--- title: "Drager Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/drager-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1761705343 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1761705343.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Drager Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4a03c9500c5adfc2_3195-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2602 N Proctor Street, Suite 206, Tacoma, Washington 98407, United States" latitude: 47.2825 longitude: -122.5039 phone: "(253) 593-0131" website: http://www.dragerarchitecture.com rating: 5 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 212 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # Drager Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Drager Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/drager-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1761705343) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Tacoma, WA - **Serves:** Seattle, Tacoma, Federal Way, Auburn, Lakewood, Olympia, Bremerton, University Place, Des Moines, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Artondale, Edgewood, Poulsbo, Gig Harbor, Vashon, Milton, Fircrest, Wollochet, Normandy Park, Steilacoom, Wauna, Rosedale, Fox Island, Key Center, Canterwood, Burley, Anderson Island, Purdy, Ruston, Dash Point, Ketron, Alderbrook, Harstein Island, Olalla, Raft Island - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2013–2014), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Industry Research - Barometer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Drager Architecture is an architecture firm located in Tacoma, WA. Although we are architects with experience in most types of projects, our focus is on the more personal design experience of the residential design project. We provide contemporary and traditional design solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Our design work incorporates timeless proportion, scale and detailing. Our design philosophy centers around three essential architectural ideas: One - we must begin to emphasize efficient use of space allowing an increase in the quality of the structure and materials. Two - we must design buildings that respond creatively to the forces that influence that design; quality of light, scale of spaces, materiality, sustainability, context and budget. Three - We see our clients as an integral part of the design process. without a solid expression of their goals and vision, we cannot expect to succeed. These concepts come together in our work to create timeless architecture that responds to the demands of the site, environmental forces, the client's unique vision, the need for beauty and budget. Feel free to reach out to us, we would love to hear from you! ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Custom Design - Guesthouse Design - New Home Design ### Areas Served - Seattle - Tacoma - Federal Way - Auburn - Lakewood - Olympia - Bremerton - University Place - Des Moines - Silverdale - Port Orchard - Artondale - Edgewood - Poulsbo - Gig Harbor - Vashon - Milton - Fircrest - Wollochet - Normandy Park - Steilacoom - Wauna - Rosedale - Fox Island - Key Center - Canterwood - Burley - Anderson Island - Purdy - Ruston - Dash Point - Ketron - Alderbrook - Harstein Island - Olalla - Raft Island ### Typical Job Cost $200,000.00 - 5,000,000.00 Any project budgets that are realistic and allow for creative solutions. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Drager Architecture | | Address | 2602 N Proctor Street, Suite 206, Tacoma, Washington 98407, United States | | Phone | (253) 593-0131 | | Website | http://www.dragerarchitecture.com | | License Number | 4770 | | Followers on Houzz | 212 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/drager-architecture/156616366203?ref=hl - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretdrager - Blog — http://dragerarchitecture.blogspot.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Drager Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/drager-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1761705343) - **Website:** http://www.dragerarchitecture.com - **Phone:** (253) 593-0131 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - We have had the pleasure of seeing our work featured in Remodeling Magazine and Pacific Northwest Magazine. Our work has been published in "The House You Build" (aka "House on a Budget"), Celebrating the American Home, 50 Great Houses From 50 American Architects, and "Updating Ranches" - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2013–2014), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 11 reviews** ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — cindyyou, April 2013** > Best, most talented architects in the Puget Sound area. The firm is lead by a patient and talented architect who believes that how the client lives in a home should drive the program for design. **★★★★★ — goodieq, Feb. 2013** > Bret Drager designed a new home on a beachfront lot. He needed to consider view, steep drop in elevation from street to waterfront, usage by large number of children, potential resale market. Together we agreed to produce a contemporary, with Asian flair, structure. Bret