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Architects for homes, ADUs and additions

In-house architects design your project, prepare the permit drawings and stay with it through plan check. Vetted, licensed contractors then build it.

Estimate my fee Talk to an architect

3D model of a modern two-story house with a pool

What our architects do

Each service has its own guide with costs, rules and timelines.

Residential design3D render of a backyard ADU next to the main houseADU designAdditions and remodelsCommercial designPermit drawingsTitle 24 energy compliance3D render of a living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a sofa3D renderingsStructural coordination

From idea to permit

  1. Design consultation

    Goals, budget, lot and the rules that apply to it.

  2. Design and 3D views

    Floor plans and renderings you can react to.

  3. Permit drawings

    The full set for plan check, with structural and energy work coordinated.

  4. Build with vetted pros

    Licensed contractors, paid by milestone.

Estimate your architect fee

2026 fee ranges for ADUs, additions and new homes, adjusted to your ZIP code.

Local architecture guides

Talk to an architect

Tell us about the lot and the project. A GOLDGCP architect follows up.

Free, no obligation. Licensed and insured pros only.

Architect fees

What a residential architect costs

A residential architect usually charges 5% to 20% of construction cost. Building an ADU costs about $100 to $300 per square foot. GOLDGCP's in-house architects design ADUs, home additions and remodels, prepare permit drawings and Title 24 energy compliance, and coordinate with vetted builders. Use the fee estimator for a range by ZIP code, then book a consultation for an exact price.

How long does California take to approve an ADU permit?

Under state law, as explained in the HCD ADU Handbook, a city or county must approve or deny a complete ADU application within 60 days when there is an existing home on the lot. It must also tell you within 15 business days whether the application is complete. Other states and cities set their own rules.

Do I need an architect for an ADU or home addition?

You need permit-ready drawings. Many cities accept plans from a qualified designer, with an engineer for structural calculations. Some states, hillside lots and complex sites require a licensed architect or engineer to stamp the drawings. GOLDGCP's in-house architects prepare the full permit set, with structural coordination and Title 24 energy compliance in California.

What are permit drawings?

Permit drawings, often called a permit set, are the minimum drawings most cities need to issue a building permit. They show the plans, structure and energy details the city reviews in plan check, and builders bid and build from them. Full design adds design options, detailed construction documents and site visits during construction.

Find a pro near you

Local prices and vetted pros for your ZIP code

Enter your ZIP code to see what architecture work costs where you live and get matched with up to 3 vetted, licensed pros. GOLDGCP works in every US ZIP code.

Explore GOLDGCP

Every home service, one standard

Architecture & ADUs by city

Repairs & systems

Remodeling

Exterior

Design & build

GOLDGCP
Architects for homes, ADUs and additions

In-house architects design your project, prepare the permit drawings and stay with it through plan check. Vetted, licensed contractors then build it.

Estimate my fee Talk to an architect

3D model of a modern two-story house with a pool

What our architects do

Each service has its own guide with costs, rules and timelines.

Residential design3D render of a backyard ADU next to the main houseADU designAdditions and remodelsCommercial designPermit drawingsTitle 24 energy compliance3D render of a living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a sofa3D renderingsStructural coordination

From idea to permit

  1. Design consultation

    Goals, budget, lot and the rules that apply to it.

  2. Design and 3D views

    Floor plans and renderings you can react to.

  3. Permit drawings

    The full set for plan check, with structural and energy work coordinated.

  4. Build with vetted pros

    Licensed contractors, paid by milestone.

Estimate your architect fee

2026 fee ranges for ADUs, additions and new homes, adjusted to your ZIP code.

Local architecture guides

Talk to an architect

Tell us about the lot and the project. A GOLDGCP architect follows up.

Free, no obligation. Licensed and insured pros only.

Architect fees

What a residential architect costs

A residential architect usually charges 5% to 20% of construction cost. Building an ADU costs about $100 to $300 per square foot. GOLDGCP's in-house architects design ADUs, home additions and remodels, prepare permit drawings and Title 24 energy compliance, and coordinate with vetted builders. Use the fee estimator for a range by ZIP code, then book a consultation for an exact price.

How long does California take to approve an ADU permit?

Under state law, as explained in the HCD ADU Handbook, a city or county must approve or deny a complete ADU application within 60 days when there is an existing home on the lot. It must also tell you within 15 business days whether the application is complete. Other states and cities set their own rules.

Do I need an architect for an ADU or home addition?

You need permit-ready drawings. Many cities accept plans from a qualified designer, with an engineer for structural calculations. Some states, hillside lots and complex sites require a licensed architect or engineer to stamp the drawings. GOLDGCP's in-house architects prepare the full permit set, with structural coordination and Title 24 energy compliance in California.

What are permit drawings?

Permit drawings, often called a permit set, are the minimum drawings most cities need to issue a building permit. They show the plans, structure and energy details the city reviews in plan check, and builders bid and build from them. Full design adds design options, detailed construction documents and site visits during construction.

Find a pro near you

Local prices and vetted pros for your ZIP code

Enter your ZIP code to see what architecture work costs where you live and get matched with up to 3 vetted, licensed pros. GOLDGCP works in every US ZIP code.

Explore GOLDGCP

Every home service, one standard

Architecture & ADUs by city

Repairs & systems

Remodeling

Exterior

Design & build