A Smarter Way to Build Small with Nanabode

Building a small home should be simpler than building a large one. Yet many homeowners and developers discover the opposite is true. Accessory dwelling units, compact homes, and small hospitality projects often face the same design timelines and architectural fees as much larger buildings — despite having smaller budgets and tighter schedules.

Nanabode was created to change that equation.

By offering architect-designed plans for accessory dwelling units, micro resorts, and compact single-family homes, Nanabode delivers thoughtful architecture without the delays and costs typically associated with custom design. The result is a faster path from idea to construction — without compromising quality.

The Traditional Architecture Timeline

Custom residential architecture is an intensive process. A typical project can take months — sometimes more than a year — before construction begins. Initial concept design is followed by schematic development, design revisions, construction drawings, and permitting coordination.

For larger custom homes, this investment makes sense. But for smaller projects, the process can feel disproportionate to the scale of the building.

Even a modest accessory dwelling unit often requires:

Multiple rounds of design meetings
Extensive drawing sets
Iterative revisions
Engineering coordination
Permit review cycles
Builder pricing adjustments

Each step adds time and cost. Architectural fees for custom homes commonly range from 8–15% of construction cost, and timelines can stretch well beyond initial expectations.

For homeowners and small developers, these realities often delay projects or prevent them from happening altogether.

A More Efficient Model

Nanabode offers an alternative approach: professionally designed architectural plans that are ready to build.

Rather than beginning from a blank page, Nanabode designs are the result of careful development and refinement by experienced architects. Each model has been thoughtfully proportioned, engineered for efficient construction, and designed to suit a range of sites and climates.

Because the design work is already complete, projects can move forward immediately.

Homeowners and developers benefit from:

Dramatically reduced design timelines
Lower architectural costs
Predictable documentation
Fewer design revisions
Faster builder pricing
Earlier permit submissions

Instead of spending months designing a compact home, projects can begin with a proven architectural solution.

Designed by Architects, Not Drafted from Templates

Pre-designed plans are often associated with generic house plans or builder-grade designs. Nanabode takes a fundamentally different approach.

Every Nanabode plan is developed by veteran architects with experience in residential design, construction detailing, and modern living patterns. The focus is not simply on fitting rooms into a footprint, but on creating buildings that feel intentional and enduring.

Architectural decisions are made with care:

Window placement maximizes daylight and views
Proportions create visual balance
Circulation is efficient and intuitive
Materials are selected for durability and simplicity

The result is architecture that feels composed rather than improvised.

Even at a compact scale, thoughtful design has a profound effect on how a building feels to inhabit.

Small Homes Require Better Design

Designing small homes well is often more challenging than designing large ones. Every square foot must perform multiple roles, and inefficiencies become immediately noticeable.

Successful compact homes rely on discipline:

Rooms must be appropriately scaled
Storage must be integrated
Circulation must be minimized
Natural light must be maximized
Indoor and outdoor spaces must work together

Nanabode plans are developed around these principles. The goal is not simply to reduce size, but to create homes that feel calm, functional, and generous despite their compact footprints.

When space is limited, architecture matters more — not less.

Predictable Costs and Faster Decisions

One of the greatest advantages of a pre-designed architectural plan is predictability.

Builders can price Nanabode designs with greater confidence because the drawings are complete and consistent. Developers can estimate project costs earlier in the process. Homeowners can make decisions without navigating dozens of design alternatives.

This clarity reduces uncertainty and keeps projects moving forward.

Time saved during design also translates into financial savings. Earlier construction starts reduce carrying costs, accelerate rental income, and shorten the overall project timeline.

For investment properties such as ADUs or micro resorts, speed to completion can significantly affect overall returns.

Architecture That Can Be Built Again

Nanabode plans are designed not only to be built once, but to be built well repeatedly.

Repeatable architecture benefits both homeowners and developers:

Proven construction methods
Familiar building details
Efficient material usage
Reduced risk during construction
Consistent design quality

For small hospitality projects and micro resorts, repeatable design also creates a cohesive identity while simplifying construction logistics.

Instead of reinventing each building, Nanabode allows projects to move forward with confidence.

A Faster Path from Idea to Reality

Many small building projects stall before construction begins. The process feels complicated, timelines seem uncertain, and design costs can be difficult to justify.

Nanabode removes many of these barriers.

With professionally designed plans ready to build, projects can begin with clarity and momentum. Builders can start pricing sooner. Permitting can begin earlier. Construction can start faster.

The process becomes more straightforward — and more achievable.

Architecture Made Accessible

Good architecture has traditionally been available primarily through custom design. While custom architecture remains valuable for many projects, smaller buildings deserve thoughtful design as well.

Nanabode expands access to architect-designed homes by combining design quality with efficiency. Homeowners and developers can build compact, modern buildings that reflect professional architectural thinking — without the time and cost typically associated with custom work.

The result is a new model for building small:

Architect-designed. Efficiently delivered. Ready to build.

Architect-Designed Without the Architect Timeline