Last spring, we hiked up Nahaum Canyon, taking in the beauty of the Cashmere Canyons Preserve—a place that continues to inspire us. With vibrant wildflowers, sweeping vistas, and the peacefulness of open spaces, this hike reminded us why Central Washington is so special. The trail started with a steep ascent, offering a rewarding challenge and breathtaking views of the rolling hills and valleys. Along the way, we paused to admire the rugged yet elegant landscape, much like the homes we design. Bright yellow balsamroot and purple lupine lined the trail, a fleeting but stunning reminder of the changing seasons. Now, as we prepare to move our office to Cashmere, this hike feels even more meaningful. Soon, we’ll be calling this incredible landscape home, drawing daily inspiration from the surroundings and helping others create homes that truly belong in this breathtaking region.

Spring is here and growing up in North Central Washington, I never thought much about how our weather extremes influenced building design. However, after experiencing summer temperatures nearing 120°F, winters plunging to -20°F, and record-breaking snowfall (nearly four feet in just two days in 2022), I’ve come to appreciate the importance of designing buildings that can withstand these challenges. Despite the extreme temperatures, our climate is relatively dry, with minimal rainfall and abundant sunshine. As an architect working in this region, I’ve developed a set of design principles that integrate functionality with aesthetic appeal. Below are key considerations for building in this environment. Key Design Considerations Human Comfort  – Ensuring year-round livability through thoughtful heating and cooling solutions. Heating & Cooling  – Designing to mitigate heat in summer and retain warmth in winter. Building Maintenance  – Selecting materials and layouts that minimize long-term upkeep. Structural Integrity  – Ensuring durability against snow loads, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Building Shape & Orientation  – Optimizing the form of structures for energy efficiency and weather resilience. Roof Design: A Functional and Aesthetic Element One of the most defining aspects of modFORM projects is the use of shed roofs . While they offer a modern aesthetic, their real value lies in their functionality. Sun Protection Given NCW’s intense sunshine, controlling heat gain is critical. Shed roofs with long overhangs  help shade windows, reducing interior temperatures and cooling costs. These overhangs also create comfortable outdoor spaces by shading patios and decks. Weather Protection for Inhabitants Rain Protection  – While rainfall is minimal, well-designed overhangs prevent water from dripping onto entryways and walkways. Snow Management  – Snow accumulation on roofs is a major concern. There’s debate over whether to let snow slide off or keep it on the roof using snow brakes (metal bars that hold snow in place). Retaining snow can provide insulation, a technique widely used in European alpine architecture. Preferred Approach  – The modFORM practice favors low-pitched shed roofs with standing seam metal and strategically placed snow brakes. Roof slopes should direct snow away from high-traffic areas like entrances and driveways, minimizing snow removal efforts. Weather Protection for the Structure Preventing Snow Stacking Against Siding  – Snow will inevitably slide off the roof. To prevent accumulation against walls: Extend overhangs to drop snow farther from the building. Use durable materials like concrete or metal for siding in areas prone to buildup. If wood is used, opt for naturally moisture-resistant species like cedar or redwood. Preventing Water and Mud Splashes  – Runoff from melting snow can cause water damage and erosion around the foundation. Thoughtful site drainage and material selection help mitigate this issue. Structural Support for Extended Overhangs Exposed Beams  – Many desert and mountain modern designs embrace exposed beams for both aesthetic and functional purposes. Structural Reinforcement  – To support long overhangs, larger cantilevered beams or a combination of beams and columns may be required. Preventing Ice Hazards Melting snow can refreeze on driveways and walkways, creating hazardous conditions. Designing proper drainage pathways and positioning drip lines away from shaded areas helps reduce the risk of ice buildup. Final Note Designing for extreme climates requires a balance of aesthetics and practicality. By considering sun exposure, snow management, material selection, and structural support, we can create buildings that not only endure harsh conditions but also enhance the experience of living in North Central Washington’s beautiful yet challenging environment.

