Architect in Edmonds, WA — Piper Cole Architects

Edmonds is a charming waterfront city on Puget Sound in southern Snohomish County, known for its vibrant downtown, active arts community, ferry terminal connecting to Kingston, and some of the most sought-after residential properties on the Sound. Edmonds offers bluff-top homes with sweeping Olympic Mountain views, waterfront properties along the marina and beach, and established neighborhoods with mature character. Piper Cole Architects serves Edmonds homeowners and businesses with full architectural services.

Edmonds Architecture Services

Bluff and View Home Design

Edmonds’ western slope above Puget Sound creates extraordinary view properties — lots on the bluff above the ferry terminal, the marina, and the beach look out across the Sound toward the Olympics in one of the most dramatic residential settings in the region. Designing for these views requires siting the home to maximize the western exposure while managing the afternoon glare and prevailing weather that comes off the Sound. We design Edmonds view homes that make the most of this exceptional setting year-round.

Waterfront Properties

Edmonds’ waterfront — along the marina, the beach strand below the bluff, and the occasional waterfront lot with Sound frontage — is governed by Snohomish County’s Shoreline Management Program in addition to City of Edmonds regulations. Shoreline development permits are required for significant work within the regulated shoreline zone. We navigate both city and county requirements on Edmonds waterfront projects.

Historic Downtown Edmonds

Edmonds’ downtown is a walkable urban core with historic commercial buildings, restaurants, galleries, and retail. Commercial renovation and tenant improvement projects in downtown Edmonds must be compatible with the historic character of the district. Our commercial architecture service handles downtown Edmonds projects with the sensitivity to context they require.

Custom Homes and Additions

Edmonds’ residential neighborhoods range from the historic homes near downtown to newer construction in the eastern portions of the city. Custom home opportunities, additions, and ADU projects follow Washington State and City of Edmonds regulations. Edmonds has been proactive in ADU policy and the permitting process is well-established.

Edmonds Permitting

Building permits in Edmonds are processed through the City of Edmonds’ Development Services Department. Snohomish County permits some properties within Edmonds’ boundaries under annexation arrangements — we confirm jurisdiction on every Edmonds project before design begins.

• Residential addition: 6–10 weeks
• New single-family home: 10–16 weeks
• ADU: 6–10 weeks
• Waterfront / shoreline projects: Additional 3–6 months

Our Architecture Services

• Residential Architecture — View homes, waterfront, and custom residences in Edmonds
• Commercial Architecture — Downtown Edmonds commercial and retail projects
• Renovation & Restoration — Home renovations and historic building restoration
• Our Design Process — Feasibility through construction completion

Other Service Areas

We also serve: Shoreline, Kenmore, Bothell, Woodinville, Kirkland, and Seattle.