Do I need to hire a licensed architect?
In Washington State, the legal requirements for hiring a licensed architect vary by project type.
For residential work—including custom homes in Twisp, Winthrop, Mazama, and throughout the Methow Valley—a licensed architect is not required unless the project includes four or more units. However, all commercial, institutional, and multifamily (4+ units) projects do require a licensed architect under Washington State law.
That said, many clients choose to work with a licensed residential architect for custom single-family homes as well. Why? Because licensure brings a level of training, oversight, and accountability that benefits any project—large or small.To become licensed, architects must complete a professional degree from a NAAB-accredited program (typically a Bachelor or Master of Architecture), log at least 3,740 hours of internship under the supervision of a licensed architect, and pass six rigorous national exams totaling over 33 hours of testing. In Washington, licensed architects must also complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to stay current with building codes, materials, and best practices.
At Refine Design Architecture, we uphold this standard across every project—whether we’re designing a hillside home in Mazama or navigating permits for a modern home in Winthrop. Our local knowledge combined with professional licensure gives you the peace of mind that your home is in expert hands.
Learn more about our architectural services →
Still wondering whether your project requires a licensed architect?
Read our blog post about when to hire an architect →
Or get in touch with our team → to talk about your specific goals and site.