Our Story & Architectural Strategy

Precision architectural design and general contracting under one unified vision in Oregon and Washington.

About Method Design Construction

Established in 2005, Method Design Construction is an Oregon and Washington-based design-build firm specializing in architectural design, general contracting, and comprehensive construction management.

Larry R. Cowlishaw is the founder, architectural designer, and general contractor of Method Design Construction. His journey began with a custom design he created in high school, sparking a lifelong passion for architecture and structural engineering that has driven the firm for over two decades.

Whether creating custom in-house architectural concepts or collaborating with specialized licensed architects on complex structural developments, our core mission is simple: turning client ideas into code-compliant, high-performance physical realities.

Comprehensive Contracting Services

From initial concept consultation to structural handover, Method manages the full spectrum of residential and commercial property development across the Pacific Northwest:

Custom Design-Build & ADUs

In-house architectural drawing, accessory dwelling unit (ADU) engineering, and complete ground-up custom home builds.

Whole Home & Kitchen Remodels

High-end interior transformations, structural wall modifications, luxury kitchen and bath gut-renovations.

Restoration & Safety Compliance

Fire damage reconstruction, commercial tenant turnover, seismic retrofitting, and municipal code compliance.

Our Strategic Development Pillars

01

Attractive & Functional Architecture

You bring us your ideas, and we craft tailored architectural blueprints designed for maximum space efficiency, aesthetic luxury, and natural lighting.

02

Lean Budgeting & Cost Transparency

We leverage rigorous project management principles to develop a granular scope of work and a detailed cost breakdown, delivering fixed commitments with no surprise markups.

03

Difficult Site Development ("Build & Renovate Small")

We specialize in acquiring and developing challenging, hard-to-build urban lots in the Portland Metro area — handling steep slope engineering, geotechnical analysis, and environmental overlays.

04

Pre-Sale & Incentive Optimization

We actively help property owners capture PDC programs, tax abatements, System Development Charge (SDC) exemptions, and mortgage credit certificates to maximize asset ROI.

05

Green Building & Sustainability Partners

Partnered with Energy Trust of Oregon and Earth Advantage, we integrate high-efficiency heat pumps, eco-friendly insulation, and sustainable building systems wherever economically viable.

06

Supplier Diversity & Local Community

We maintain a steadfast commitment to supplier diversity by employing licensed, highly skilled trade specialists from local minority-owned subcontractors for roofing, drywall, masonry, and mechanicals.

Licensed, Bonded & Insured in Oregon & Washington

General Contractor & Architectural Designer • Serving Portland Metro, SW Washington & Surrounding Areas

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