was knowledgeable, very responsive, helpful in selecting a general contractor, and designed a very distinctive livable home. It is currently under construction so I do not have photos of the completed house. **★★★★★ — jmtam, Dec. 2012** > It has been our pleasure to work with Drager Architecture on our recent home remodel. Bret Drager's knowledge and experience were evident in the way he was able to take our likes, dislikes and a few of our ideas and transform them into plans for an absolutely beautiful lodge-style home. Bret's meticulous attention to detail resulted in designs being on schedule, without issues and within budget. Bret's friendly personality and genuine interest in our project made the nine months from start to finish enjoyable for both the builder and us, the homeowners. We now have a beautiful home which we are proud of and will enjoy for years to come. Thank you, Bret, for a fantastic job! > Ted and Jannie **★★★★★ — woolworth, Nov. 2012** > Our experience with Drager Architecture was wonderful. Bret walked us through everything, he helped us craft our bad ideas into good ideas and our good ideas into great ones. > We had a huge remodel, at least 90% of the house was redesigned. > After we were done with our project our neighbors were so impressed that two of them contracted Drager Architecture to work on major projects for their homes. > We couldn't be happier with how our home turned out. > > Sherri Woolworth **★★★★★ — User, Nov. 2012** > We had spent years researching the literature and driving through residential neighborhoods in pursuit of our dream house. We knew that we wanted a distinctive house in the craftsman style that was well detailed and perfectly suited to the site we had selected on the North Olympic Peninsula. We became aware of Bret’s work through our research and were impressed with what he had done for others. It was clear from the examples of his work that he was experienced and talented in the type of structure we were envisioning. During our initial meeting, Bret listened carefully as we described our project. As we spoke, it was clear that Bret was building enthusiasm for our project when he reached for his sketch pad and started presenting some possible solutions. One of the sketches served as the basis for what eventually became the construction documents for our dream home. We had some very specific requirements for our home which we provided to Bret at the start of the design process. We were also actively involved during the design process. Bret was a pleasure to work with. Bret’s design for our home skillfully addressed all of our requirements. We are absolutely thrilled with our new home and cannot recommend Bret highly enough. **★★★★★ — RE Putnam, Nov. 2012** > We built a summer home on Filucy Bay in Pierce County and Bret was the very knowledgeable and creative architect that we were fortunate to have found to work with. He started by listening to the long list of our "requirements", and then produced some widely differing concept sketches that we used to figure out what we wanted. Since we lived at some distance to the project, each meeting with Bret was very important - Bret has a great ability to quickly product concept sketches on top of the plans which really helped to refine the plans. The home was constructed by a wonderful builder that Bret recommended, and we felt that we were losing some good friends (both Bret and the builder) as the project came to a close. > > When we decided to build a detached garage on the summer property, there was no question that we would hire Bret and the same builder for that project too. Bret's style of design and the quality of construction were equal to the main house, and we are extremely satisfied with the wonderful results. **Comment from Drager Architecture:** > It was a great pleasure working with you and Madeleine! **★★★★★ — olyo, Nov. 2012** > Drager Architecture remodeled our 1950's waterfront home in 2005 after moving out for 13 months while our 4000 sq ft home was almost entirely remodeled. Bret designed a new wing to include a family and dining room, along with new kitchen, pantry, new baths and bedroom design, large waterfront deck, back aggregate patio, and new radiant floor heating with tiled and hardwood floors. > Our house is perfect for entertaining but mostly we feel happy here--beautiful products, friendly design, and stylish Asian motif. > Bret was professional, timely, and very pleasant to work with. > Thanks, Drager Architecture **★★★★★ — griffin98, Nov. 2012** > Bret worked with us (patiently) over the course of a couple years, taking our desire to change our 1970's PNW Contemporary on Fox Island and transforming it into a craftsman inspired beachfront home. In the end, shed roofs became gable ends and eave overhangs. Sheeted siding became stained lap cedar and double reveal shingles, 4 brick fireplaces removed and a sunken living room raised to level with the rest of the house... all to give rise to first and second floor continuous floor plans and the removal of disjointed rooms. 