Residential Architectural Planning Services

I provide professional residential architectural planning services for homeowners,
contractors, and property owners in Portland, Oregon & SW Washington.
Planning services focus on feasibility, zoning compliance, and layout strategy
before full construction drawings are prepared.

Early planning reduces redesigns, prevents permit delays, and helps you make informed decisions
before committing to construction costs.

What Is Residential Architectural Planning?

Architectural planning is the pre-design phase of a residential project. It evaluates whether a
project is feasible under local zoning and building codes and establishes a clear direction
for design and permitting.

Planning services are especially valuable for:

• Home additions and expansions
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Garage conversions
• Property development and site constraints
• Unpermitted or non-conforming structures

Residential Planning Services I Provide

• Zoning & Setback Analysis – Review of zoning rules, setbacks, lot coverage, and use restrictions
• Site Feasibility Review – Evaluation of site constraints, access, and buildable area
• Residential Layout Planning – Concept-level layouts focused on function and code compliance
• Home Addition Planning – Expansion strategies that meet zoning and structural requirements
• ADU Planning & Pre-Design Analysis – Early-stage ADU feasibility and configuration guidance
• Planning Review Comment Support – Assistance responding to city planning comments

Planning for Home Additions & ADUs

Home additions and ADUs are among the most common residential projects—and also the most regulated.
Planning helps confirm what is allowed before investing in full drawings or construction.

For ADU projects, planning typically includes:

• Zoning compliance review
• ADU size and placement analysis
• Garage conversion feasibility
• Detached vs. attached ADU evaluation

Start with the ADU Feasibility Wizard ?

Why Planning Matters for Permits

Many permit delays occur because zoning or planning issues are discovered too late.
Architectural planning helps:

• Reduce permit review cycles
• Avoid redesign costs
• Clarify project scope early
• Improve coordination with engineers and contractors

My planning approach is practical and permit-focused—based on real experience working
with Oregon and Washington jurisdictions.

When Is a Licensed Architect Required?

Not all residential planning services require a licensed architect. In Oregon and Washington,
many residential projects—such as home additions, ADUs, and single-family homes—
may be planned and drafted without an architect’s stamp.

However, certain conditions may require involvement from a licensed architect or engineer,
including:

• Building height or size thresholds
• Structural complexity
• Occupancy changes
• Local jurisdiction requirements

When required, I coordinate with licensed professionals to ensure full compliance.

Service Area & Delivery

Residential architectural planning services are available for clients in
Portland, Oregon & SW Washington, including Vancouver and Clark County.

All planning services are delivered 100% remotely, allowing efficient collaboration
with clients anywhere in the U.S.

Get Started with Residential Planning

If you’re considering a home addition, ADU, or residential project and need clear guidance
before moving forward, architectural planning is the right first step.