The $1,200/SF Reality: Custom Homes in the South Sound.
Don't start a design you can't afford to build.
2025 construction costs in Gig Harbor and the South Sound have shifted. Before you hire a builder or fall in love with a floor plan, you need a financial road map.
Most architects design "dream homes" that get rejected by the bank.
Most builders give you "ballpark" numbers that double by the time you break ground.
We start differently: We treat your home as a complex asset. We define the financial feasibility before we draw the first line.
Who is this for
We are a boutique studio accepting a limited number of commissions per year. Our process is designed specifically for:
Complex Waterfront Lots: Where engineering and aesthetics must work as one.
The "Forever" Home: Clients looking to build a multi-generational legacy, not a quick flip.
Real Budgets: Projects with construction budgets starting at $3M
NYC Pedigree.
Fox Island Local. Complex Site Specialist.
The best views in the South Sound always come with the hardest problems—steep slopes, strict zoning, and tight footprints.
I developed my architectural approach in New York City, where adding square footage wasn't an option. We had to be magicians with the existing envelope, fighting for every inch of utility.
I brought that specific skill set to Fox Island. Whether it’s finding a "hidden" room in a renovation or engineering a new build to maximize a difficult waterfront lot, I design for efficiency and impact, not just size.
Andrew’s designs are published worldwide
You Wouldn't Let a Surgeon Operate Without an MRI.
So why start a $3M construction project without a Feasibility Study?
The #1 reason luxury homes go over budget isn't 'material costs'—it's assumptions. Most homeowners rush into the Design Phase, falling in love with floor plans before fully understanding the zoning, the slopes, or the current local labor market.
We work differently. We start with Discovery & Feasibility—a rigorous forensic look at your land and your financial goals before we draw a single line. We define the roadmap so you don't pay for a design you can't build.
| Feature | The "Production Custom" | The Architectural Estate (Our Specialty) |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Cost | $350 - $450 / sq. ft. | $1,000 - $1,200+ / sq. ft. |
| The Site | Flat, easy lots. Simple foundations. | Waterfront, Steep Slope, Critical Areas. |
| The Process | Speed & Repetition. | Strategic Pricing, Artistic Vision, & Advocacy. |
| The Windows | Standard vinyl sizes. | Monumental floor-to-ceiling glass. |
| The Finishes | "Rental Grade" or catalog options. | Artisan custom millwork & stone. |
| The Result | A nice house. | A Legacy Asset. |
Not All "Custom" Homes Are Created Equal
In the South Sound, the word "Custom" is used to describe everything from modified tract homes to architectural estates. To protect your investment, you must know what you are buying.
“We had less than 4% construction overages over the course of the project.”
Do You Know Your Number?
National averages are irrelevant in the South Sound. We have built a proprietary calculator based on real-time local labor and material costs for 2025.
See exactly how site complexity and finish quality impact your bottom line.
What’s Inside The Feasibility Report?
Stop guessing and start planning. This complimentary guide is the exact framework I use with private clients to de-risk multi-million dollar builds.
The Readiness Slider: A self-assessment to see if you are actually ready to break ground.
The 2025 Cost Data: Why labor, tariffs, and logistics drive costs on the Island.
The Roadmap: The step-by-step process from Feasibility to Move-In.
FAQ
Q: Do you take renovation projects?
A: Yes, but only substantial transformations. Our process is best suited for whole-home remodels where the construction budget exceeds $450/sf.
Q: I have a builder already. Can I still work with you?
A: Absolutely. As shown in our process map, we believe in Strategic Pricing. We integrate builders early in the design phase to vet costs and eliminate surprises.
Q: I don't own land yet. Should I download this?
A: Yes. The "Discovery" section will teach you what to look for when buying waterfront property to avoid expensive zoning surprises.