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.

1.1 Data

As we walk your property, we will be using our senses to observe and take notes on the flora, fauna, views, sunlight, wind, and microtopography.

These observations will allow us to develop initial strategies for building positioning, access, and construction staging.

To help us make the leap from being on the ground to drawing in 2D, we review aerial imagery.

If possible, we will conduct a drone flight to obtain current, high-resolution images.

See surveys

We build a lidar model that enables us to quickly and accurately generate a 3D representation of a site's topography, vegetation, and structures.

This comprehensive model serves as the foundation for our design of grading, views, and solar strategies.

See site model

Through a combination of simulations and on-site observation, we analyze the sun's annual and daily patterns.

This analysis allows us to identify key view opportunities and optimize the building's siting, shading, and openings. The result is architecture that is both more sustainable and responsive to its environment.

See examples

Via an online questionnaire, we solicit your free-ranging thoughts on the who, when, where, why, and how of your aspirations.

Your responses will be invaluable in helping us understand your project goals.

Take project charter

To ensure our project's legal compliance, we must adhere to all local zoning, building, energy, and jurisdictional codes.

This research will form the foundation of our permitting strategy.

Read the code

We establish a calendar that outlines milestones, design reviews, and coordination points. This calendar is regularly updated to reflect the project's progress.

See timeline

1.1 Data

1.2 Dreams

As we develop a narrative description of your project, we utilize reference images to shape a clear vision. These images may include your personal favorites of places or building features, as well as images we provide to illustrate form, structure, or building mass.

This collaborative approach helps us to establish a palette of interior and exterior materials, considering both aesthetics and performance, and to begin understanding the layered composition of your project.

See visioning

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 our design direction takes shape, we typically explore multiple layout options through sketches.

These simple plan and section drawings help us orient the building and organize both interior and exterior spaces.

See layouts

1.2 Dreams

1.3 Design options

As a digital compilation of much of the data collected earlier on, this plan serves as the foundation for our work moving forward and includes key information regarding location, access, legal considerations, code requirements, environmental factors, climate, utilities, and foundation details.

See site plan

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 floor plans

As we explore a plan, we generate various building massings, allowing us to study volume and form. Roof slope and orientation significantly influence a building's overall feel, both inside and out. These aspects require careful consideration, along with climatic and environmental factors.

As we refine the design vision, we create comprehensive visualizations using sketch overlays, digital renderings, and photo collages to fully capture the design intent.

See examples

In addition to comprehensive plans, we provide detailed orthographic elevation drawings. These drawings illustrate each façade's distinct features, the building's relationship to the ground plane, key exterior elements, and roofline profiles.

This stage also marks the beginning of our exploration into façade materials, critical datums, and siding details.

See elevations

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

1.3 Design options

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.

2.1 Details

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

Taking off from the Design Options phase, we flesh out the chosen design direction for your home. This includes specific window and door sizes and operations, furniture locations, built-ins, lighting, appliance locations, kitchen and bathroom layout, etc.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) allows us to build a 3D model in which each component is smart: it knows what material it is, what dimension it is, and often what thermal or structural properties it holds. From this model, we can generate all the drawings necessary for a permit and construction document set.

See 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 throughout its construction and operational phases, we conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This assessment informs our design decisions, enabling us to reduce the building's overall footprint.

Once the fundamental structural elements are established, we shift our focus to the more adaptable aspects of the building, including both interior and exterior materials. This encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of wall panels, tile, flooring, casework, countertops, and even the color palette.

See outline

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

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems are critical to your home's comfort and energy efficiency.

We collaborate with you and your builder, if you've chosen one, to guide you in selecting the best appliances, equipment, and systems. Our goal is to ensure your home is comfortable, quiet, and operates as energy-efficiently as possible.

See outline

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. Additionally, we can incorporate desired aesthetic details, such as exposed beams or cathedral ceilings.

See example

2.1 Details

2.2 Documentation

This is the core of design production.

All the hours of refinement through data harvesting, detailing, and material selection come together in a digitally-drafted set of drawings.

This document serves as the essential tool for obtaining building permits and forms the foundation of the construction process.

See sheet set

While drafting the sheet set, we review, analyze, and refer to to legally enforced building codes ranging from the International Residential Code to regional energy codes to the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

Codes not only give us parameters to design to, but set the limits of what is possible to build.

Read the building code

Read the energy code

Read the wildfire code

We submit a building permit application to your local jurisdiction on your behalf. 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 application

2.2 Documentation

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.

