ARCHITECTURE > COTTAGES
Expand Your Home's Possibilities with a Beautiful Cottage or ADU
Designing cottages and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) is deceptively complex. These modest structures must navigate zoning constraints, utility placement, privacy concerns, and market expectations—all within a tightly controlled footprint. At Geoffrey Mouen Architects, we specialize in solving these challenges with timeless design, civic intelligence, and a deep respect for place.
Cottages and ADU’s Design Excellence
Small Homes, Big Impact
Designing cottages and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) is deceptively complex. These modest structures must navigate zoning constraints, utility placement, privacy concerns, and market expectations—all within a tightly controlled footprint. At Geoffrey Mouen Architects, we specialize in solving these challenges with timeless design, civic intelligence, and a deep respect for place.
Our “secret sauce”? We blend classical proportion, vernacular charm, and strategic planning to create homes that feel generous, grounded, and emotionally resonant. Whether nestled in a backyard or anchoring a cottage court, our designs elevate small-scale living into something memorable and meaningful.
We understand that ADUs and cottages must serve multiple roles: rental income, multigenerational housing, guest quarters, or workforce solutions. Our process ensures each unit is not only beautiful and buildable, but also contributes to a larger civic vision.
Our Process:
Site & Code Review – We assess constraints, opportunities, and regulatory pathways.
Concept Design – We develop massing, layout, and architectural language tailored to context.
Refinement – We coordinate with builders, engineers, and municipalities to ensure feasibility.
Documentation – We deliver clear, permit-ready plans with technical precision and visual clarity.
Whether you're a homeowner, developer, or civic leader, our cottage and ADU design service offers more than square footage—it delivers dignity, delight, and enduring value.
Featured ADU’s
Explore Your ADU Possibilities with Geoffrey Mouen
Schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation with award-winning architect Geoffrey Mouen to discuss your ADU project. You'll gain clarity on zoning feasibility, design possibilities, and budget considerations—plus get expert answers to your specific questions. Take the first step toward expanding your property's potential with confidence.
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"Geoffrey is a very talented architect that understands proportion, historical precedence and has an artist touch when designing an elevation for a home. His knowledge of history as it relates to the architectural styles is impressive and evident in his work. Geoffrey is easy to work with and responsive during all phases of a project."
- Don Hempel
President of Issa Homes, Inc.
Go Beyond Basic: Benefits of Building Your ADU with GMA
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Many homeowners worry their ADU will look disconnected or diminish their property's aesthetic appeal. Our designs thoughtfully integrate with your existing architecture, creating a cohesive visual relationship between structures while maintaining distinctive character. This design harmony not only preserves but often enhances your property's overall appeal and value.
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Zoning laws, setbacks, height restrictions, and utility requirements can quickly overwhelm even the most prepared homeowner. We bring decades of experience interpreting local codes and maintaining productive relationships with municipal authorities. This expertise means fewer delays, rejected permits, or costly revisions—giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
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Building an ADU represents a significant financial commitment. Our approach balances upfront costs with long-term returns, helping you make informed decisions about size, materials, and features. We'll discuss potential rental income scenarios, resale considerations, and financing options to ensure your ADU delivers the financial benefits you expect.
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Creating comfort within compact dimensions requires thoughtful spatial planning. We design ADUs that feel surprisingly spacious through strategic window placement, multi-functional areas, and proper proportions. Every square foot serves a purpose while maintaining an open, welcoming atmosphere that avoids the cramped feeling of poorly designed small spaces.
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Life circumstances change, and your ADU should adapt accordingly. We design with versatility in mind—creating spaces that can transition from rental property to family accommodation, home office, or guest cottage as your needs evolve. This adaptability ensures your investment remains valuable regardless of how your situation changes in the years ahead.
Your Path to a Successful ADU Project
Understanding the process from initial concept to completed cottage helps you approach your ADU project with confidence. Here's how we'll work together:
1. Initial Consultation & Site Evaluation
We begin by listening. In our initial meetings, we'll explore your lifestyle needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget parameters. You'll share your vision while we gather critical information about your site, including orientation, zoning requirements, and environmental considerations. This foundation ensures your home is perfectly tailored to both your life and its location.
2. Feasibility & Regulatory Review
This is where your home begins to take shape. We'll create preliminary sketches and layouts showing different possibilities for your space. You'll see how rooms connect, how light enters the home, and how the design responds to your site. Together, we'll evaluate options and refine the direction before moving forward, ensuring the concept aligns perfectly with your vision.
3. Conceptual Design & Visualization
Your approved concept evolves into detailed plans and elevations. We'll incorporate structural elements, fine-tune interior layouts, and select materials that bring character to your home. This phase includes realistic 3D visualizations that let you experience your future spaces before construction begins. You'll have opportunities to request adjustments as the design becomes increasingly precise.
4. Design Development & Material Selection
We translate your approved design into comprehensive construction documents that contractors can accurately bid and build from. Our team manages building code compliance, municipality requirements, and technical specifications. This thorough documentation prevents costly surprises during construction and ensures your vision is communicated clearly to everyone involved in building your home.
7. Project Completion & Transition
As construction concludes, we'll conduct detailed inspections and create a "punch list" of any items needing attention before final approval. Once complete, we'll walk through your new ADU with you to ensure every detail meets expectations. We'll also provide guidance on maintenance considerations specific to your new space, helping you protect your investment for years to come.
5. Documentation & Permitting
Your architect remains your advocate throughout construction. We'll make regular site visits, review work quality, address questions from your builder, and ensure the construction aligns with design intent. This oversight helps maintain design integrity and resolve any field issues quickly and effectively.
6. Builder Selection & Construction Oversight
As construction concludes, we'll conduct detailed inspections to create a "punch list" of any items needing attention before final approval. Once complete, we'll walk through your new home together to ensure every detail meets expectations. Many clients also appreciate our optional post-occupancy evaluation several months after moving in, which helps fine-tune your living experience.
Throughout this journey, our dedicated team provides personalized attention that larger firms simply cannot match. You'll work directly with Geoffrey and experienced architects who understand both the art and science of creating exceptional homes.
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"We wanted to build a "house with a soul," something truly beautiful, in the context of the homes built in the past. However, weren't sure where to turn as most of the beautiful houses we were inspired by were either 100 years old or were completely out of our price range. Geoffrey Mouen gave us exactly what we asked for. The elusive "house with a soul," but within reasonable price perspective. Geoffrey is a true artist and a master of his craft. It is as near perfect a house design as we could have hoped for.”
- Don Carlow
Florida Consultants - Construction & Scheduling