Now covered in more depth
Home Addition in Seattle: Architect vs. Contractor, Which Do You Need?
One of the most common points of confusion for first-time homeowners planning a major project is understanding the difference between an architect and a general contractor, and why you typically need both.
What an Architect Does
An architect is a licensed design professional who translates your goals into buildable drawings. Their work includes:
- Designing the spaces, layout, and appearance of the building
- Producing permitted construction documents
- Managing the permit process with the city
- Coordinating structural and mechanical engineers
- Reviewing contractor work during construction to verify it matches the drawings
An architect’s primary deliverable is drawings and specifications. They do not build.
What a General Contractor Does
A general contractor (GC) builds what the architect draws. Their work includes:
- Bidding the project based on permit drawings
- Hiring and managing subcontractors (framing, plumbing, electrical, etc.)
- Ordering and managing materials
- Managing the construction schedule and budget
- Pulling the building permit and managing inspections
A GC’s primary deliverable is a completed building.
Planning a project?
Working out what your lot will allow, and what it will cost?
Send David the address and a few lines about what you want. The first feasibility check is free and usually takes about a day: what the site and the code are likely to allow, and what to check first.
Architect since 1996. Three Masonry Excellence Awards and a Seattle Times Home of the Month; work featured in Above The Lake and Lux magazines.
Do You Always Need Both?
For projects requiring a building permit, additions, ADUs, new construction, structural renovations, you will need both. The permit requires architectural drawings. Construction requires a licensed contractor.
For cosmetic work (paint, floors, cabinet replacement that does not move walls) you can go straight to a contractor. But the moment you are moving walls, adding space, or touching structure, you need an architect first.
Design-Build: A Third Option
Some firms combine architecture and construction under one contract. This can streamline communication but reduces competitive bidding. See our post on architect vs. design-build for a full comparison.
Piper Cole Architects has strong relationships with quality general contractors throughout the Seattle metro area and is happy to recommend contractors who are a good fit for your project and budget. Contact us for a free feasibility check. Call 425-753-6452.
Related guide: How to Choose a General Contractor on the Eastside.
Talk to the architect
Have a project in mind?
Call David Meade directly. No form, no queue, no sales team. Licensed architect serving Kirkland, Bellevue, Seattle and the wider Eastside since 2000.
Most calls are answered the same day.