3.1 Dispatch

Following the completion of our primary sheet set production, and often during the permit process, 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 elevations

When a project involves custom fabrication of furniture or millwork, we provide comprehensive detailing that encompasses 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

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 when necessary.

See details

We have experience designing landscapes! We design planting, materials, features, drainage, and grading to seamlessly blend interior and exterior.

We focus on native drought-tolerant plants, low-maintenance materials, and generally low-impact landscapes that blend with surrounding natural ecologies.

See landscape design

Specifications are detailed documents that outline every material and product required to build your home. They can be prescriptive, specifying exact brands and models, or performance-based, outlining the necessary performance standards.

We utilize a wide range of high-quality products and tailor the specifications to suit your home's unique needs.

See specifications

3.1 Dispatch

3.2 Direction

When shovels hit the dirt, we will work closely with your builder. This will involve 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. By doing so, we can guarantee that you receive the highest quality product and that your expectations are met.

See example

Throughout construction, we advocate for your needs and wishes.

We manage daily communication with the builder and only bring matters to your attention when necessary. We will also review the builder's payment applications to ensure they accurately reflect the work completed and are supported by receipts.

Although our goal is to provide comprehensive drawings that equip builders with all the necessary information from the start, the nature of construction often leads to changes. Therefore, some additional clarification may be required.

When a builder has questions, we are committed to assisting them through phone calls, emails, sharing references, and providing supplementary drawings.

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

Changes happen!

Through site visits and close collaboration with your builder, we can provide you with an updated set of drawings that accurately reflect the final construction. This will ensure you always have a clear understanding of what lies behind your walls.

See as-builts

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.

1.1 Data

Site visit *

Aerial survey *

Lidar site model

Solar and view analysis

Project charter *

Code review *

Design timeline

As we walk your property, we will be using our senses to observe and take notes on the flora, fauna, views, sunlight, wind, and microtopography.These observations will allow us to develop initial strategies for building positioning, access, and construction staging.

To help us make the leap from being on the ground to drawing in 2D, we review aerial imagery.If possible, we will conduct a drone flight to obtain current, high-resolution images.

We build a lidar model that enables us to quickly and accurately generate a 3D representation of a site's topography, vegetation, and structures.This comprehensive model serves as the foundation for our design of grading, views, and solar strategies.

Via an online questionnaire, we solicit your free-ranging thoughts on the who, when, where, why, and how of your aspirations.Your responses will be invaluable in helping us understand your project goals.

To ensure our project's legal compliance, we must adhere to all local zoning, building, energy, and jurisdictional codes.This research will form the foundation of our permitting strategy.

We establish a calendar that outlines milestones, design reviews, and coordination points. This calendar is regularly updated to reflect the project's progress.

1.1 Data

Site visit *

Aerial survey *

Lidar site model

Solar and view analysis

Project charter *

Code review *

Design timeline

1.2 Dreams

Visioning *

Concept sketches

Program layouts *

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.

As our design direction takes shape, we typically explore multiple layout options through sketches.These simple plan and section drawings help us orient the building and organize both interior and exterior spaces.

1.2 Dreams

Visioning *

Concept sketches

Program layouts *

1.3 Design options

Site plan *

Floor plans *

Massing *

Elevations *

Permit pre-application

As a digital compilation of much of the data collected earlier on, this plan serves as the foundation for our work moving forward and includes key information regarding location, access, legal considerations, code requirements, environmental factors, climate, utilities, and foundation details.

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.

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.

1.3 Design options

Site plan *

Floor plans *

Massing *

Elevations *

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.

2.1 Details

Envelope detailing *

Design refinement *

As we walk your property, we will be using our senses to observe and take notes on the flora, fauna, views, sunlight, wind, and microtopography.

These observations will allow us to develop initial strategies for building positioning, access, and construction staging.

To help us make the leap from being on the ground to drawing in 2D, we review aerial imagery.

If possible, we will conduct a drone flight to obtain current, high-resolution images.

We build a lidar model that enables us to quickly and accurately generate a 3D representation of a site's topography, vegetation, and structures.

This comprehensive model serves as the foundation for our design of grading, views, and solar strategies.

Via an online questionnaire, we solicit your free-ranging thoughts on the who, when, where, why, and how of your aspirations.

Your responses will be invaluable in helping us understand your project goals.

To ensure our project's legal compliance, we must adhere to all local zoning, building, energy, and jurisdictional codes.

This research will form 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.

As our design direction takes shape, we typically explore multiple layout options through sketches.

These simple plan and section drawings help us orient the building and organize both interior and exterior spaces.

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.

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.