About
MDR Design is a boutique design studio focused on accessory dwelling units: backyard cottages (DADUs), garage conversions, and attached ADUs. We have completed over 80 DADU designs over the last four years. We handle the full path from concept drawings and site planning through permit-ready plans.
We design for homeowners planning a backyard cottage, investors adding a rental unit, and builders who need a design partner. We're also the design team behind Tacoma DADU builds.
What we do
Concept and layout
floor plans that fit your lot, your setbacks, and how you want to use the space.
Permit-ready plans
architectural drawings prepared for your city's review.
Permitting support
we work through city comments until the plans are approved.
Builder-ready handoff
clear plans your contractor can build from, whether that's Tacoma DADU or someone else.
How it works
- Tell us about your property. Share your address and what you have in mind.
- Feasibility and concept. We look at zoning and lot fit and sketch a layout.
- Design and drawings. We refine the plan with you and produce the permit set.
- Permit approval. We submit the plans and respond to city comments until they're approved.
Recent Work
Building with Tacoma DADU
Ready to build in the Tacoma area? MDR Design is the design partner for Tacoma DADU, a design-build team for backyard cottages.
Visit Tacoma DADU