Clients come to me during pivotal transitions in their lives—whether they’re preparing for retirement, expanding their current home, or seeking an additional retreat in our beautiful part of the state. These moments are exciting, and I feel truly honored to help guide people through such important decisions. That’s why we’re thrilled to share some exciting changes happening at modFORM! After several years in our cozy 250-square-foot office in downtown Wenatchee, we’re making the move to a new space in Cashmere. While our current office has offered incredible valley views from the fourth floor, this transition better aligns with both our personal and professional growth. It brings us closer to home and family, reducing our daily commute while maintaining our dedication to great design. Our new Cashmere office offers nearly 600 square feet—more than double our current space—giving modFORM the flexibility to grow, collaborate, and better serve our clients. With more room to create, plan, and design, we’re excited about what this next chapter means for our team and the projects ahead. Though our footprint is expanding, our commitment to thoughtful, modern architecture remains the same. As we settle into our new space, we’ll be sharing updates along the way—from office setup progress to design touches and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our evolving workspace. We can’t wait to welcome you to modFORM’s next phase in Cashmere!

Designing a home is rarely a straightforward process. While a vision may start in one direction, it often evolves due to site conditions, functionality, and client preferences. The Monitor Residence, nestled in the Wenatchee River Valley in Washington State, is a 1,200-square-foot modern take on cabin living. Designed by an architect for simplicity and functionality, it seamlessly connects with its stunning natural surroundings. The compact footprint maximizes efficiency while maintaining comfort. An open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area anchors the design, offering a welcoming space with framed valley views. Natural light highlights warm wood finishes and clean architectural lines, creating a calm, timeless aesthetic. A shed roof and extended overhangs provide shade and shelter, while a covered patio invites year-round outdoor enjoyment. But the design didn’t start this way. From Tower to Grounded Design Initially envisioned as a striking vertical tower, the home design evolved due to site constraints and the desire for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The original concept featured a tall, tower-like structure that would provide dramatic views and a commanding presence on the site. The idea of verticality was appealing, offering expansive vistas while minimizing the home's footprint. However, as the design process unfolded, challenges related to accessibility, integration with the landscape, and functional flow led to a reimagined approach. We deciedidon a single-level, V-shaped structure proved to be the ideal solution. This grounded design improved spatial connectivity, enhanced the relationship with the natural surroundings, and created a more livable home. The Final Evolution: A Scandinavian-Inspired Retreat The V-shaped design embraces the landscape, balancing privacy with openness. Scandinavian influences shine through in its simplicity, use of natural materials, and minimal aesthetic. Large glass expanses blur indoor-outdoor boundaries, maximizing natural light and passive heating. The Takeaway: Design is an Evolution The Monitor Residence exemplifies how great home design adapts through collaboration and problem-solving. While the tower concept was an exciting starting point, the final V-shaped retreat is more thoughtful and livable. This evolution reinforces that architecture flourishes through flexibility, refinement, and responsiveness to both site and client needs.

Here at modFORM, we believe that inspiration can come from anywhere—even in our downtime. When we’re not busy designing modern homes, we like to explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. A while back we took a day to hike Frenchman Coulee in Washington State, a breathtaking landscape that blends rugged cliffs, sweeping views, and serene desert vibes. Whether you're a nature lover or someone considering settling down in this region, Frenchman Coulee offers a glimpse into the unique environment that makes Central Washington such a special place to live. Here's a glimpse of our adventure and why this destination should be on your radar.    The Dramatic Cliffs and Open Valleys Frenchman Coulee is known for its towering basalt walls, a favorite spot for climbers. As hikers, we stuck to the trails winding above the valley, which provided plenty of opportunities to take in the dramatic views. The rugged cliffs create a sense of awe, and the expansive open spaces feel grounding—a perfect contrast. It's the kind of environment that encourages introspection and sparks creativity. Walking through the Coulee, we couldn’t help but think about how homes in this region can harmonize with such surroundings. At modFORM, we’re all about designing homes that reflect and respect their environments—something we felt deeply connected to during this hike. Connection to Nature and Community One of the best things about Frenchman Coulee is how accessible it is. Located near Vantage, WA, it’s just a short drive from many communities we serve. Also to note, this is very close to the Gorge Amphitheater. As we walked back from our hike, we passed a few climbers setting up ropes and other hikers enjoying the quiet. It reminded us of the importance of community, whether it's shared on a trail or built into the design of a neighborhood. Experiences like this make us even more passionate about creating spaces where people can thrive—both inside and outside their homes. Why We’re Inspired Exploring Frenchman Coulee left us inspired not only as individuals but as architects. The natural beauty of this region—its textures, colors, and forms—has a way of reminding us why we do what we do. Central Washington is full of opportunities to connect with the landscape, and we’re excited to help more people discover it for themselves. So, whether you’re dreaming of a modern home with a view of these cliffs or simply looking for a weekend adventure, Frenchman Coulee is a destination worth exploring. If you’re interested in designing a home that takes inspiration from the area’s natural beauty, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. Until next time, happy hiking!

