What DeForest Architects does

DeForest Architects is a founder-owned, private custom residential architecture firm operating from two studios in Seattle, Washington and Lake Tahoe, California. The firm delivers full-service architectural design including new custom homes, modern remodels, rural retreats, multi-generational family compounds, and a smaller portfolio of public and commercial projects, serving affluent individuals and families primarily in the United States. The firm differentiates through a 'Design as a Verb' methodology centered on collaborative, hands-on client engagement, supported by full-scale mockups, 3D modeling, design workshops, and video-based process documentation. Service delivery is consultative (sales-led) and project-based, with fees typically structured as a percentage of construction cost or hourly rates; no public pricing is disclosed.

The business extends beyond its two physical studios through the 'Great Projects Anywhere' program, which uses video conferencing, 3D modeling, and a network of trusted local collaborators to deliver projects nationwide. The firm has accumulated 15+ years of design recognition including AIA awards, Residential Architect Grand Awards, Best in American Living Gold Awards, and features in publications such as the New York Times, Dwell, Architectural Digest, and Luxe Interiors + Design. Content marketing (blog, quarterly newsletter, Instagram, AIA conference participation, and a 'Getting Started Guide' resource) drives top-of-funnel acquisition.

Operationally, the firm is a small boutique with a named team of approximately eight professionals and active hiring underway for additional project leadership. Ownership is concentrated with founder John DeForest and Managing Principal Brett Smith; there are no external investors, no funding rounds, and no parent company. Strategic focus areas include capacity expansion (new Seattle studio, recent hires, associate promotions), new product lines (ADU/DADU design under Washington zoning reform, multi-generational legacy property consulting), and deeper partnerships with wealth advisors and builders to access high-net-worth clients.

Name

DeForest Architects

Legal name

DeForest Architects, LLC

Website

https://deforestarchitects.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

DeForest Architects is a founder-owned private custom residential architecture firm with studios in Seattle and Lake Tahoe, serving high-net-worth individuals and families nationwide through full-service design of custom homes, remodels, and rural retreats.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Architectural Services

NAICS

Architectural Services (54131), Architectural Services (541310), Residential Remodelers (236118)

SIC

General Bldg Contractors - Residential Bldgs (1520)

akta.pro primary industry

Residential Design-Build & Renovation-Integrated Builders (IMAFABAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

ADU Design, Architecture & Engineering (HSAPAMAF), Aging-in-Place Structural & Layout Reconfiguration (First-Floor Living, Open Plans) (HSAPANAK), Architectural Reconfiguration & Structural Alterations (HSAPAEAB)

Keywords

• Custom residential architecture
• Home design services
• Residential remodeling
• Multi-generational design
• ADU design services

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Architectural Design Services: Custom residential architecture services including initial consultation, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration. Revenue is generated through professional service fees based on project scope, typically a percentage of construction cost or hourly rates for smaller projects.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

DeForest Architects provides full-service custom residential architectural design and construction administration, including new homes, remodels, additions, multi-generational family compounds, vacation retreats, ADU/DADU design, and select public/commercial projects. The firm operates a Seattle studio and a Lake Tahoe studio, and delivers projects nationwide through its 'Great Projects Anywhere' remote collaboration program. Services span initial consultation, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.

Product overview

DeForest Architects is a custom residential architecture firm offering a unified suite of architectural design services rather than a software product platform. The core offering is full-service custom residential architecture spanning new home design, modern remodels, and rural retreats. Services are organized into project categories including City Living, Rural Retreats, Modern Remodels, and Public & Commercial work. The firm differentiates through specialized consulting for multi-generational and legacy property design, ADU/DADU design services under Washington's new zoning regulations, and educational content through their 'Design as a Verb' video series. A complimentary 'Getting Started Guide' resource supports potential clients in understanding the design and construction process.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Custom Residential Architecture Services Full-service custom residential architecture including new home design, remodels, additions, and renovations for single-family residences, delivered from initial consultation through construction administration. For individual homeowners and families seeking personalized residential design.
• City Living Projects Architectural design services for urban residential projects including modern homes, remodels, and apartments in city environments. For urban homeowners and city property owners.
• Rural Retreats Architectural design for country homes, mountain retreats, lake houses, and vacation properties in rural and natural settings. For second-home owners and families seeking retreats in natural settings.
• Modern Remodels Contemporary renovation and remodeling of existing residential properties, transforming dated or traditional homes into modern living spaces. For homeowners seeking to update an existing residence.
• Public & Commercial Projects Non-residential architectural projects including community spaces, theaters, and commercial facilities. For organizations, institutions, and developers seeking public-facing or commercial architectural design.
• Multi-Generational Design Consulting Specialized architectural design consulting for family legacy properties, incorporating flexibility, aging-in-place considerations, and multi-generational living arrangements. For families planning properties intended to serve multiple generations.
• ADU/DADU Design Services Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Detached ADU design services for homeowners developing multiple units on their property under Washington's new Neighborhood Residential zoning. For Washington homeowners seeking rental income, multi-generational living space, or property value enhancement.

