Residential
That's our work. And the clients who choose it. Contemporary residential architecture. Crafted with clarity and character.
The stakes are higher than the budget
Building a custom home is a big decision. You’re investing significant time and money into something you can’t fully see yet. And you are going through a process you’ve probably never experienced before.
That brings real questions: Will the design actually work for how we live? Can we afford what we want without blowing the budget? Will our architect really listen, or are we going to end up with their vision instead of ours? And how do we even know what to expect along the way?
These aren't small concerns. A home is permanent. If it doesn't work, you live with it.
When it goes right, the process feels clear and controlled. We take on only a few homes each year so the owners work directly with us. Our systemized approach keeps decisions organized, budgets aligned, and progress steady from concept to completion. The design develops through conversation and iteration, testing ideas until the right solution becomes clear.
A clear idea
A disciplined process
Every project begins with discovery: understanding the site, the program, the budget, and the client's goals. We explore possibilities, test directions, and study what the project wants to be. From that process, the core idea emerges. One strong enough to guide every decision that follows.
Behind that creative exploration is a system we’ve refined over years of practice. It keeps design, budget, and schedule aligned while allowing room for creativity and iteration. That balance gives our clients confidence, the freedom to explore ideas knowing the process is organized and deliberate.
We work this way so the outcome feels effortless: architecture that looks right, works well, and belongs to its place.
You’ll work directly with us
We know how demanding this process can be. Our clients lead complex lives and expect the same level of professionalism and clarity they bring to their own work. We approach each project with that same discipline: clear communication, organized delivery, and attention to detail from start to finish.
Métrica is led by its founders, Andrés Villaveces and Juan León. We’re personally involved in every home we design, taking on only a few projects each year to stay close to the work. Métrica is led by its founders, Andrés Villaveces and Juan León. We’re personally involved in every home we design, taking on only a few each year to stay close to the work. Over two decades of combined experience across residential and international projects have shaped a process that’s as structured as it is creative.
You get the right team from day one
A clear path forward
We keep the early steps simple. It's about understanding your goals, exploring what's possible, and giving you the clarity to move forward with confidence.
Start the conversation
Share your goals and site details. We’ll listen, ask questions, and see if we're the right fit.
Review what’s possible
We’ll outline options based on your site, budget, and priorities, so you know what can be achieved.
Begin the design process
Once aligned, we start the discovery phase that leads to your architectural concept.
The right fit matters
With every good building, there was a very good client. The best work starts with clients who are demanding about excellence; who recognize it when they see it and are willing to invest in getting it right. They value elegant problem solving and the clarity that comes from a disciplined process.
Good clients give the work room to develop. They understand that design is a process of discovery, that strong ideas need space to evolve, and that architecture takes time. A thoughtful budget helps too: sufficient to do something meaningful, but disciplined enough to encourage elegant solutions rather than excess.
When those values align, trust builds naturally, the process flows, and the results speak for themselves. If that sounds like you, we'll get along well, and the work will show it.
They truly listened to what we needed and delivered a home that exceeded every expectation.
Organized, communicative, and meticulous from start to finish.
Every design decision felt intentional. The result feels inevitable — and completely ours.
Common questions
Before you've made any major commitments. If you haven't purchased a site yet, we can help evaluate whether it supports what you want to build. If you already own the property, the earlier we're involved, the fewer surprises down the road.
We take on one or two custom homes per quarter and are typically booked a few months ahead. If your timeline is flexible, reach out early to confirm our availability. We can also add you to our waitlist.
About 10–12 months for design and permitting, and 12–24 months for construction. Total timeline for most projects is two to three years. Complex sites, large homes, or extended permit reviews can add time. We'll give you a project-specific estimate early in the process.
Our Architect's Guide includes a full breakdown of construction costs in the Seattle–Bellevue area, how our design fees are structured, and what a typical project budget looks like. It's the best place to start.
Yes. We have experience with steep slopes, waterfront properties, tight urban lots, critical areas, and sites with complex zoning. Challenging conditions often produce the most compelling architecture. Some sites may require additional studies, which we'll identify early.
Sustainability is built into how we design, not treated as an add-on. We prioritize solar orientation, energy efficiency, durable materials, and strategies that reduce environmental impact over the life of the home. We are also a Certified Consultant with the Passive House Institute US. If you're pursuing a specific certification or performance target, we can scope that from the start.
Yes. Every project is developed in a full 3D model from the start.You'll be able to see the design from every angle, walk through spaces, and make decisions about materials and finishes before anything is built. We can share the model directly to your tablet.
Yes. For custom homes, our fee includes architecture, engineering, and the consultants your project requires — structural, mechanical, civil and some others. We manage all of it as a single contract. For remodels, the consultants needed can vary depending on the project, so we evaluate what's needed on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. We work on major remodels, additions, and whole-house renovations. The process is similar to a new build but includes an assessment of the existing structure and what can be retained, modified, or replaced. Our Architect's Guide to Residential Remodels explains how this process works.
We don't build. We design the home, and a general contractor builds it. Our Architect's Guide who is involved in the process and how the team works together. We stay involved through construction to review the work and make sure the design is built as intended. If you need help finding a builder, we can guide the selection process.