Permitting Services
Building in the San Juan Islands means working through one of the most detailed permitting processes in Washington State. Critical areas, shoreline regulations, water and septic requirements, and design review can turn a straightforward project into a months-long paperwork exercise. Architectural Design + Interiors prepares the drawings and documentation your project needs and works directly with the permitting authorities so your build stays on schedule.
With twenty years of design experience and a builder's understanding of how projects actually get approved and constructed, we maintain current working knowledge of the San Juan County and Town of Friday Harbor building departments and exactly what they expect to see in a complete submittal.
What our permitting services include
• Permit submission drawings and complete construction document packages
• Material specifications, door and window schedules, and material take-offs for bidding
• Plumbing, lighting, and HVAC plans and schedules
• Energy code compliance documentation
• Zoning variance submissions
• Historic and design review compliance submissions
• Community association compliance submissions and presentations
• Coordination for environmental and critical-areas issue resolution
• Structural engineering review and coordination with surveyors, engineers, and environmental consultants
• Direct interaction with the permitting authority through submittal, review, and approval
Local knowledge that keeps your project moving
Every jurisdiction has its own forms, thresholds, and reviewers. We know what San Juan County's Department of Community Development and the Town of Friday Harbor look for, how to package a complete submittal the first time, and how to respond quickly when a reviewer requests revisions. That familiarity reduces back-and-forth, avoids costly resubmittals, and shortens the time between concept and ground-breaking.
Built on real construction experience
Architectural Design + Interiors is led by Lori Williams—an architectural designer and former licensed general contractor with two decades of experience and active membership in the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)—alongside Terry Whalen, who brings more than forty years and over one hundred Pacific Northwest homes to the firm. We prepare permit documents the way a builder reads them: clear, complete, and ready to price and construct.
Start your project
Whether you're planning new construction, a major renovation, or a shoreline or critical-areas project that needs careful handling, we can guide your drawings through permitting from first submittal to approval. Schedule a complimentary consultation to talk through your project and timeline.