Our work spans all phases of the design journey, creating low-impact, livable spaces for generations to come.

Post-Coal

A prototype for life after mining.

Mt. Tuam

A sanctuary for well-being.

Basecamp

A fire-resilient lookout.

10 Mile Point

A multi-generational refuge.

Selah Ridge

A home for stewards of the land.

RUF House

A modern cabin in the woods.

DADU

An adaptable backyard cottage.

Old Cluff

A home to catch the sun.

Grand Stair

A locally-crafted restoration.

Rockin' J

A rambler amidst the trees.

Hidden Track

A hardworking farmhouse.

Our process

01

Preliminary design

Our process starts with a technical site analysis to understand the opportunities and constraints, leading to an informed design approach.

Site visit
Site model
Code analysis
Concept
Design
Permit pre-application
As we walk your property, we observe the views, sunlight, wind, drainage, flora, and microtopography.

These observations will allow us to develop initial strategies for building positioning, access, and construction staging.
We build a lidar site model that enables us to quickly and accurately generate a 3D representation of topography, vegetation, and structures.

This comprehensive model serves as the foundation for our design of grading, views, and solar strategies. It also includes key information regarding location, access, legal considerations, code requirements, environmental factors, climate, and utilities.
See site model
To ensure our project's legal compliance, we must adhere to all local zoning, building, energy, and jurisdictional codes. This analysis forms the foundation of our permitting strategy.
We utilize both physical and digital media to explore concepts related to siting, form, massing, and organization.

These sketches serve as provocations, intended to spark creativity and propel conceptual ideas forward.
See sketches
As we design building configurations, we draw plans that describe walls, doors, windows, built-in furniture, and the specifics of a room's layout.

In this phase, we utilize digital and manual drafting tools to expedite the drawing process.
See example
Many jurisdictions require a preliminary permit pre-application to address potential code and land use concerns.

While the design is still in development, we can create drawings that illustrate the project's overall goals and submit an application along with any necessary supporting documentation.
See pre-application
Site visit
Site model
Code compliance
Concept
Design
Permit pre-application

02

Permit documents

In the second phase, we refine our designs, working to create permit-ready documents and ensuring each detail contributes to sustainable and efficient building solutions.

Design refinement
Envelope details
Energy model
Life cycle assessment
Engineering
Systems
Permit documents
This stage includes specifying window and door sizes and operations, furniture locations, built-in features, lighting, appliance locations, and kitchen and bathroom layouts.

We utilize building information modeling (BIM) to create a 3D model where each component contains data about its material, dimensions, and often its thermal or structural properties. This model enables us to generate all the drawings required for a permit document set.
See model
The building envelope is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of home design.

Our envelopes are designed to exceed the lifespan of the average home. We achieve this by incorporating the latest building science techniques to ensure airtightness and effective moisture management within the roofs, walls, and floors.
See details
We utilize specialized software to simulate daily and seasonal environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, sunlight, and wind patterns. This allows us to thoroughly test the performance of both passive and active components within the home. Our goal is to identify potential issues such as overheating in summer or excessive cooling requirements in winter, both of which can lead to excessive energy consumption.

Based on these simulations, we make informed adjustments to the design and re-test to optimize performance.
See energy model
The embodied energy of a material encompasses its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to transportation, use, retail, and eventual disposal.

To minimize the environmental impact of a building through construction and operation, we conduct a life cycle assessment (LCA). This informs our design decisions, enabling us to reduce the building's overall footprint.
See LCA
The structural system significantly influences both the ambiance of a space and the building's carbon footprint.

Our close collaboration with the engineer ensures a structural solution that not only efficiently supports the building's form but also complements the envelope strategy.
See example
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems are essential to your home's comfort and energy efficiency.

We collaborate with you and your builder to guide you in selecting the best appliances, equipment, and systems. Our goal is to ensure your home is comfortable, quiet, and energy-efficient.
See schematic
We prepare the documents you need to apply for a building permit. This involves coordinating the necessary sheet set, engineer's drawings and calculations, and supporting forms.

The permitting process, from obtaining an intake appointment to the final issuance of the permit, can take anywhere from weeks to months.
See permit documents
Design refinement
Envelope details
Energy model
Life cycle assessment
Engineering
Systems
Permit documents

03

Construction support

We continue actively supporting the construction process, providing collaborative supervision to ensure a lasting execution and the accurate realization of a sustainable home.

Interior design
Millwork drawings
Landscape design
Takeoff
Supplemental details
Quality assurance
Following the completion of permit documents, we shift our focus to the interior.

We elevate any interior walls that would benefit from locating fixtures, switches, outlets, blocking, or furnishings. Additionally, we assess the design and integration of custom built-ins or casework for areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and shelving.
See interior design
When a project involves custom fabrication of furniture or millwork, we provide comprehensive detailing of form, materials, joinery, and the intended receiving context within the building.

We generate a dedicated set of drawings specifically for the millwork fabricator and maintain close coordination throughout the process. This includes the exchange of finish samples and mock-ups, as well as collaborative discussions to fine-tune detailing.
See millwork drawings
We design planting, materials, features, drainage, and grading to seamlessly blend interior and exterior.

Focusing on native drought-tolerant plants, low-maintenance materials, and low-impact landscapes let us blend with surrounding natural ecologies.
See landscape design
Accurate material estimations are crucial for builders, both in the early pricing stages and throughout the construction process.

Our BIM model allows us to quickly and easily generate precise material areas and volumes, streamlining the builder's purchasing process. This level of accuracy translates to direct savings for you, through reduced material waste and lower builder overhead costs.
See takeoff
Certain design elements are often best detailed at this stage of the process.

These can include features like outdoor trellises, exterior benches, or custom light fixtures. We conduct a deep dive on the detailed design for these elements as needed and consult with relevant professionals.
See details
When shovels hit the dirt, we work closely with your builder. This involves both remote communication and on-site visits to monitor the different stages of the building process.

Our aim is to ensure that materials are handled and protected correctly, that construction and installation methods are appropriate, and that industry best practices are followed. We want you to move into a high-quality home that lives up to the design vision.
Interior design
Millwork drawings
Landscape design
Takeoff
Supplemental details
Quality assurance