01 — Idea Generation. We begin by getting on a first-name basis. As your residential architect in Wenatchee, we collaborate with you to define the vision for your custom home—whether you're planning a modern retreat in East Wenatchee or a legacy property on the hills above the Columbia River. We review inspiration images, preferred materials, and discuss 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 Chelan and Douglas County zoning regulations, and consider topography, views, and environmental factors. As experienced residential architects, we translate your ideas into architectural form—developing floor plans, schematic studies, and 3D visuals that reflect your lifestyle and the distinct beauty of the Wenatchee Valley.
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‍03 — Secure Your Funding. If you’re applying for a construction loan, most Washington lenders require documentation prepared by a licensed residential architect. We’ll provide accurate floor plans and supporting materials that help you secure financing and move forward with confidence.
See how we support custom home planning →

‍04 — Permit the Project. Next, we submit your drawings and required documents to the appropriate permitting agency—whether that’s the City of Wenatchee, Douglas County, or Chelan County. Our hands-on experience as residential architects in this region helps streamline approvals and avoid unnecessary delays.
Read more about our permitting approach →

‍05 — Find a Builder and Start Construction. With a full set of construction drawings, you’re ready to collect bids or move forward with your preferred contractor. As your residential architect, we help evaluate builders, coordinate with your project team, and stay involved throughout construction to ensure your home is built exactly as intended.
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‍Want a deeper look at what it’s like to design and build with a residential architect in Wenatchee?
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 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.

‍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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Construction costs in Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, and surrounding areas of Chelan and Douglas Counties can vary widely based on market conditions, site slope and access, home size, material preferences, contractor availability, and the overall level of customization.

As of 2025, most custom home projects in Central Washington fall within the $350 to $900 per square foot range. A well-designed home with moderate finishes and average site conditions typically costs $350–$550/sf. High-end homes with expansive windows, smart systems, custom detailing, and hillside or riverfront siting often range from $800–$1,200/sf, especially where complex excavation or remote utility connections are involved.

The upper range—$1,500 per square foot—applies to ultra-luxury homes with advanced mechanical systems, structural engineering challenges, and premium finishes throughout. While not common, this level of investment is occasionally seen in showcase properties overlooking the Columbia River or perched in the Sunnyslope hills.

Every property is different, and project costs should reflect the realities of your site, your goals, and your builder's capabilities. As licensed residential architects, we help clients in the Wenatchee Valley develop realistic budgets, maximize long-term value, and produce highly detailed construction documents that help keep the build on track.

‍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 Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, or anywhere in Chelan or Douglas County vary depending on the project’s complexity, scope, and site conditions.

For clients with a clear vision and defined program, the design and permitting phase typically takes 4–6 months, depending on the jurisdiction—such as the City of Wenatchee, Douglas County, or Chelan County Planning Department. If you're exploring multiple design options or not working under a strict timeline, this phase can extend to 8–12 months.

Once permits are issued, the construction timeline is shaped by builder availability, site access, weather, and finish level. A well-planned 2,000-square-foot custom home in the Wenatchee area generally takes 12 to 18 months to build—especially if the site includes sloped terrain, limited access, or requires specialized excavation and infrastructure work.

As licensed residential architects, we guide you through each stage with proactive communication, ensuring the process stays on track from first sketch to final inspection.

‍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 based on an architect’s experience, reputation, location, and the client’s preferred level of involvement. In Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, and throughout Chelan and Douglas Counties, 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 total, while others work under a fixed-fee structure. At Refine Design Architecture, we tailor our pricing based on your project’s size, complexity, and site conditions—always with transparency and clear expectations.

Whether you’re planning a Columbia River view home in Sunnyslope or a hillside residence in East Wenatchee, we’ll walk you through the architectural fee structure that best supports your vision 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 a licensed residential architect is an upfront investment that pays off at every stage of your custom home project. For homeowners in Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, and throughout Chelan and Douglas Counties, working with an architect ensures your home is not only beautiful—but also functional, efficient, and resilient.

Designing in Central Washington means accounting for wildfire risk, snow loads, hillside grading, and rural infrastructure challenges. A local residential architect understands these factors and incorporates them into the design—using fire-resistant materials, defensible space planning, and snow-rated roof systems that stand up to real conditions in the Wenatchee Valley.

Beyond design, your architect coordinates the entire team—contractors, consultants, and engineers—while navigating zoning, building codes, and permitting with Chelan County, Douglas County, or the City of Wenatchee. This leads to fewer delays, fewer change orders, and a smoother construction process.

Most importantly, a licensed residential architect helps you create a home tailored to the way you live—not a cookie-cutter spec house. That level of customization improves performance, increases appraisal value, and enhances long-term satisfaction.

‍Explore our architectural services for Wenatchee-area homes →
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Read our guide to choosing the right residential architect →
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Contact our team to get started →