Business Details
Trusted Architects for Residential and Commercial Projects in McCall, ID
McCall Design & Planning is a small architectural firm based in McCall, Idaho, with over two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients. Our team specializes in creating energy-efficient, climate-responsive designs tailored to challenging mountain environments, including passive home building certified through the Passive House Institute. We collaborate closely with clients and construction teams to deliver comprehensive construction documents, prioritizing site-specific solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.Our work spans custom homes, light commercial projects, and outbuildings across Idaho, Montana, and the Treasure Valley, supported by a deep understanding of local building codes and seasonal project timelines.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Passive Home Building
Project Management
Site Assessment
Highlights and features
- We specialize in energy-efficient design for harsh mountain climates.
- Our team includes certified passive house professionals and licensed architects.
- We provide comprehensive construction documents to ensure buildability and cost efficiency.
- We offer personalized project management for out-of-state clients.
- Our process integrates site-specific factors like topography and climate.
Associations and certifications
- Passive House Institute
Services
Residential Design
We create custom residential designs tailored to site-specific challenges like mountain climates. Our approach balances aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency, ensuring homes meet client needs while complying with local codes. Services include floor plans, material selection, and construction documentation.
Passive Home Building
Our certified passive house professionals design buildings with airtight envelopes, triple-glazed windows, and heat recovery systems. This approach reduces energy use by up to 90% while maintaining indoor comfort, ideal for extreme weather conditions in Idaho and Montana.
Commercial Architecture
We design light commercial spaces, including breweries, spas, and mixed-use developments. Our process integrates client vision with practical considerations like zoning laws, accessibility, and sustainable materials to create functional, code-compliant commercial environments.
Project Management
For remote clients, we provide site visits, progress reports, and builder coordination. This ensures adherence to design intent, timely issue resolution, and alignment with budget and schedule goals during construction phases.
Site Assessment
Before property purchase, we analyze site factors like utilities, zoning restrictions, and topography. This helps clients understand development potential and avoid costly surprises during the design and permitting process.
People
Heather Susemihl
Architect
Heather holds a Master's in Architecture from the University of Idaho and has been with the firm since 2003. She relocated to Chile in 2023 but continues to contribute remotely, blending global perspectives with local expertise.
Luke Vannoy
Architect
Luke earned his Master's in Architecture in 2002 and joined McCall Design in 2003. A LEED AP since 2009, he specializes in commercial and residential projects, combining sustainability with practical design solutions.
Courtney Snyder
Architect
Courtney graduated from the University of Idaho in 2012 and brings expertise in drafting and design. She joined the firm in 2014, balancing technical precision with creative problem-solving for residential and commercial clients.
Andrew Laidlaw
Founder
Andrew founded the firm in 1981 and practiced for 33 years before retiring in 2014. His deep knowledge of McCall's building challenges continues to influence the team's approach to climate-responsive design.
Questions
What services does McCall Design & Planning offer?
We provide residential and commercial architectural design, passive home building, site assessments, project management, and construction documentation tailored to mountain climates.
Why hire an architect for residential projects in Idaho?
While not required, our licensed architects ensure code compliance, energy efficiency, and cost-effective construction through detailed documentation and climate-specific expertise.
Do you work outside Idaho?
Yes, we serve clients in Montana, the Treasure Valley, and North Idaho, with remote project management for out-of-state builds.
What is passive home building?
Passive home design uses airtight construction, insulation, and heat recovery systems to create energy-efficient buildings that maintain stable indoor temperatures year-round.
How long does a typical project take?
Timelines vary by project complexity and seasonal factors, with busy periods aligned to spring and fall construction starts.