Residential Architectural Services
Summary of Residential Architectural Services
The following are brief summaries of typical services offered by residential architects. They include a range of common home improvement projects, as well as listing which projects require an architect or structural engineer to design and stamp the drawings and/or submit for permits.
Architectural design services are typically recommended for the following:
- Feasibility study PRIOR to purchase of prospective home / development property
- Preliminary cost estimating for anticipated project(s)
- Interior detailing
- Exterior detailing (particularly important for homes in architecturally significant neighborhoods)
- Color selection
- Cabinet / casework design (kitchens / bathrooms / dens / media rooms / etc)
- Deck additions and remodels (architect / structural engineer MAY be required depending on project)
- Shed / outbuildings (architect / structural engineer MAY be required depending on project)
- Homeowners’ association (HOA), CC&R, or other design submittals required in addition to jurisdictional permits
- Cabins / vacation homes (architect / structural engineer MAY be required depending on project)
- Residential lot creation through subdivision / short plat, lot boundary adjustment, or similar process
- Interior remodels which involve full-scale removal & replacement of electrical / mechanical / plumbing
Architectural design services are typically required for the following:
- Additions within or near steep slopes, shorelines, or other environmentally critical areas *
- Second / third story additions *
- Basement excavations, home raising, or other foundation work *
- Interior remodels which involve moving or modifying structural walls, floors, or ceilings. *
- Garage additions *
- Mother-in-law / Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) additions / conversions
- Condominium remodels which involve moving or modifying structural walls, floors or ceilings. *
* In addition to architectural services, structural engineering services are typically required for these types of projects. Your architect will coordinate the structural engineer as needed for your particular project.