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1. ephonk
   Member Profile

   I need to find someone to design/build a new garage. Architects aren't interested because a garage just isn't a sexy project. Contractors just want to build a box. I want the garage to look like the house. A simple box won't do. How do I get this done?

   Posted 2 years ago #         

2. PDieter
   Member Profile

   

   I'm not sure I can bring all that you need on this but maybe. Just not enough information in the post to really know. There's a local guy who does fantastic custom garage doors and that maybe a place to start (kind of design the garage around the doors, and match the house)

   you can get my email from the website link on my username.

   Paul

   Posted 2 years ago #         

3. PDieter
   Member Profile

   

   contact Craig and maybe he can help with over all design or introduce someone who can.

   http://www.vintagegaragedoor.com/portfolio_00.html

   Posted 2 years ago #         

4. DavidF
   Member Profile

   Leo Smith is a local architect that I work with. His # is 206 790 4087. He is a wonderful designer, and a joy to work with.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

5. MargL
   Member Profile

   There are 2 innovative and award-winning firms listed on the homepage - http://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=18075
   With work like that they should be able to suggest something better than a box.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

6. furryfaces
   Member Profile

   Try 'Chuck Gordon Architectur design & illustration'. Chuck is self-employee, very talented (won a lot of national awards in college), and just across the water in Ollala.

   You can cut 'n' past this address to see some of his designs and resume.
   http://web.mac.com/chg1000

   Posted 2 years ago #         

7. shihtzu
   Member Profile

   We had a garage built by a contractor with an in-house architect. Can't say I'd recommend them, so I won't, but I think many contractors do have their own architects or can recommend one.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

8. booogie
   Member Profile

   We currently have a great contractor that is based out of West Seattle. He is doing a major master bath remodel and redoing our garage as well. They are super reliable, clean up daily and are very pleasant to work with. The quality of work is top notch.
   Ncompass Construction LLC. 595-9808
   http://www.ncompass-llc.com

   Posted 2 years ago #         

9. VentanaConstruction
   Member Profile

   

   I think you're underestimating architects' interest in doing work, and contractors' interest in building beautiful structures.
   There are a number of great architects in West Seattle-- Leo Smith, as noted above, along with Lisa Kennan-Meyer and Lisa McNelis--and there are many more.
   The garage should look right and making it match the house often makes sense. But sometimes you want it to be different. Capitol Hill architect Sharon Davidoff designed the garage/shop that's on the first page of our website http://www.ventanabuilds.com and it doesn't match the house, but it is beautiful.
   Good luck with your project!

   Posted 2 years ago #         

10. Puppyluck
    Member Profile

    

    Do you have Any ideas on what you want to do with your garage or do you want the Designer to come up with it all ? I had a basic idea on what I wanted to do with my kitchen and after about an hour of talking about every nook and crany my Contractor and I came up with a marvelous plan. You might want to talk to him about it, he's really wonderful.
    Eggers Home Construction (206) 661-8121

    Posted 2 years ago #         

11. ephonk
    Member Profile

    Sorry about the rant & vanish, but I have actually been following this via RSS...

    Thank you EVERYBODY for all the great feedback. I am capturing all of this info and will follow up with it as the project solidifies.

    Yes, I actually do have some fairly well defined about what I want... Most of which has come together pretty recently. It'll probably be a relatively expensive garage, but possibly terrific...

    Posted 2 years ago #         

12. LS
    Member Profile

    Hi ephonk. The one thing I'd add that I didn't see mentioned already is that having an architect/designer that knows the city codes and setback restrictions is essential and a great starting point. It can be heartbreaking to come up with a design you love, and then find out that it doesn't meet code. :(

    It is possible to check the codes yourself at the city building department, if you're adept at all that lingo.

    Good luck!

    Posted 2 years ago #         

13. Mike D.
    Member Profile

    If you are willing to wait for a final City Council decision on whether or not they are going to allow them city wide, the incorporation of a Detached Accesory Dwelling Unit (DADU) or a Backyard Cottage, might be worth considering into the design of your garage. Currently DADU's are only allowed in the SE part of Seattle.

    More info on DADU's or Backyard Cottages for the City of Seattle can be found here here:
    http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Planning/BackyardCottages/Overview/

    There is a house in the 3400 block of Beach Drive, just south of the Lighthouse, that was designed by West Seattle's Kennan-Meyer Architecture and constructed I think by Kruse Brothers. In this houses backyard you will see a two-story garage that has an office above it. This is one of the best examples of garage-meets-office-meets-house in Seattle that I have witnessed. The scale and integration are nearly ideal. However the costs were clearly not inexpensive.

    We had plans drawn up by an Architect for a two story detached garage with art studio above. As household finances allow, we will someday construct it on our lot. It is not a box, or cookie cutter design. If you would like to see the drawings PM me. Perhaps the design would suit your houses style and if so you could purchase the rights to use the plans from the Architect.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

14. JunctionGirl
    Member Profile

    Check out my husband's work at http://www.ncompass-llc.com. He is a designer and a builder and because he does both you will typically see substantial savings. You can call him at 206-799-5302. His name is Stefan Hansmire. He will be happy to talk with you and can send you some pictures of garages he has designed and built.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

15. celeste17
    Member Profile

    

    Junction Girl Stefan rocks. He and Drew have done alot of work for us. I was just going to recommend them. Just got their card last night. This is Celeste from Joan and Celeste. They did our kitchen last summer and really did a great job on it. They designed it and reworked it when we had questions. Lead us to some great cabinet people and found us a granite man for the counter tops. Quality work and they clean up and are neat and friendly people.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

16. Teresa
    Member Profile

    Check out West Seattle Design Build (206) 938-0174. Their website is http://www.wsdesignbuild.com. They have the ability to think outside of the box. They completed an interior remodel for us and we plan to use them for our garage addition in the future. The attention to detail is what brings us back.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

17. WestSeattleDesignBuild
    Member Profile

    ephonk,

    We would be happy to come take a look at your project and provide you with a bid. Please look at our website for past projects http://www.wsdesignbuild.com.

    West Seattle Design Build
    (206) 938-0174

    Posted 2 years ago #         

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