Where is Trace Design located and what areas do you serve?
Trace Design is headquartered in historic Roslyn WA, directly serving the Roslyn, Cle Elum, Kittitas County, and Suncadia communities. However, our reach extends across the Pacific Northwest. We actively design projects throughout Washington State and British Columbia.
Are you licensed?
Yes, both Annelise and Mark are licensed architects in the state of Washington, license numbers 12199 and 12245.
We have additionally held licenses in other states as well as British Columbia for specific jobs. If you have questions, we are happy to talk through licensing and stamping options for your project.
Why do you build with heavy timber and how is it different from standard lumber?
We build with heavy timber because it is a biogenic, carbon-storing material that actively heals our local forests.
Unlike standard 2x6 studs harvested from virgin forests, we partner with Teanaway Millworks to source exclusively from waste streams—including beetle-kill, fire-thinning, and development harvests. This promotes a firewise landscape by thinning dangerous Douglas-fir overgrowth to restore healthy Ponderosa Pine habitats. Structurally, heavy timber offers massive fire resistance; in a wildfire, it forms a protective char layer that maintains structural integrity far longer than unprotected steel or light framing.
What does high-performance design mean?
High-performance design means creating homes that are durable, healthy, and energy-efficient. We use building science principles—often targeting Passive House standards—to ensure your home maintains a comfortable temperature year-round, has superior indoor air quality (crucial during wildfire season), and significantly lowers energy costs.
How does snow load affect my home design?
Snow loads vary drastically by elevation. We design your roof structure specifically for these heavy loads to prevent damage and ice dams. We also carefully plan rooflines to ensure snow sheds away from entryways, driveways, and decks—a critical detail often missed by out-of-area architects.
What sets Trace Design apart from other architects in the region?
We sit at the intersection of high design and high performance.
Many firms can draw a pretty cabin, and others can design an energy-efficient box. We do both. We use advanced technology (Lidar site analysis, Passive House energy modeling) to design homes that are stunning to look at but also incredibly resilient against wildfires, snow, and extreme temperatures. We don't just design for today; we design for the next 200 years.
Why should I hire a custom architect instead of buying a pre-made design?
We offer both!
A pre-made plan doesn't know your view, your topography, or your solar exposure. In our mountain environment, a generic plan often leads to expensive site work (like excessive retaining walls) or dark, cold rooms because it wasn't oriented for the sun. We design your home specifically for your lot to capture the best views, maximize natural light, and minimize energy bills.
But, if you're interested in our pre-made plans, head on over to Trace.CAMP.
How can I control costs on my custom home build?
The most effective way to save money is through smart design geometry. Complexity costs money.
We design efficient, rectangular volumes and simple rooflines that are easier and faster to frame, reducing labor costs significantly without sacrificing beauty. We also prioritize "fabric first" energy efficiency—investing in better insulation and windows now significantly lowers your monthly operating costs for the life of the home.
Do you take on renovations, additions, or remodel projects?
No. Trace Design specializes exclusively in new custom home construction. By focusing 100% of our energy on new builds, we can deliver the highest level of detail and project management for our clients.
We do not take on remodels, additions, or basement finishes at this time.