Framing Process & Lessons Learned Part 1

Sweet ADU: Framing Process & Lessons Learned

Building a home is an intricate process, and when it comes to framing, small decisions can have a significant impact on the final outcome. Whether you're a homeowner looking to understand your build better or an early-career architect seeking to grow your practice of architecture, the design journey from Sweet ADU's construction offers valuable insights. The framing stage marks the transition from abstract design to a physical form, where planning and coordination become essential.

Visiting the site early (#1) and meeting with the field supervisor to observe the framers in action helped address key framing questions before they became larger issues. Construction is a dynamic process, and even the most detailed drawings require on-site adjustments. Taking the time to be on-site at this stage creates a collaborative work relationship with the builder and ensures that the build progresses smoothly.

One of the many telling signs of a well-run project is how materials are stored on-site (#2). For Sweet ADU, lumber was carefully elevated and placed away from potential moisture exposure, preventing future complications like warping or rot. While this might seem like a minor detail, it speaks to the level of organization and care that contractors bring to a project. A conscientious approach to material handling sets the foundation for quality construction to follow.

The form of the ADU itself (#3) was shaped with thoughtfulness toward its surroundings. Instead of maximizing the buildable area, the roof was sculpted to preserve neighbors' sky views, integrating seamlessly with existing structures. This massing approach is particularly relevant in dense urban settings, where being a considerate neighbor can make all the difference. Thoughtful massing doesn’t just benefit those adjacent to the project—it enhances the livability and feel of the space itself.

Framing is where craftsmanship meets efficiency (#4). Skilled framers, when supported by clear and high-quality drawings, can execute with speed and precision. We believe that when construction teams feel recognized and valued, they take extra care in their work. The pride they take in assembling a structure translates to a better-built home, reinforcing the importance of teamwork in the field.

One of the advantages of this project’s location was the ability to push the typical ADU height from 16 feet to 20 feet (#5). That extra four feet transformed the interior, allowing for an open, airy quality reminiscent of New York lofts while maintaining the warmth of California’s indoor-outdoor living, surrounded by a serene courtyard recalling Mexico’s vernacular architecture. Homeowners embarking on a build should always check if local zoning incentives might allow for similar opportunities—sometimes, a small design adjustment can make a major impact on livability and rentability.

Efficiency in design isn’t just about aesthetics—it extends to material usage as well (#6). By aligning the building’s height with standard stud lengths, we minimized material waste and unnecessary labor. These types of decisions not only reduce environmental impact but also lead to cost savings. Early-career designers should always think critically about how structural choices affect both sustainability and budget. This is not new information to a builder nor for seasoned architects familiar with wood frame construction. For the early-career architect who may not have had the opportunity to receive builder feedback, building a moat of know-how will greatly increase your ability as a designer.

A clean and safe job site (#7) is another sign of an efficient build. Beyond the practical benefits of minimizing hazards and streamlining workflow, an organized site reflects a contractor’s professionalism and attention to detail. It’s easy to overlook site conditions when visiting a project, but paying attention to how materials are managed and whether the space remains orderly offers insights into how well a project is being run.

Coordinating power line clearance (#8) is one of those crucial but often underestimated steps in the design process. For Sweet ADU, roof form and offset from the existing power lines were carefully considered to meet clearance requirements while maintaining the structure’s visual proportions. Utility coordination can take time to occur, so addressing it early during the design can help avoid unnecessary schedule delays down the line, leading to a better outcome for the client.

At the foundation level, using pressure-treated sill plates (#9-10) ensures long-term durability, protecting against moisture and termite damage. Anchoring these plates properly at four-foot intervals creates a strong structural base. For those overseeing a build, knowing what to look for is essential to the home’s longevity. In our HC COACHING community, we advocate for early-career architects to put away social media like TikTok and Instagram, and instead read every construction document drawing set in the office and not be afraid to befriend and ask senior architects questions. You will be surprised how helpful they will be to your proactive curiosity.

A well-coordinated plumbing plan (#11) eliminates unnecessary conflicts later in construction. For Sweet ADU, stub-ups were precisely aligned with wall cavities to keep installations clean and efficient. Small misalignments in this stage can lead to costly and time-consuming fixes, so ensuring clear communication between trades from the outset is key.

Returning to the topic of job site cleanliness (#12), it’s worth emphasizing again that a well-maintained workspace prevents disruptions and ensures a smooth process. While some might view tidiness as a secondary concern, a cluttered site can quickly lead to inefficiencies and even safety hazards, leading to unnecessary delays and cost increases.

Another major consideration in this project was preserving open sky views (#13). The ridge lines were carefully placed not just for the benefit of the homeowners but also for their neighbors. Good massing decisions contribute to an overall sense of openness and balance, reinforcing the importance of thinking beyond the property line, contributing to a better neighborhood. All good design requires context. Our building in turn becomes the context for the next build by the neighbor. It is important to create work with intention, thoughtfulness, and kindness.

Inside the Sweet ADU, the decision to minimize interior walls (#14) was driven by both design and budget considerations. We applied the 5% Rule during the design process, which challenges us to ask: can we achieve the same outcome with less? By reducing unnecessary partitions, we not only created a more flexible space but also freed up resources to invest in high-impact areas, like a second-floor loft space with an open terrace (see future video).

The goal was to streamline space usage while maximizing the impact of essential elements. Every square foot was evaluated to ensure that it contributed meaningfully to the overall function and aesthetic of the home. Simple, well-executed concepts like this lead to better outcomes both in terms of budget and user experience.

The framing process itself (#15-21) is moving efficiently so far, with the team estimating a two- to three-week timeline to complete the structure. Wood framing remains one of the fastest and most adaptable construction methods, which is why prefabrication has yet to replace traditional stick-built framing in most residential projects.

Once the primary framing has been completed, sheathing is installed, followed by nailing inspections to verify structural integrity. Waterproofing then becomes the next priority, ensuring that exposed surfaces are protected from weather damage before additional layers of construction begin. The window and door selections were planned from day one, ensuring they aligned with our design intent and budget. Structural coordination also played a role in refining framing details before final approvals, reinforcing the idea that well-planned design documentation reduces potential inefficiencies on-site.

Ultimately, successful construction isn’t just about great design—it’s also about assembling the right team. The insights we gained from the Sweet ADU design journey highlight the importance of early coordination, thoughtful planning, and having a team that works together seamlessly. For homeowners and early-career designers alike, staying engaged, asking the right questions, and anticipating challenges will always lead to a smoother and more rewarding project experience.

We continue to learn from every build, and we hope these takeaways help others navigate their own construction journeys with greater confidence and clarity. Coming from high-end residential, hospitality, and cultural design backgrounds, we look forward to bringing our design talent and mindset to a broader audience, creating impact each step of the way.