Residential Architecture | Custom Homes That Reflect Your Vision
Thoughtfully crafted architectural design for custom homes, renovations, and additions. Serving Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Healdsburg, and Wine Country.
The Challenge of Designing Your Dream Home in Wine Country
Finding an architect who understands Sonoma County's unique climate, terrain, and building requirements
Balancing your vision with budget realities and local zoning regulations
Navigating the complex permitting process in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, or Healdsburg
Ensuring your home design reflects Wine Country living while being energy-efficient and fire-safe
We understand that designing a custom home can feel overwhelming. Between navigating local building codes, managing budgets, and ensuring your vision comes to life, the process requires expertise and guidance. That's why we're here—to transform complexity into clarity and create a home that exceeds your expectations.
How Entero Architects Creates Custom Homes That Enhance Your Lifestyle
Based in Sonoma County, we've designed over 50 residential projects across Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, and surrounding Wine Country communities. Our approach combines deep local knowledge with collaborative design, ensuring every home reflects its owner's unique lifestyle while embracing the beauty and challenges of our region.
Local Expertise
Deep knowledge of Sonoma County building codes, climate considerations, wildfire preparedness, and Wine Country architectural styles. We understand the nuances of each jurisdiction and design accordingly.
Collaborative Process
Your vision guides every decision. We listen carefully, refine thoughtfully, and deliver spaces that truly reflect your needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences.
Technical Excellence
From initial concept to final construction, our attention to detail, sustainable practices, and coordination with engineers ensures your project exceeds expectations.
Our Residential Design Process
From Vision to Reality: A Clear, Collaborative Journey
Initial Site Visit
Every project begins with an on-site visit where Entero Architects listens to your vision, gathers key information, and assesses your project's unique needs to set clear goals and expectations.
Fee Proposal
Once Entero Architects completes the initial site visit, we will send you a fee proposal of the cost to draw the plans for your project.
Programming and Pre-Design
Creating a clear vision is one of the most important steps in any building project, and it begins with programming and pre-design. During this phase, Entero works with you to develop a "basis of design" document that captures your goals and serves as a foundation for all future decisions.
Schematic Design & Design Development
Entero starts by documenting existing conditions—whether raw land or an industrial building slated for adaptive reuse—to establish a clear starting point. From there, we develop and refine conceptual designs, assess structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, and leverage our team of consultants to address any project challenges.
Construction Documents
This technical phase is where Entero Architects transforms the final design into detailed Construction Documents—technical drawings reviewed by local building officials for code compliance and used by your contractor to guide the building process.
Permit Submittal and Plan Check
This phase involves submitting the final construction documents to the local building department for plan check review. Your plans will go through a comprehensive review process by several departments, including Planning, Building, Fire Life Safety, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Public Works. It's important to note that some back-and-forth communication is normal during this phase. Entero Architects will coordinate directly with building department officials to respond to any comments or required revisions, working diligently to keep the process on track.
Permit Issuance, Bidding and Construction
Once your permit review is complete, you'll receive your building permit and official job card—an exciting milestone! From here, most homeowners begin the search for a builder (unless you've chosen a design-build approach from the start). We will be right there with you, guiding you through the bidding process and helping you choose the contractor that's the best fit for your project. Once you've made your choice... it's time to kick things off—let the demolition begin!
Construction Administration & Inspections
As your project moves forward, the building department will conduct inspections at key stages to make sure everything is being built safely and up to code. These checkpoints include (but aren't limited to): trenching, rebar, foundation concrete, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, exterior sheathing, stucco layers, insulation, drywall, and finishing work—just to name a few! Throughout construction, Entero will work closely with both you and your builder to help answer questions, solve problems, and keep things on track. We're with you every step of the way, providing construction administration services to support a smooth and successful build.
Final Inspection and Job Close Out
As your project nears completion and you're getting ready to move in, we'll work closely with you and your builder to wrap things up. This includes completing the final punch list inspections, collecting warranty information, issuing final certificates for payment, gathering release of liens, and helping to officially close out your project. Once the final walk-through is complete—congratulations, you're done! But our support doesn't stop there. Entero is still here for you with post-occupancy services, if you need them. Our relationship doesn't end when you move in—we're with you for the long haul, whenever you need us.
Our Residential Portfolio in Sonoma County
Explore our completed projects showcasing innovative design and exceptional craftsmanship
What's Included in Our Residential Services
Comprehensive architectural services tailored to your specific needs
New Custom Home Design
From initial concept to construction-ready plans, we guide you through designing your dream home in Sonoma County's Wine Country. Our comprehensive service ensures every detail reflects your lifestyle, embraces the local environment, and meets all regulatory requirements.
Includes:
- Site analysis and feasibility study
- Conceptual design with multiple options
- Detailed architectural plans (floor plans, elevations, sections)
- 3D renderings and material boards
- Engineering coordination (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
- Energy modeling and sustainability consultation
- Building permit processing for Sonoma County jurisdictions
- Construction administration and site visits
Home Additions & Renovations
Expand your existing Sonoma County home while maintaining architectural harmony. Whether adding a master suite, updating a kitchen, or creating an ADU, we design additions that feel integral to your home's character.
Includes:
- Existing conditions documentation
- Design concepts respecting original architecture
- Zoning and setback analysis
- Integration of modern systems with existing structure
- Historical preservation guidance (if applicable)
- Permit documentation and processing
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Design
California ADU-compliant designs perfect for Sonoma County properties. Create rental income, accommodate family, or add a home office—we navigate the streamlined ADU approval process efficiently.
Includes:
- ADU feasibility analysis
- Compliant design meeting state and local requirements
- Utility connection planning
- Pre-approved ADU plan options (faster permits)
- Coordination with ADU-experienced contractors
Sustainable Design Consultation
Incorporate passive solar design, natural ventilation, water conservation, and fire-resistant materials. Our Sonoma County-specific sustainability strategies reduce energy costs while enhancing comfort.
Includes:
- Climate-responsive design strategies
- CAL Green and Title 24 compliance
- Solar panel integration planning
- Wildfire-resistant material selection
- Native landscaping coordination
Frequently Asked Questions About Residential in Sonoma County
Get answers to common questions about our services
How much does a custom home design cost in Sonoma County?
How long does the residential architecture design process take?
Do I need an architect for my Sonoma County home project?
What makes Sonoma County residential design unique?
How do you handle Sonoma County permitting?
Can you work with my contractor?
Do you design environmentally sustainable homes?
What areas of Sonoma County do you serve?
Start Your Residential Project Today
Free consultation. No obligation. Let's discuss your vision.
- Complimentary initial consultation and site evaluation
- Transparent pricing and timeline estimates
- Local expertise in Sonoma County building requirements
- Portfolio of successful residential projects
Contact Information
Service Area: Proudly serving Sonoma County including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Cloverdale, and surrounding Wine Country communities.