Seattle's Trusted Garage Design Experts

A garage is more than a place to park—it’s an opportunity. With thoughtful design, it can support storage, hobbies, or even a finished space above, like a guest suite, home office, or rental unit. Let’s explore the possibilities together. Contact us for a free consultation today!

Experience

Over 20 years of experience shaping solutions that balance aesthetics and function.

Design

Focused on creating healthy, sustainable spaces that respond to light, air, and context.

Expertise

Expert in codes, zoning, and permits across more than 22 jurisdictions in Washington State.

Support

Support from the first meeting through design, permitting, and construction coordination

Featured garage designs

Garage additions aren’t just about cars

A garage can be much more than just a place to park a vehicle—it’s a chance to expand your space. Whether you need storage for tools, room for gear, or even a finished office or guest suite above, thoughtful planning is key. Layout, structure, access, and local codes all play a role in making it work. Here’s what to consider before you start.

Start with size

Start with what you need to store.

Before designing your garage, start with a clear inventory of what needs to fit—cars, bikes, tools, sports gear, garden equipment, car lift, etc. We’ve also designed garages for boats, RVs, and other large vehicles that require specialized doors and spacious, column-free interiors. Listing everything in advance gives you a clear understanding of the size and layout needed to make it all work.
Seattle garage designs - storage

Add real storage

One more bay isn’t always better.

Adding an extra garage bay for storage seems straightforward, but it’s not always the most efficient solution. Garage doors reduce available wall space, making storage placement tricky. A deeper layout or a dedicated side alcove for tools and shelving often works better. And if resale value is a factor, a well-planned layout ensures you can still market it as a two or three-car garage.
Seattle garage designs - open space

Keep it column-free

Open space is more useful.

Columns in garages limit flexibility and can make parking difficult. Whenever possible, we recommend clear-span construction. This might involve upsized joists, trusses, or added beams, but the result is a more functional space—especially for multiple vehicles or greater maneuverability.

Seattle garage designs - garage security

Plan for security

Less access means more security.

If a side door isn’t necessary, consider skipping it—most break-ins occur through these easily unlocked entries. Instead, an exterior keypad near the garage door can provide secure access. If a side door is needed, opt for a steel model without windows, and use skylights for natural light rather ground level windows.

Seattle garage addition design

Choose the right doors

Size and material affect usability.

The minimum width for a one-car garage door is 8 feet, but 9 feet provides a more comfortable fit—especially if you need to turn into the opening, making maneuvering easier. For materials, steel and aluminum are durable and low-maintenance, while wood offers a classic look but requires regular refinishing and weather protection. If you choose a wood door, plan for deep roof overhangs and a high-grade exterior finish to prevent rot.

Seattle garage designs - plan ahead and codes

Think ahead

Consider details like structure, slope, and code.

A garage floor should slope gently toward the garage door to prevent water pooling inside. Alternatively, floor drains are useful if you plan to wash vehicles or have a workshop. If the space will be heated, insulation to meet the energy code will be required. For living space above, fire-rated drywall is often required.

Thinking about converting a garage to living space? Check zoning rules first. Some areas require off-street parking, and front yards don’t always count. Detached or terraced garages may also trigger land use reviews and surveys. Some garages may be permitted quickly, possibly in a few weeks in some jurisdictions. Others may take longer if a full permit review is necessary. Allow 3 to 9 months for design and permitting, depending on the jurisdiction and complexity of the project.

Every garage design is unique. We’ll help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence. Book a free consultation or call 206-204-0490 to discuss your project.

Schedule a call

Design powered by advanced technology

Technology - 3D Point Cloud Scanning

3D Point Cloud Scanning

Capturing your existing structure conditions with accurate data so we can create better models in BIM to serve your vision. And help you design for the master plan for your future. Seeing a bigger picture.
The BIM Advantage for Architectural Design

Building Information Model (BIM)

We use Revit, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software that is beneficial for a range of projects, from single-family residences and partial remodels to larger commercial and facility developments.
Technology - Visualization

Visualization

Since a BIM workflow operates in 3D throughout our design process, we can add detail directly to our schematic designs and provide 3D visualizations that help you better understand how the proposed spaces will feel.
Technology - Lighting Analysis

Lighting Analysis

The BIM model allows us to integrate the precise location of your project, enabling us to address site-specific solar questions and accurately determine the sun’s position relative to your modeled project at any given time and date. As a result, you can see how light will interact with your project before construction begins!

We’ll help you figure out how—and who—will build it

Be your own contractor

For hands-on homeowners comfortable acting as their own general contractor, managing construction and hiring subcontractors directly.

  • You get the lowest construction cost
  • You avoid markup and overhead
  • You have full control over subcontractors
UBuildIt

Partner with UBuildIt

For homeowners who want to stay involved, get expert support, and potentially save up to 30%.

  • UBuildIt manages pricing and schedule
  • You hire subcontractors directly
  • You pay UBuildIt a fixed consulting fee

Hire a general contractor

For owners who’d rather hand things off to a pro who can keep the project moving and handle the details.

  • We help match you with the right contractor
  • Contractors provide rough pricing estimates (ROM)
  • We help with selection and planning

How to estimate construction cost + design fees

— this and many other topics all covered in our Project Planner

Trust + Satisfaction

See what it’s like working with us.

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