Do I need to hire a licensed architect?
In Washington State, the legal requirement to hire a licensed residential architect depends on the size and type of your project. For custom homes in Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, and throughout Chelan and Douglas Counties, an architect is not legally required unless the project includes four or more units. However, all commercial, institutional, and multifamily (4+ unit) projects do require a licensed architect under state law.
That said, many homeowners still choose to work with a licensed residential architect for single-family homes—and for good reason. Licensure brings professional oversight, code expertise, and design accountability that ultimately saves time, reduces risk, and streamlines the construction process.
To become licensed in Washington, architects must graduate from a NAAB-accredited program (usually a Bachelor or Master of Architecture), complete 3,740 internship hours under a licensed professional, and pass six national examstotaling more than 33 hours of testing. Washington also requires 24 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain licensure—ensuring that architects stay current on codes, sustainability, and construction best practices.
At Refine Design Architecture, we uphold this standard on every project—whether we’re designing a modern home in Wenatchee, a legacy renovation in East Wenatchee, or managing the permit process through Chelan or Douglas County. When you work with a licensed residential architect, you gain peace of mind knowing your home is built on a foundation of safety, clarity, and design excellence.
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