Many people spend months searching for an architect before understanding how the process actually works — or what it really costs. This guide exists to change that. Read it before our first conversation and we'll be able to skip straight to what matters: your project. — Andrés Villaveces, Design DirectorStart Reading ›
If you're reading this, you're probably considering building a custom home. Maybe you already have a property, or a rough idea, or just a serious question about whether it's even possible for you. It's a big decision, and it can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.
There's a process that architects and builders have followed for a long time, with clear phases, real timelines, and costs that can be understood before you commit to anything.
We made this guide for that reason. It walks through who's involved, what gets done, what it costs, and how long it takes. It's the conversation we'd want to have with you anyway, just written in this guide so you can read it on your own terms.
Take your time with it, and if something isn't clear, please reach out.
The costs, timelines, and fee ranges here come from our practice: modern homes in the Seattle–Bellevue area and greater Eastside, current as of 2026. Construction costs vary by site, builder, and market. Design fees vary by scope and architect. If you're building elsewhere or at a different scale, the process and roles still apply — bring the numbers to your own team as reference points.
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