At modFORM, we’ve crafted a collection of insightful blog posts over the years to guide readers and clients through the complexities of home design and construction. Whether you're embarking on your first custom home or refining a current design, these resources will help you make informed decisions. To make it easier, we’ve compiled some of our most popular blogs below, categorized to support every phase of your project journey. Planning Getting started on a new home can feel overwhelming, but our blogs offer clear guidance to help you lay the groundwork. I Want to Build My Own House: Where Do I Start? (Part 1) Considerations in Choosing Property Survey A proper site survey is essential for understanding your land and its potential. Learn what to include: What Should Be Included in a Site Survey As-Builts Accurate as-built drawings are a critical starting point for renovation or new construction. Explore these topics: As-Built Drawings What Do I Need Before I Meet with an Architect? Team During Design Building the right design team ensures a smooth process and a successful outcome. Discover how consultants can help: Design Consultants Cost to Build Budgeting is a key part of planning any project. Understand what factors influence construction costs: How Much Does It Cost to Build? Time to Design A successful project requires careful scheduling and time allocation. Learn about design timelines: How Long Does It Take to Create Permit Drawings? What Does an Architect Do? We hope these resources provide valuable insights as you navigate your project. At modFORM, we’re committed to supporting your vision and helping you bring it to life. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for the next modFORM blog.

Wishing a Happy New Year to all the modFORM fans. We are grateful for your support and for following the modFORM practice. The year 2024 was incredibly busy! We worked on several new design projects, including new homes, remodels, and a few multi-family projects. Continue reading to explore some of our projects below. DESIGN SPRUCE COURT RESIDENCE This project features an intriguing mix of contemporary and classic design, incorporating a combination of shed and gable roofs. Located in a traditionally designed neighborhood, careful consideration was necessary when designing this home to harmonize with the surrounding aesthetic. APPLE AVE RESIDENCE Located on a gently sloping site, this home's design carefully balances integrating the structure with the land while maximizing the stunning views of Lake Chelan. CASHMERE RESIDENCE Nestled comfortably amidst several pear orchards, this Cashmere home draws inspiration from the mid-century design era. Construction to start this spring. BURIEN RESIDENCE A modern three-story home located in Burien, WA. Set in a densely wooded lot, this project feels secluded from the neighbors yet enjoys proximity to city amenities. MAIDEN LN APARTMENTS This distinctive 50-unit multi-family development, featuring several rows of townhouses, offers a modern design along with the contemporary living amenities. CONSTRUCTION UPPER CHELAN REMODEL   A home from the 1990s undergoing an addition and renovation. Perched high above Lake Chelan, offering breathtaking 180-degree views of the stunning blue lake. BURCH MOUNTAIN RESIDENCE   Progress is being made on the Burch Mountain Residence. The siding and paint have been applied, and the interior is being diligently worked on. CHELAN VISTA HEIGHTS This ADU represents the initial phase of a multi-structure project. Situated high above Chelan, this compact ADU offers eastward views overlooking the Columbia River. ORONDO RESIDENCE   Situated just below Lake Chelan on the Columbia River, this home offers stunning views of the cliffs to the north and Chelan Butte to the east. Both exterior finishes and numerous interior features have been completed. FUTURE PROJECTS Keep an eye out as modFORM is branching into various project types. We are developing several new and exciting projects, including multi-family and other modern designs! Thank you for reading. Explore other projects, whether past, current, or upcoming HERE. Stay tuned for the next modFORM LLC blog post.

2024 is off to a strong start and the modFORM practice has been busy! We have several projects in construction and several more on the boards. Continue reading to see what modFORM has been up to. CONSTRUCTION BURCH MOUNTAIN RESIDENCE Construction is moving along at the Burch Mountain Residence. Framing is nearly complete . WATERVILLE ADU Located on the edge of the Waterville plateau, overlooking the beautiful Columbia River, the Waterville ADU is far into framing. ORONDO RESIDENCE Located just down the hill from Lake Chelan, right on the Columbia River, this home has great views of cliffs to north and Chelan Butte to the east. Foundations have been poured and is now moving into framing. ON THE BOARDS CASHMERE RESIDENCE Tucked nicely among several pear orchards, this Cashmere home takes design cues from the mid-century design era. BURIEN RESIDENCE A new modern, three level home located in Burien, WA. MONITOR RESIDENCE A small cabin located in the beautiful Wenatchee River valley between Wenatchee & Leavenworth. Construction to start summer of 2024. UPPER CHELAN REMODEL An addition & remodel of a home built in the 1990's. WENATCHEE COTTAGE HOUSING An eight unit affordable cottage housing development located in Wenatchee, WA. Construction to start VERY soon! FUTURE PROJECTS Be on the look out as modFORM is expanding into different project types. We are working on several new exciting projects including multi-family and several more modern designs! Thanks for reading. Check out other projects, past, current and future HERE. Stay tuned for the next modFORM LLC blog post.

