01 — Idea Generation. We begin by getting on a first-name basis. We work with you to define the vision for your custom home—whether you're planning a mountain retreat near Cle Elum, restoring a historic home in Roslyn, or designing a timber-frame residence in Upper Kittitas County. We review inspiration images, material preferences, and how you want your home to feel and function. This is where the creative process begins.

02 — Design the Project. We assess your site, navigate zoning and permitting codes in Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Kittitas County, and consider topography, views, and environmental constraints. As experienced residential architects, we develop floor plans, schematic studies, and 3D visuals that reflect your lifestyle and the rugged terrain of the Central Cascades.
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‍03 — Secure Your Funding. If you’re applying for a construction loan, most Washington lenders require plans prepared by a licensed residential architect. We’ll provide the floor plans and supporting materials needed to move your financing forward with clarity and confidence.
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‍04 — Permit the Project. Next, we coordinate with the relevant permitting agency—whether it's the City of Cle Elum, Roslyn, or Kittitas County. Our local knowledge as residential architects helps prevent delays and ensures that your submittals, corrections, and approvals stay on track.
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‍05 — Find a Builder and Start Construction. With your construction drawings complete, you can collect bids or move forward with your selected builder. We help vet contractors, coordinate with engineers and consultants, and stay involved during construction to ensure your custom home is built true to the design.
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Want a deeper look at what it’s like to work with a residential architect in Kittitas County? Read our full blog post →

In Washington State, the legal requirement to hire a licensed residential architect depends on the size and type of your project. For single-family custom homes in Cle Elum, Roslyn, and throughout Kittitas County, a licensed architect is not legally required unless the project includes four or more dwelling units. However, all multifamily (4+ units), commercial, and institutional projects do require a licensed architect under state law.

Many homeowners in the Central Cascades still choose to work with a licensed residential architect for single-family projects—and for good reason. Licensure ensures professional oversight, detailed code knowledge, and design accountability that reduce risk, prevent costly construction errors, and streamline the entire process.

To earn licensure in Washington, architects must graduate from a NAAB-accredited architecture program, complete 3,740 internship hours under a licensed professional, and pass six national exams totaling over 33 hours of testing. Continuing education of 24 hours every two years ensures architects stay current with evolving codes and best practices.

At Refine Design Architecture, we bring this expertise to every project—whether designing a mountain retreat in Roslyn, navigating permitting in Cle Elum, or overseeing construction across Kittitas County. Working with a licensed residential architect means your home is designed for long-term performance, durability, and lasting value.

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Still wondering if your project requires a licensed architect? Read our blog post →
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Construction costs in Cle Elum, Roslyn, and the greater Kittitas County area can vary widely depending on local market conditions, site topography, home size, design complexity, and finish level.

As of 2025, most custom home projects in this region fall within the $300 to $800 per square foot range. A well-designed home with standard finishes and typical site conditions generally costs between $300–$500/sf. Higher-end homes—with expansive views, steep hillside siting, advanced mechanical systems, and premium materials—can range from $700–$1,000/sf, especially where complex excavation, drainage, or permitting challenges exist.

The upper tier—$1,200+ per square foot—is generally reserved for ultra-custom mountain homes with intricate structural engineering, smart home technology, and exceptional finishes. These are often found on waterfront properties or remote hillside sites around Cle Elum and Roslyn.

Every property in Kittitas County is unique. As licensed residential architects, we help clients in Cle Elum, Roslyn, and surrounding areas develop realistic budgets, optimize designs for long-term value, and produce detailed construction documents that keep the build on schedule and aligned with your vision.

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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 Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Kittitas County vary based on project scope, site complexity, and jurisdiction.For clients with a clear vision and defined scope, the design and permitting phase typically takes 4–6 months. If you’re exploring multiple design options or working at a more flexible pace, this phase can extend to 8–12 months.

Permitting timelines depend largely on location. Homes within the city limits of Cle Elum or Roslyn generally experience predictable review schedules. In unincorporated areas of Kittitas County, permitting can vary: straightforward single-family homes on standard lots often proceed smoothly within several months. However, projects involving complex site conditions—such as steep slopes, wetlands, or environmental reviews—may require extended permitting timelines, sometimes lasting up to a year or more.

While unincorporated Kittitas County permitting is usually less congested than larger urban counties, complex projects may still face delays due to environmental regulations and limited resources for expedited reviews.

Once permits are approved, construction timelines are shaped by contractor availability, site access, and weather typical of the Central Cascades. A well-planned 2,000-square-foot custom home generally takes 12 to 18 months to build, with longer durations for hillside or remote sites requiring specialized excavation or infrastructure.As your licensed residential architect, we guide you through every phase—from initial concept to final inspection—providing proactive coordination and detailed planning to keep your project on schedule.

‍Explore how we guide clients through the design and permitting process →
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Read our blog post on the custom home process →

Architectural fees can vary based on an architect’s experience, reputation, location, and how involved you want to be throughout the process. In Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Kittitas County, our fees as licensed residential architects typically range between 5% and 15% of the total construction cost.

Some residential architects charge hourly with an estimated project total, while others offer a fixed-fee structure. At Refine Design Architecture, we tailor our pricing based on your home’s size, site conditions, and overall complexity—always with transparency and clearly defined expectations.

Whether you’re planning a mountain retreat near Roslyn, a timber-frame residence in Cle Elum, or a custom home on a remote hillside in Kittitas County, we’ll walk you through an architectural fee structure that aligns with your vision, budget, and timeline.

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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 a licensed residential architect is an upfront investment that adds lasting value at every stage of your custom home project. For homeowners in Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Kittitas County, working with a residential architect ensures your home is not only beautifully designed—but also functional, efficient, and built to withstand the challenges of the Central Cascades.

Designing in this region often involves steep slopes, critical area protections, sensitive environmental zones, and complex drainage requirements—especially when navigating permitting through Kittitas County and local municipalities. A local residential architect understands these jurisdictional requirements and incorporates durable materials, energy-efficient systems, and mountain-appropriate design strategies from the outset.

Beyond design, a licensed residential architect coordinates your entire project team—engineers, consultants, and contractors—while managing permits, site development reviews, and building department communications. This oversight minimizes delays, reduces costly change orders, and creates a smoother construction experience from start to finish.

Most importantly, a residential architect creates a custom home that reflects how you live—not a stock plan. This level of care enhances your home’s long-term performance, appraisal value, and personal satisfaction.

‍Explore our architectural services for Central Cascades homes →
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Read our guide to choosing the right residential architect →
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