Guides
Hiring an architect to tear down and rebuild in Seattle and on the Eastside
Tearing down and rebuilding? The architect’s first job is what your lot allows. Free feasibility check, about a day. Fixed fee for design and permit.
David Meade · October 8, 2026
Hiring a whole house remodel architect in Seattle
Hiring a whole house remodel architect in Seattle? Free one-day feasibility check, fixed design fee, and the 2026 Seattle rules for $750,000+ remodels.
David Meade · October 8, 2026
How to Read Architectural Drawings: A Seattle Homeowner’s Guide”
Learn how to read architectural drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, site plans, scales and symbols, with this homeowner-friendly guide.
David Meade · July 2, 2026When Do You Need an Architect in Seattle? (And When You Don’t)
When do you need an architect in Seattle (and when you don't)? How to tell, by project type and permit needs. From Piper Cole Architects.
David Meade · July 2, 2026Design-Build vs Architect in Seattle: What Homeowners Need to Know
Design-build vs hiring an architect in Seattle: pros, cons, cost, and control compared for homeowners. Honest guidance from Piper Cole Architects.
David Meade · June 30, 2026
Architect vs Interior Designer in Seattle: What’s the Difference?
Architect vs interior designer in Seattle: who does what, when you need each, and how they work together. Clear guidance from Piper Cole Architects.
David Meade · June 27, 2026Questions to Ask an Architect Before You Hire: Seattle Eastside Guide
The essential questions to ask an architect before you hire, for Seattle Eastside homeowners. A practical checklist from Piper Cole Architects.
David Meade · June 24, 2026Acoustic Design for Open-Plan Homes with Work-From-Home
Designing quiet, work-from-home-friendly open-plan spaces: acoustic zoning, materials, and layout tips from Piper Cole Architects for PNW homes.
David Meade · June 22, 2026How to Choose a General Contractor on the Eastside (2026)
How to choose a general contractor on the Seattle Eastside (2026): vetting, bids, and red flags explained by architects. Piper Cole Architects.
David Meade · June 22, 2026How to Compare Architect Proposals in Seattle (2026)
How to compare architect proposals in Seattle (2026): fees, scope, and what to watch for, so you can choose with confidence. Piper Cole Architects.
David Meade · June 22, 2026How to Prepare for Your First Architect Consultation
How to prepare for your first architect consultation: what to bring, what to ask, and how to get the most from it. Piper Cole Architects, Kirkland WA.
David Meade · June 22, 20269 Red Flags in an Architect Proposal (and What to Ask)
9 red flags to watch for in an architect proposal, and what to ask instead, so you hire with confidence. From Piper Cole Architects, Kirkland WA.
David Meade · June 22, 2026What Happens After You Hire an Architect: The First 90 Days
What happens after you hire an architect: the first 90 days, phase by phase, so you know exactly what to expect. From Piper Cole Architects.
David Meade · June 22, 2026Architect vs. Draftsman in Seattle: What Is the Difference and Who Do You Need?
Architect or draftsman for your Seattle project? The difference in training, scope, liability, and cost, and which one your project actually requires.
David Meade · June 1, 2026How to Read a Floor Plan: A Homeowner’s Guide to Architectural Symbols
Learn to read architectural floor plans. Understand symbols for doors, windows, walls, dimensions, and fixtures so you can review your architect drawings.
David Meade · June 1, 2026What Is the Design Development Phase? A Homeowner’s Guide
Design development is the architecture phase where your project takes real shape. What happens, what you decide, and why this phase matters most.
David Meade · June 1, 2026What Architectural Drawings Include: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
What is in a full set of architectural drawings? Site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, details, and structural sheets explained for Seattle-area.
David Meade · May 30, 2026What to Look for in an Architecture Contract Before You Sign
Key provisions to understand in an architecture contract before signing: scope, fees, revisions, ownership of documents, termination, and dispute.
David Meade · May 30, 2026Architecture Project Management for Homeowners: How to Be a Great Client
How to be a great architecture client: decision-making, communication, budget management, and construction tips for Seattle-area homeowners.
David Meade · May 30, 2026What Is Construction Administration and Why Does Your Architect Need to Be There?
Construction administration explained: what your architect does during construction, what they catch, and why skipping CA is a costly mistake.
David Meade · May 30, 2026The 5 Phases of Architectural Design Explained for Homeowners
The 5 phases of architectural design explained clearly for homeowners: schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, and.
David Meade · May 29, 2026Architect vs. Engineer: What’s the Difference and When Do You Need Each?
Architect vs. engineer: what each professional does, when you need which, and how they work together on your Seattle-area project.
David Meade · May 26, 2026How to Read Blueprints: A Plain-Language Guide for Homeowners
Learn how to read architectural blueprints and drawings as a homeowner. Floor plans, elevations, sections, and symbols explained clearly.
David Meade · May 26, 2026What Does an Architect Do? A Clear Guide for Homeowners and Developers
What does an architect actually do? Roles, phases, and the value an architect brings to your Seattle-area home or commercial project.
David Meade · May 26, 2026What Is Interior Architecture? How It Differs from Interior Design
What is interior architecture and how does it differ from interior design? A guide for Seattle homeowners planning major renovations.
David Meade · May 26, 2026What Is Schematic Design? A Guide for Seattle Homeowners
What is schematic design in architecture? Learn what happens, what drawings you receive, how costs are shaped, and why it matters before construction begins.
David Meade · May 26, 2026What is FF&E? A Homeowner’s Guide to Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
What is FF&E? Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment explained for homeowners undertaking custom homes and major renovations in the Seattle area.
David Meade · May 25, 2026How to Choose the Right Architect in the Seattle Area
How to choose the right architect in the Seattle area: questions to ask, red flags, and what to compare. A homeowner's guide from Piper Cole Architects.
David Meade · May 22, 2026What Does an Architect Do? Understanding Architecture Services in Seattle
What does an architect do? Understanding architecture services in Seattle, from design to permits to construction. A clear guide from Piper Cole.
David Meade · May 22, 2026
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Free feasibility check
Send the address and what you have in mind. David replies within one business day with what the site and the code are likely to allow.