Originally posted by our friends at modFLOOR PLAN LLC on June 8th, 2023 See the original post HERE. Throughout the years the design and layout of homes continues to evolve and shape around how people use and operate their home at the time. At times these trends are "timeless" and are carried on throughout the years and at other times these trends only tend to be appropriate for a few years then a new thing comes along. In the blog we will talk about what design trends we see in homes in 2023. TV, FIREPLACE, WINDOW ZONE In primary living spaces such as a living room there tends to be a seating area and a "viewing" area. Within this viewing area there will be a TV, windows looking to an exterior view or a fireplace. Or there will be a combination of all three. With TVs becoming thinner and lighter, there are many more options as to where the place the TV. A popular placement currently is placing a TV above a fireplace. When a view is present, some people may place a centrally located fireplace a TV with windows on either side. Or in some cases a TV/fireplace may be placed at the opposite side of the view. From PLAN 103 TOILET ROOM A separate toilet room or water closet also has been a trend. This is a small room with a bathroom that holds a toilet. This allows more privacy when two occupants are using a bathroom. This room can be surrounded by a standard framed wall or could also be framed by frosted glass walls. Image courtesy of modFORM LLC OPEN FLOOR PLAN This typically refers to one large open room that contains the kitchen, dining and living rooms. This allows for a better way for homeowners to entertain guests while preparing meals. This also a better way for families to feel connected when using these rooms rather than separating each function into an individual room. From PLAN 103 WALK-IN PANTRY With kitchens becoming more open to the rest of the home, there is a challenge as to where to hide the mess of meal preparation. Pantries are growing larger not only to accommodate more storage but to also to act as a second kitchen. Secondary appliances such as fridges, dishwashers, full sets of cabinets and countertops and sinks are being placed inside of pantries. This gives a place to stash dirty dishes out of site while homeowners continue to entertain. These types of pantries are sometimes called Butler's2 Pantries. Image courtesy of modFORM LLC DOUBLE ISLAND Another kitchen trend showing up is the placement of two kitchen islands. This generally works in kitchens with larger amounts of room. Two islands generally provide larger and deeper work surfaces for meal preparation. Image courtesy of modFORM LLC FINISHES AND STYLES SUBWAY TILE BACKSPLASH Within kitchens and bathrooms the use of subway tiles as a backsplash has become trendy. Subways tiles are generally smaller, 2"x3" and typically are a glossy white. The grout will typically be white, black or a gray tone. The glossy finish allows for easy cleaning. Image courtesy of homedepot.com BRASS FIXTURES Brass fixtures are becoming more trendy as well. Brass colors are by no way a new thing. In fact many original plumbing fixtures tended to be brass or copper because the materials were much easier to work with to form the curvy plumbing fixtures shapes. Image courtesy of kohler.com RECLAIMED LUMBER This can either be structural framing such as large beams or columns, or this can be finish materials such as planks. These materials are sourced from older buildings such as barns. Reclaimed wood is desirable not only because of its weathered patina but also because of the difficulty in finding these materials any more. For example, large framing members such as a beam made from a fir tree are difficult to find as many of these larger trees have been logged within the last century. MODERN FARMHOUSE This is an aesthetic typically defined by decorative bits. The signature colors for modern farmhouse are white exterior walls, black roof, black trim and black windows. The siding tends to be board and batten to give it a more farmhouse look. The windows will also tend to have a mullion grid within each glass pane. Kitchens will have a more traditional stile and rail cabinet type painted in a mono-tone such as white, black or grey. Image courtesy of dwell.com AGING IN PLACE This is a way of laying out a home so the occupants can live within while they get older without modifying the overall design. One of the larger characteristics of an aging in place home is a single level with no stairs. If multiple levels are needed, a primary bedroom/bathroom suite will be placed on the same level as the kitchen, and dining level. Other features are wider 36" doors to accommodate wheelchairs, wider hallways, and lever style door handles for easy grabbing. This is just a short list of design trends we are seeing as of late. Some or these may be indeed "trendy" and may fade withing the next few years. Others may truly be very useful for bow and others may continue to be usefule for many years to come. Thanks for reading!

