ADU Design
Based in Eugene, Oregon, Aligned Architecture designs Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) for homeowners looking to add a secondary home on an existing lot. We offer fully custom designs as well as pre-approved plans for use in the City of Eugene that can move through permitting faster.
What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller, secondary home on the lot of an existing house, sometimes called a granny flat, in-law unit, backyard cottage, or carriage house. It can be detached, attached to the primary home, or converted from existing space such as a garage or basement.
Our Approach to Accessory Dwelling Unit Design
Our layouts make compact spaces feel comfortable while complementing the scale, materials, and character of the primary home and neighborhood. We prioritize durable materials, passive design, and solar-ready orientation to keep long-term utility and maintenance costs low.
Services Included
- Custom ADU design, including detached, attached, and interior conversion units
- Pre-approved ADU plans, including The POD and The Reach
- Feasibility and zoning analysis for ADU-eligible sites
- Site planning and utility connection coordination
- Permitting support and coordination with municipal planning departments
- Renderings for permitting and homeowner decision-making
- Interior design services
- Construction administration
- Sustainable, Eco-friendly design
Our Track Record
Many of our Small Home Designs are ADUs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aligned Architecture offer pre-approved ADU plans?
Yes. We offer pre-approved accessory dwelling unit plans for use in the City of Eugene, including The POD and The Reach, available through the City of Eugene’s ADU program, as well as custom ADU design.
Does Aligned Architecture design ADUs in California as well as Oregon?
Yes. We design ADU projects for clients throughout Oregon and California, including navigating each state’s ADU-specific legislation and local jurisdiction requirements.
Do I need an architect to design an ADU?
While not every jurisdiction requires an architect for a small ADU, working with one helps ensure the design meets current zoning, setback, and building code requirements, which can meaningfully shorten the permitting timeline. It’s especially valuable for detached or larger ADUs, or any property with site constraints.
Can I purchase plans for these ADUs?
Yes, for select designs. Plans are available for purchase through our green building house plans site, green-building.com, which offers plans for small homes, tiny homes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and larger custom homes.
Where does Aligned Architecture provide design services for ADUs?
While our current ADUs are located in Oregon, we are open to designing these accessory dwelling units anywhere.