A custom home is one of the most significant investments you will ever make. Piper Cole Architects has designed custom homes throughout the Seattle metro area since 2000 — from lakefront estates on Mercer Island to Northwest Contemporary homes in the Cascades foothills. Every home we design is shaped by its site, its occupants, and the way you want to live.
What Custom Home Design Includes
Pre-Design and Site Analysis
Zoning review, views, solar orientation, topography, utility connections
Schematic Design
Floor plan concepts, massing studies, preliminary exterior design
Design Development
Refined floor plans, exterior elevations, material selections
Construction Documents
Full permit-ready drawings including structural, mechanical, and electrical
Permitting
Submission and management with the relevant jurisdiction
Construction Administration
Site visits, RFI responses, and contractor coordination through move-in
Custom Home Costs in Seattle (2026)
Construction costs for custom homes in the Seattle area in 2026 range from $450 to $900+ per square foot depending on finishes, site conditions, and complexity. Architect fees typically run 10 to 15% of construction cost. A 2,500 sq ft custom home might cost $1.1M to $2.25M to build, with architect fees of $110K to $340K.
Our Approach to Custom Home Design
Every project begins with a thorough understanding of who you are and how you live. We start by listening: to your daily routines, your aesthetic preferences, your must-haves, and your flexibility. From there, design evolves through an iterative, collaborative process. You are involved at every decision point, never handed a finished package to approve.
Start Your Custom Home
The first step is a free consultation at no obligation. We will review your site, discuss your program, and give you an honest assessment of schedule, budget, and what to expect. Contact us today.
Call: 425-753-6452 | Kirkland, WA | Serving Seattle, Bellevue, Mercer Island, and the entire Eastside
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a custom home in Seattle?
Construction costs for custom homes in the Seattle area in 2026 range from $450 to $900+ per square foot depending on finishes, site conditions, and complexity. Architect fees typically run 10 to 15% of construction cost.
How long does the custom home design process take?
Design through permitting typically takes 8 to 14 months, and construction adds 12 to 24+ months. From land purchase to move-in, plan for roughly 26 to 42 months for a typical Seattle custom home.
Do you work with my builder, or do you recommend one?
Both. We coordinate with a builder you already have, or recommend quality general contractors from our network whose work and pricing fit your project and budget.
What areas do you design custom homes in?
We design custom homes across the Seattle metro area including Kirkland, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Medina, Redmond, Sammamish, Issaquah, and Woodinville.
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Start Your Project
Free initial consultation, no obligation. Licensed architect serving Kirkland and the greater Seattle metro area since 2000.