project might cost? Contact us for a consultation →
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Read more about how architectural fees work and what they include →

Hiring an architect is an upfront investment that pays off throughout your project. For custom homes in Lake Chelan, Manson, and across Chelan County, a licensed residential architect ensures your design is not only beautiful—but also functional, efficient, and resilient.

Building in this region means accounting for wildfire risk, deep snow loads, steep slopes, and rural infrastructure. A local residential architect understands these conditions and designs accordingly—integrating fire-resistant materials, defensible space strategies, and roof systems engineered for snow and ice. These choices protect your investment and add long-term durability.

Beyond design, an architect also coordinates your full team—builders, consultants, and engineers—while handling zoning, building codes, and permit applications through Chelan County or the City of Chelan. This streamlines the process and reduces delays, change orders, and costly construction errors.

Most importantly, a licensed architect helps you create a home that fits how you actually live—not a generic spec plan. This level of customization can boost your home’s appraisal value, performance, and long-term satisfaction.

‍Explore our architectural services for Chelan County homes →
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Read our guide to choosing the right residential architect →
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Contact our team to get started →