Quantifiable outcome

• The firm has helped hundreds of clients navigate the custom home design and construction process
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Fulcrum Wealth AdvisorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeForest Architects partnered with Fulcrum Wealth Advisors for content development around multi-generational property planning. John DeForest and Brett Smith sat down with Jim Falcone, Co-founder and Managing Director of Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, to discuss how families can approach designing legacy properties that serve multiple generations. This collaboration produced educational content for homeowners considering significant residential projects.
• MRA Custom BuildercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeForest Architects and MRA Custom Builder collaborated on content about middle housing opportunities in Washington state following new zoning regulations. John DeForest and J. Irons of MRA Custom Builder engaged in ongoing conversations to help homeowners understand how to make the most of new Neighborhood Residential zoning, combining architectural and construction expertise.
• Strode ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeForest Architects partnered with Strode Construction for content development around custom home design and construction in Leavenworth, Washington. Steve Strode of Strode Construction provided insights on building in mountain climates, budgeting, and finding the right team for custom residential projects.
• Andrea Lackie DesignminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAndrea Lackie Design is highlighted in DeForest Architects' Collaborator Spotlight series as a local Lake Tahoe designer specializing in responsible design. Andrea brings expertise in materials health, indoor air quality, and sustainable design choices, complementing the firm's focus on thoughtful residential architecture.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Olson Kundig: Seattle-based, award-winning custom residential and commercial architecture firm with a comparable high-end, hands-on design approach and similar Pacific Northwest roots. Operates as a comparable boutique firm serving HNW residential clients nationally.
• Bohlin Cywinski Jackson: Renowned architecture firm with strong custom residential practice, including Pacific Northwest projects; comparable in size, prestige, and client profile to DeForest's high-end residential work.
• Lake|Flato Architects: Texas-based firm nationally recognized for custom residential architecture and place-based design; comparable scale, awards profile, and HNW client focus to DeForest Architects.
• Aidlin Darling Design: Bay Area architecture studio with an award-winning custom residential practice emphasizing site-driven, crafted design; directly comparable in West Coast high-end residential market positioning.
• Shope Reno Wharton: Park City, Utah firm specializing in custom mountain and resort residential architecture; comparable to DeForest's Rural Retreats segment with similar HNW ski/lake market clientele.
• Ike Kligerman Barkley: High-end residential and commercial architecture firm with a national reputation and luxury custom home practice; comparable in client profile and design-led positioning to DeForest.
• Studio Schicketanz: Carmel, California modern residential architecture firm with a similarly tight portfolio of custom homes and remodels for affluent clients on the West Coast.
• Mithun: Seattle-headquartered architecture firm with a residential practice alongside larger commercial and mixed-use work; comparable on geography and custom residential capability, though broader in scope.
• Resolution: 4 Architecture: Modern custom residential architecture firm with national reach and a modular/prefabrication focus; comparable to DeForest on high-end residential target market and contemporary design ethos.

Broad incumbents

• Gensler: Largest global architecture firm with a broad commercial and mixed-use portfolio; relevant as the broad incumbent in architecture services where DeForest operates in the smaller public/commercial niche.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/DeForestArch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/deforest-architects
• Instagraminstagram.com/deforestarchitects
• Facebookfacebook.com/deforestarchitects

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DeForest Architects