Now covered in more depth
Sammamish is one of the fastest-growing and most affluent communities on the Eastside, with large residential lots, strong school districts, and a housing market that supports significant home improvement investment. Piper Cole Architects serves Sammamish homeowners with full-service residential architecture.
Sammamish Architecture Services
Custom Home Design
New construction on the Plateau’s generous lots
Second Story Additions
Adding upper floors to Sammamish’s prevalent single-story homes
Primary Suite Additions
Adding a primary bedroom suite to homes that lack one
ADU Design
Backyard cottages and garage conversions under City of Sammamish codes
Sammamish HOA and Design Review
Many Sammamish neighborhoods have HOAs with architectural review requirements. Read your HOA covenants before the massing is fixed, and treat HOA approval as its own step in the schedule.
Planning a project?
Want a number for your addition?
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, member of the AIA and NCARB. Three Masonry Excellence Awards for commercial projects; the Carr residence was featured in Above The Lake and Lux magazines.
Sammamish Permit Process
Every Sammamish permit application is filed online at MyBuildingPermit.com and reviewed by the Community Development Department. The city does not publish review times for houses. The zoning rules are set out in the Sammamish zoning and permit guide.
free feasibility check, call 425-753-6452
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about building in Sammamish, WA?
Sammamish takes all permit applications online through MyBuildingPermit.com. Key issues I watch for in Sammamish: critical areas (wetlands, steep slopes, streams) are common and require early site assessment; the city’s stormwater regulations are strict; and many older lots have significant tree retention requirements. I always recommend a pre-application meeting with Sammamish planning before finalizing site design.
How much does a custom home cost to build in Sammamish?
As a planning range, new custom home construction runs $400 to $900 per square foot. For design and permit I quote a fixed fee, set by the project budget and location; most fall between $10,000 and $200,000 depending on scope. Land, site work and permits sit on top. I prepare detailed pre-design budgets for every custom home client before we start drawing.
Do I need an architect for a home addition in Sammamish?
For a second story, a major room addition or an ADU in Sammamish you need permit drawings, and usually a structural engineer. State law does not require an architect for a house. The city reviews structural work through the building permit; ask the Permit Center what your project needs. Beyond code compliance, a licensed architect ensures your addition integrates well with the existing home structurally, aesthetically, and functionally, which protects your resale value in Sammamish’s competitive real estate market.
How long does permitting take in Sammamish for a home addition?
The city does not publish review times for houses, and as of September 2026 its Building page warns that staff transitions may temporarily reduce service levels. Critical areas such as wetland buffers, steep slopes and streams add review. I always pull the critical areas and stormwater maps before starting design to identify any site constraints early. Surprises in permitting are avoidable if you do the site homework upfront.
