Quick answer: Aging-in-place design means planning a home so you can live in it safely and comfortably as mobility, balance, vision, and energy change over time. The core moves are a step-free entry, a main-floor primary suite, wider doors and hallways, a curbless shower with room to turn, and wall blocking for future grab bars. […]
Quick answer: Remodel when the foundation and structure are sound, the layout mostly works, and the changes you want fit within the existing footprint or a modest addition. Tear down and rebuild when the foundation needs replacing, nearly every system needs work at once, or your lot now allows a better house than the one […]
Quick answer: In 2026, most architect-designed custom homes in the Seattle area cost roughly $500 to $750 per square foot to build, not counting land. Simpler homes on easy lots can come in around $350 to $500 per square foot, while waterfront, steep-slope, and high-end projects regularly pass $750 and can exceed $1,000. Once you […]
If you’re searching for ADU architects near you in West Puget Sound, filter on three things. Pick someone who has permitted ADUs in your jurisdiction, who has a portfolio of small buildings that actually got built, and who will tell you honestly whether you need custom design at all. That last point matters more than […]
ADU and DADU Design Coates Design plans and designs accessory dwelling units across Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Kitsap County, and the Eastside. Most projects start with a feasibility study that establishes what your lot actually allows before you commit to a design contract. Start with a feasibility study What we design Detached ADUs (DADUs). Backyard cottages […]
Coates Design Architects + Interiors is a Bainbridge Island, Washington firm that offers sustainable architecture, interior design, and feasibility studies as integrated services under a single contract. Founded in 2005 by Matthew Coates, AIA, the studio serves residential, civic, commercial, healthcare, academic, and multi-family projects across the Seattle metro area, the greater Puget Sound region, […]
What a Multifamily Architect Does Before You Buy the Site For a developer, the highest-value architectural work happens before acquisition, not after. The question is not what the building looks like. It is how many units the parcel actually supports under current zoning and code, what the efficiency ratio realistically lands at, and which regulatory […]
What Does a Tenant Improvement Architect Do? A tenant improvement architect designs the build-out of leased commercial space: reconfiguring an existing shell or previously occupied suite into something that works for a specific business. The scope typically covers space planning, code and occupancy analysis, construction documents, permit submittal, consultant coordination, and construction administration. The decision […]
Introduction Building a custom home is one of the most personal investments you will ever make. Unlike buying a production home off a floor plan catalog, a custom home starts as a blank page — and the architect you hire is the person who turns your life, habits, and aspirations into a place you actually […]
Seattle homeowners are adding more accessory dwelling units than ever — for aging parents, adult kids, rental income, or simply to use every square foot of a valuable lot. But an ADU is still a full building project, governed by the same zoning, structural, and energy code as a house. Getting it right starts with […]
Expanding an existing home can provide the space your household needs without requiring you to leave a neighborhood you already value. A well-designed extension can add bedrooms, improve the kitchen, create a home office, introduce more natural light, or establish a stronger connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. However, a successful home addition involves more […]
How to Choose an Architect for a Barn Conversion Converting a barn into a home is one of the most rewarding forms of adaptive reuse. A successful project can preserve the history, scale, and craftsmanship of an agricultural building while introducing the comfort, efficiency, and functionality expected from a modern residence. The challenge is that […]
Luxury House Architects: 7 Powerful Reasons to Choose Coates Design What Makes a Luxury Home Truly Exceptional? A luxury home is not defined by size alone. It is defined by how well it supports your life, responds to its site, and brings comfort, beauty, and purpose into everyday routines. The best homes feel effortless, yet […]
Seattle Architects: How to Choose the Right Firm for Your Project Seattle’s built environment is unlike any other in the country. Hemmed between Puget Sound and the Cascades, shaped by persistent rainfall, seismic risk, and one of the nation’s strongest environmental cultures, the Pacific Northwest demands architecture that is thoughtful — not just beautiful. That’s […]
Introduction: Why balance matters for Seattle homes The Pacific Northwest lifestyle — frequent rain, temperate summers, dramatic light, and an appetite for indoor-outdoor living — places unique demands on residential design. Seattle architects must make choices that serve everyday function (durability, thermal comfort, efficient layouts) while producing a strong visual identity that homeowners cherish. The […]