At Hammer & Hand, we’re design-build, but maybe not in the way you’d expect. After 30 years of crafting exceptional homes throughout Portland and Seattle, we’ve developed a unique approach that gives our clients something extraordinary: choice, advocacy, and expertise all working in perfect harmony.
Our Distinctive Design-Build Model & Philosophy
We’re proud of our collaboration with the amazing designers we’ve built relationships with over the past three decades. Unlike traditional design-build firms with in-house architects, we partner with independent architects and designers across the Pacific Northwest. This approach isn’t just different—it’s better for our clients.
By hiring an independent builder and architect, our clients have two distinct advocates for their goals. Like a three-legged stool that is perfectly balanced, the client, designer, and builder each advocate for their areas of expertise.
The Three-Legged Stool of Success
The Designer advocates for:
- Space planning for functionality and livability
- Sustainability and environmental responsibility
- Aesthetics and design vision
- Budget realities and value engineering
The Builder (Hammer & Hand) advocates for:
- Constructability and building efficiency
- Sustainable construction practices
- Value optimization and budget containment
- Durability of the building envelope
The Client advocates for:
- A space that works for their lifestyle
- Personal aesthetics and design preferences
- Budget transparency and value
- Clear, consistent communication
When each “leg of the stool”—each advocate in the design-build process—is given a seat at the table, the sum becomes greater than the parts. Better solutions for the project are possible.
Our Collaborative Process
We provide rigorous communication and planning within our services, where we discuss what opportunities exist and how those choices impact costs in detail. With client and architect, we review materials, methods, and constructability, using creative problem solving to create a stronger, more cost-effective design.
Our process begins early—often during the design phase—allowing us to provide real-time cost feedback that keeps projects on track before ground is ever broken. We bring our 30 years of construction expertise to the drawing board, identifying potential challenges and opportunities that might otherwise be discovered during construction when changes are costly. This means examining everything from structural systems to finish materials, suggesting alternatives that maintain design intent while improving efficiency or durability.
Through progressive meetings we communicate documentation, and transparent budgeting, while ensuring all three partners—client, architect, and builder—are aligned at every stage. Our construction services include comprehensive cost estimating, constructability reviews, and value engineering sessions where we explore material options, construction methodologies, and sequencing strategies. Together, we craft a plan greater than the sum of its parts.
Why Choose Independent Architects?
We have fostered collaborative relationships with dozens of top-tier architects and design firms across the region. This means clients get their choice of the best architects across the Pacific Northwest or even beyond.
But why does this independence matter? When your architect isn’t beholden to your builder, they’re free to advocate purely for your vision and interests. They can push for design excellence without internal pressure to simplify for construction ease. Similarly, as your builder, we can provide honest feedback about costs and constructability without worrying about protecting in-house design decisions. This healthy tension between independent professionals creates better outcomes—more innovative solutions, more honest budgeting, and ultimately, better homes.
Our extensive network means we can match you with architects who specialize in your specific style—whether that’s a historically sensitive Victorian renovation or a ground-up modern farmhouse. We guide and empower clients through the entire project development process, including through architect and designer selection, if needed. We consider your project’s scope, your aesthetic preferences, your communication style, and your budget to recommend designers whose unique skill sets, schedules, design sense, and personalities align with your needs. The result? A true dream team assembled specifically for your project.
Portland and Seattle Architects and Designers
If you’d like to see which architects Hammer & Hand has worked with in the past, just click on any of the projects in our Portfolio!
Pacific Northwest Architectural Styles (& Beyond) We Build
From historic renovations to cutting-edge modern homes, our expertise spans the full spectrum of Pacific Northwest architecture:
- Craftsman
- Tudor Revival
- Modern
- Northwest Modern
- Mid-Century Modern
- Victorian
- Spanish Revival
- Scandinavian Modern
- Modern Farmhouse
- Foursquare
Service Areas: Building Throughout the Pacific Northwest
We serve the Portland, OR and Seattle, WA metropolitan areas, bringing our design-build expertise to communities throughout the region.
Our Portland Construction Team Serves:
Oregon Counties:
- Multnomah County
- Clackamas County
- Columbia County
- Washington County
- Yamhill County
- Hood River County
- Select projects on the Oregon Coast and in Jefferson County
Washington Counties:
- Clark County
- Skamania County
- Cowlitz County
Our Seattle Contractor Team Serves:
- King County
- Pierce County
- Snohomish County
- Additional cities throughout the greater Seattle area
Ready to Build Your Pacific Northwest Dream Home?
Whether you’re planning a Craftsman remodel in Portland’s Laurelhurst neighborhood or a Northwest Modern masterpiece overlooking Puget Sound, our unique design-build approach ensures you’ll have the best advocates for your vision, budget, and lifestyle.
Contact us today to learn how our collaborative design-build process can bring your dream home to life.