64 new windows and doors, new electrical, heat and plumbing with a new Master Bedroom beyond our expectations... Bret delivered the plans and coached us along the way to make a brand new home from an uncorfortable dated and structurally concerning house. A house in a place where we did not want to leave and now never will. Great vision and again...patience with his customer. **★★★★★ — hagerlodge, Nov. 2012** > How do you add on to a log house? We asked Bret Drager to design a three story addition with a tower between an existing log house and a three car garage taking our view of the mountain into account. He listened to our ideas and concerns, assessed the situation and came up with a fantastic design giving us our own mountain lodge retreat. Bret worked with us to stay within our budget and he helped us through the permit process. I am still amazed at how the angles, windows and beams come together to create a rustic elegance. **Comment from Drager Architecture:** > Hi Becky and Jess - Thanks so much! It's great to see the photos. Have a great Holiday season! > Bret **★★★★★ — fujitacon, Nov. 2012** > Being a custom home builder, Drager Architecture has been a major part of my business creating unique homes, remodels and additions. > I have no reservations recommending and/or working on Drager Architecture projects. > Homeowners are always very satisfied with the results from design to final completion of a project. **Comment from Drager Architecture:** > Hey, thanks so much Al. Thanks for your great work over the years! > Bret **★★★★★ — menzelpt, Nov. 2012** > Bret Drager was my late wife's and my architect for a very contemporary design home we built on Whidbey Island in 2003-2004. He was personable, sensible, and creative throughout the process, and did not cost an arm and a leg. He asked us provocative questions to begin the process and came forth then with five design concepts. After we choose one, he involved us a lot in the process, but still directed us well and saved us from a number of bad mistakes we would otherwise have been attracted to. He welcomed the involvement of our contractor before construction drawings were finished, which again saved a number of headaches. > > When most of the last of our sweat equity -- and the house -- was finished, he visited with several of his staff to kick back and savor the result. We have kept in touch since. **Comment from Drager Architecture:** > Thanks SO much Paul. I love the photo with the sun streaming in! > Bret ## Selected projects - [42 Lakefront...](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/42-lakefront-pj-vj~7338569) - Location: Lakewood, WA - Photos: 13 - Description: This Lakefront home is part of a multi-generational development. A large waterfront property was split into two lots. The main lot was to be developed for a luxury home by one of the families and the parents decided why not build their home and create a wonderful multi-generational living experience. This home features soaring beamed ceilings leading to a sweeping view of the lake. A gourmet kitchen provides a wonderful place to entertain. The master suite is angled a bit to take in additional l… - [44 Lakefront...](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/44-lakefront-pj-vj~7338574) - Location: Lakewood, WA - Photos: 10 - Description: This Lakefront home is part of a multi-generational development. A large waterfront property was split into two lots. The main lot was to be developed for a luxury home by one of the families and the parents decided why not build their home and create a wonderful multi-generational living experience. This home features soaring beamed ceiling great room, held up by a central timber. This transitions to a curved window wall where the owners can sit and enjoy the view. The master suite wing contain… - [White Salmon Mountain Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/white-salmon-mountain-cabin-pj-vj~7338904) - Location: White Salmon, WA - Photos: 14 - [Fox Island Butterfly](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fox-island-butterfly-pj-vj~7337946) - Location: Fox Island, WA - Photos: 8 - Description: A great piece of west side Fox Island property with high-bank views of the Sound. The site had great views and light, but was very steep and a challenge to fit a house on. Our design is reflective of their love of Asian-contemporary style. Our design begins with a soaring beamed great room that soaks in the western views and light. The deck off the great room features a heavy timber structure with a wooden screenwork to help shade in the summer. Materials inside include natural fir beans and tri… - [Asian Contemporary in UP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/asian-contemporary-in-up-pj-vj~2989929) - Location: University Place, WA - Photos: 9 - Description: Asian contemporary design for a young family in University Place, WA - [Pacific Northwest Modern Ski Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pacific-northwest-modern-ski-lodge-pj-vj~6909461) - Location: Randle, WA - Photos: 14 - Description: A modern take on the mountain ski lodge for a young family that enjoys outdoor mountain activities. - [Whidbey Island Industrial Chic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whidbey-island-industrial-chic-pj-vj~102897) - Location: Coupeville, WA - Photos: 33 - [Fox