Question 1

Do you include MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) drawings in your quote?

Accepted Answer

Typically we provide minimal mechanical, electrical, and plumbing information within our plans required for permit, so that those individual contractors have more flexibility to provide their services. We do provide electrical plans for design and planning purposes upon request and can provide basic plumbing and mechanical plans if required.

Question 2

How long will my project take?

Accepted Answer

Most of our projects take 3 weeks from the first site visit, until you have a preliminary or conceptual plan set, which will be about 80% of your completed construction documents. Depending on scheduling and complexity of your project, structural engineering may take 3 weeks, and permitting time can vary widely between jurisdictions, but a 6-8 week timeline is typically average.

Question 3

I have my own designs; can you work with them and modify them?

Accepted Answer

We can work with your concepts and inspiration to develop a new plan for your own unique project. We do not make adjustments to existing drawing files however; to ensure our product we will generally recreate drawings consistent within our standards.

Question 4

Are you architects? Do I need an architect? Do I need an architectural stamp?

Accepted Answer

We are not Architects, however an architect is likely not required for your project! In Washington State, projects require an Architect when they are valued over 2 million dollars, more than 3 stories, 4 living units, and over 4000 s.f of cumulative work; however there is no square footage limit for residential projects. In many cases you will end up paying an architect much more since they have higher overhead, and they will generally take a lot longer to complete a project.

Question 5

How much will my project cost?

Accepted Answer

We usually answer this question with another question: How much does a car cost? The Honda Civic I'm thinking of costs $6,000, but the Porsche you have in mind could be over $150,000. It all depends on the complexity and size and detail involved with the project; however projects we take usually start at $2,500 and typically do not exceed $8,000-$10,000 for an upper end custom home.

Question 6

What's required from me to get started?

Accepted Answer

All you need to do is contact us. If you take the time to explain your project, and allow us to ask questions and determine what may be appropriate for your project. We also offer a $150 on site consultation where we can discuss your project on site in real time giving you an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers in real time. This cost is rebated if you enter into a drafting or design service with us.

Question 7

Do I need permits?

Accepted Answer

The answer is almost always yes, especially if you are asking the permitting jurisdiction where you live. Most interior finish work, under a certain valuation is fair game, but most things beyond that they will want you to get a permit for.

Question 8

Do you work with our contractor?

Accepted Answer

We pride ourselves on being easy to work with, and maintaining a consistent line between the drawings and the field. We happily work with any qualified contractor to build things in a way that makes sense in the field and saves our client money if it is possible.

Question 9

What is the process to design a new home?

Accepted Answer

We will start with a preliminary meeting to determine your wants and needs for a new home, identify what is feasible for your site, and explore different design styles and general home composition that appeals to you. Many times we collect inspiration photos to solidify the direction we want to pursue. We then develop a concept which we can adjust so that it is perfectly tailored to you. We then wrap up construction documents and coordinate with any other professionals (structural/civil engineers, wetland specialists, septic designers and installers etc.) to make sure all your bases are covered when it is time for permitting and construction.

Question 10

Are revisions going to cost extra?

Accepted Answer

Revisions required for permit are always included in any service you are offered. We are offering you a high quality product that should be approved for construction. In conceptual design services we provide several design revisions to develop a plan that you love. Design changes after engineering is completed as well as field revisions do carry a small cost however since they are outside of the original scope; we are committed to the success of your project in any event.

Question 11

What is your experience?

Accepted Answer

We have over a decade of experience in residential drafting. 4 years of drafting education in AutoCAD, Solidworks, and Revit, 2 years as in-house designer for a construction company, 2 years of experience as lead drafter for a custom home designer, 3 years working in an Architectural firm, and 8 years of independent residential design and construction document production. Our most recent projects can be seen on social media; portfolio examples are available upon request.

Question 12

What do you bring to the design table?

Accepted Answer

Over more than a decade we have developed and employed exceptional methods of space planning and general building planning that promotes unique functionality and economy. We can provide high quality, and easy to read construction documents, accompanied by 3D presentation views so you are able to have a real world perspective of how your project will look before you jump in. We work closely with our clients to help them understand and visualize the project top to bottom so they know what they can expect.

Question 13

Do you provide engineering?

Accepted Answer

While we do not provide engineering services in house we have long standing relationships with both structural and civil engineers with outstanding track records and many years experience whom we can connect you with. Every project is different and we have connections with many different professionals who can meet your individual project needs. We can also connect you with environmental scientists, geotechnical engineers, septic designers, builders, and many other specialists and professionals.

Question 14

What does a site visit entail?

Accepted Answer

We can perform an on site consultation to determine feasibility in real time giving you an opportunity to ask questions about your project in the field. Most services begin with a comprehensive site visit, where we measure your whole house, dimensioning floor area, height, door/window placement, layout of cabinetry/permanent fixtures, and assess your site to develop an accurate as-built plan reflecting your existing conditions on paper. We then use these dimensions to develop a workable and efficient design that meets your needs within the parameters we are working with.

Question 15

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

We do carry liability insurance as well as errors and omissions insurance.

Question 16

What type of drafting services do you provide?

Accepted Answer

We have services for every kind of client in each stage of project readiness. If you are not sure whether a project is right for you, we can enter into a conceptual design service, developing a plan showing what you want to accomplish so that you can get accurate construction bids and use it to verify feasibility with the local permitting jurisdiction. Sometimes all you need is a site plan to answer your feasibility questions, and we can provide that. We can provide preliminary concepts and construction documents for remodels, decks, additions, garages, ADUs and Detached ADUs, detached structures such as shops and barns, vacation home and custom home design and more. Typically we do not work on commercial buildings but we do work with an Architectural firm who can help with those projects.

Question 17

Are you a contracting firm?

Accepted Answer

We do not provide construction services, but we have an extensive network of highly reputable builders that we can refer to you so that you can get a competitive bid for your project.

Question 18

Can I build an ADU in Tacoma?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Tacoma allows both attached ADUs and detached ADUs (DADUs) on most residential lots, and recent Washington State legislation has made accessory dwelling units easier to permit than ever. We design and draft permit-ready ADU plans for Tacoma and surrounding jurisdictions: we verify feasibility for your specific lot, develop the design with you, and produce the complete construction documents your permit application requires.

Question 19

Do you provide as-built drawings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As-built plans are the foundation of nearly every remodel, addition, and ADU project we take on. We visit your property, measure the entire structure — floor areas, heights, door and window placement, cabinetry and fixtures — and produce an accurate as-built drawing of your existing conditions. As-builts can also be ordered on their own if you need documentation of your home for permitting, insurance, or planning purposes.

Question 20

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We are based in Tacoma, WA and serve homeowners, builders, and designers throughout Western Washington — including Seattle, Olympia, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, and University Place. After the initial site visit and measurement, most of the drafting process can be handled remotely, so distance is rarely an obstacle within the Puget Sound region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you include MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) drawings in your quote?+

How long will my project take?+

I have my own designs; can you work with them and modify them?+

Are you architects? Do I need an architect? Do I need an architectural stamp?+

How much will my project cost?+

What's required from me to get started?+

Do I need permits?+

Do you work with our contractor?+

What is the process to design a new home?+

Are revisions going to cost extra?+

What is your experience?+

What do you bring to the design table?+

Do you provide engineering?+

What does a site visit entail?+

Are you insured?+

What type of drafting services do you provide?+

Are you a contracting firm?+

Can I build an ADU in Tacoma?+

Do you provide as-built drawings?+

What areas do you serve?+

Still have questions?