Currently in North Central Washington it is very cold and surprisingly rainy. It should be snowing this time of the year but it looks like El Nino has been warming things up. So this makes the perfect season to cozy up in front of a nice warm fire. So let's kick off the post with talking about some of our favorite wood burning fireplaces. Image courtesy of europeanhome.com Focus Gyrofocus Image courtesy of europeanhome.com Focus HÉTÉROFOCUS 1400 Image courtesy of pacificenergy.net Pacific Energy Neo 1.6 LE Image courtesy of pacificenergy.net Pacific Energy Neo 2.5 LE Image courtesy of morsoe.com Morso MORSØ 6140 B WITH LOW BASE Image courtesy of morsoe.com Morso MORSØ 6143 B WITH LOG STORAGE Image courtesy of morsoe.com Morso MORSØ 6148 B ON PEDESTAL Image courtesy of us.rais.com RAIS QTEE II W/ BASE Image courtesy of us.rais.com RAIS Q-TEE II C Image courtesy of us.rais.com RAIS Q-TEE II C SOAPSTONE Image courtesy of ironstrike.us.com Ironstick Tahoma 1600 Image courtesy of highlandfiresandbbqs.com.au Stuv 16 High Thanks for reading. If you have any favorite fireplaces, please comment below.

The modFORM practice has written quite a few blogs over the years which offer our readers and clients some very useful resources. In this blog we wanted to compile some of these blogs into one place to help those who are planning their next home project. LAND SEARCH If you are planning on building a home on raw land and are in the process of looking for property, take a look at these two blogs for tips and strategies for what to look for when purchasing land. I Want to Build My Own House, Where Do I Start? Considerations In Choosing Property SURVEY Once you purchase the land, a land survey will be a very important step for better understanding how and where you can place your home. Read more in the blog about what should be included in that survey. What Should Be Included in a Site Survey AS-BUILTS If you own a home and are looking to remodel or add an addition, take a look at these two blogs as these will help better understand what the initial steps that will be needed when planning with your architect. As-Built Drawings What Do I Need Before I Meet an Architect TEAM DURING DESIGN PROCESS While designing your home, there will be a team needed beyond just the architect to accomplish those goals. Take a look at this blog to read more about that team. Design Consultants COST TO BUILD Always a favorite! How much will it cost to build? This is not always an easy question to answer. Dive more into this post to better understand the factors that affect cost some rough numbers of what we see in North Central Washington. How Much Does it Cost to Build? WHAT DOES AN ARCHITECT DO? Dive more in to this post to better understand some of the services we provide at the modFORM practice. What Does an Architect Do? Thanks for reading! Be sure to subscribe to stay up to date with the modFORM blog posts!

2023 was a busy year for the modFORM practice. Now that we are fresh into the new year, I wanted to share what modFORM has been up to. CONSTRUCTION BURCH MOUNTAIN RESIDENCE With spectacular views across the valley, construction has recently started on the Burch Mountain home. WATERVILLE ADU Located on the edge of the Waterville plateau, overlooking the beautiful Columbia River, the Waterville ADU is far into framing. ORONDO RESIDENCE Located just down the hill from Lake Chelan, right on the Columbia River, this home has great views of cliffs to north and Chelan Butte to the east. ON THE BOARDS MONITOR RESIDENCE A small cabin located in the beautiful Wenatchee River valley between Wenatchee & Leavenworth. UPPER CHELAN REMODEL An addition & remodel of a home built in the 1990's. BURIEN RESIDENCE A new modern, three level home located in Burien, WA. WENATCHEE COTTAGE HOUSING An eight unit affordable cottage housing development located in Wenatchee, WA. COMPLETE EAST WENATCHEE RESIDENCE The East Wenatchee home is now complete. Be on the look out for final photos! FUTURE PROJECTS Then, be on the look out as modFORM is expanding into different project types. We can't talk about them yet but some of these will include multi-family and commercial projects. Thanks for reading. Check out other projects, past, current and future HERE. Stay tuned for the next modFORM LLC blog post.