Island Beachfront Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fox-island-beachfront-transformation-pj-vj~2148354) - Location: Fox Island, WA - Photos: 11 - [Gig Harbor Asian Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gig-harbor-asian-contemporary-pj-vj~685949) - Location: Gig Harbor, WA - Photos: 22 - Description: Asian inspired northwest contemporary design for a Puget Sound waterfront. Wonderful post and beam interior is modern while feeling warm and inviting. - [Mt Rainier Ski Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mt-rainier-ski-cabin-pj-vj~7337928) - Location: Ashford, WA - Photos: 6 - [Modern Farmhouse in Black](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-in-black-pj-vj~5886234) - Location: Gig Harbor, WA - Photos: 27 - [A Glass House in Gig Harbor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-glass-house-in-gig-harbor-pj-vj~7000087) - Location: Vaughn, WA - Photos: 10 - [Cherry Cove Beach Getaway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cherry-cove-beach-getaway-pj-vj~2989892) - Location: Gig Harbor, WA - Photos: 28 - [New American 4-square](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-american-4-square-pj-vj~6913730) - Location: Ruston, WA - Photos: 14 - [Horsehead Bay Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/horsehead-bay-lodge-pj-vj~6920171) - Location: Gig Harbor, WA - Photos: 15 - [Northwest City Shingle Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northwest-city-shingle-style-pj-vj~103545) - Location: Tacoma, WA - Photos: 18 - Description: An aging 80's house was in desperate need of updating and a small expansion. We were inspired to create a new contemporary and timeless shingle style transformation. - [Old Town Modern Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-town-modern-bungalow-pj-vj~2859266) - Location: Tacoma, WA - Photos: 9 - [Modern Urban Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-urban-farmhouse-pj-vj~6544188) - Location: Tacoma, WA - Photos: 9 - Description: Perfect for an urban infill lot. - [Fox Island Craftsman Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fox-island-craftsman-lodge-pj-vj~68416) - Location: Fox Island, WA - Photos: 13 - Description: This home on Fox Island blends contemporary sensibility with traditional lodge and craftsman design language. Contractor: Gary Howe Construction Photography: Roger Turk - [Colman Camp Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/colman-camp-lodge-pj-vj~87998) - Location: Gig Harbor, WA - Photos: 33 - Description: A waterfront lodge style home... [See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/drager-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1761705343) ## Ideabooks - [Custom Front Door](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/96936512/list/custom-front-door) — 22 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/drager) ## Community Q&A **Q: Can you please share the name of the stone siding used? Thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* . A: Hi, The stone is an Eldorado stacked stone. Unfortunately, I don't know the color range. Bret **Q: countertop** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the countertop on the bathroom vanity? A: Hi, I am sorry to say that this countertop was done quite awhile ago. I can't tell you anything other than it is a resin and it is translucent. It can be lit from underneath and it will glow. It really has a fun look. Bret Drager **Q: what kind of tile is this?** *(in Photo Questions)* Interested in the tile backsplash. Where did you find it? Is there a name for it? A: Hello Isa, Thank you for viewing our project! To be frank this was done too long ago to know what the tiles are. The tiles however are pretty common at tile supply shops. Thanks, Bret **Q: wood type and stain** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the tone of this wood. Could you share the species? In another photo it looks like you have pine window casings and you got it to manage perfectly with this nook. I am trying to match fir doors with pine cased windows and want to achieve this beutiful honeyed brown too! A: Hi, Thanks for your kind words. The wood is fir and the windows are made of pine interiors that have been stained to approximate the fir trim. The fir trim is actually clear finish to leave the natural fir as much as possible. The formula for the stain color was really a trial and error mix. So, unfortunately the exact color is unknown. **Q: Floor** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the floor! Can you please tell me what the flooring is? A: Hi, yes the floor worked out great! The floor is a tile that looks like wide wood planks, I don't know the manufacturer, but, there are many versions of this available, in many colors. Thanks for asking. Bret Drager **Q: what is the brick product used for this house?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Karla, The material you see is not brick. It is a cultured stone in the style if thin stacked stone. Not sure if it is by the company Cultured Stone, or Eldorado Stone. A local stone or brick supplier will be able to show you samples. Thanks, Bret Drager --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*