About MiniPlans – ADU Design
MiniPlans - ADU Design is a drafting and design firm with over 20 years of combined experience, focused specifically on accessory dwelling units and small structures. Rather than offering broad architectural services across all building types, they concentrate their expertise on ADUs — including detached ADU builds, garage conversions, backyard cottages, JADUs, and in-law suites — ensuring that every project receives focused, informed attention.
Their work is centered on producing permit-ready plans, not preliminary concept drawings. This distinction matters because plans that don't meet city requirements often require costly revisions after submission. MiniPlans aims to get it right the first time, delivering drawings that are built to satisfy real municipal standards from the outset.
Designed Around Code and Zoning Requirements
One of the core aspects of MiniPlans' approach is designing with zoning rules, setback requirements, and local code constraints in mind from the very beginning of a project. This reduces the amount of back-and-forth with city planning departments, which can otherwise slow down the approval process significantly.
They also work with a network of established engineering partners. This collaboration is structured to help avoid over-engineering — a common issue that can add unnecessary costs and delays to smaller projects like granny flats, casitas, and backyard cottage builds. By working with experienced engineers who understand small-structure projects, MiniPlans helps clients avoid spending more than necessary on revisions and structural adjustments.
Specializing in small buildings means that every square foot, detail, and budget consideration is treated as intentional. This is a different mindset than firms that primarily handle large custom homes, where ADU projects may not receive the same level of focused attention.
Transparent Pricing and Scalable Services
MiniPlans operates with a straightforward pricing model. Clients are informed upfront about what is included in the scope of work, with no vague descriptions or unexpected add-ons introduced later to make the plans functional. This kind of clarity is particularly useful for property owners navigating the ADU process for the first time.
Their services are also structured to scale with a project's needs. Whether a client only requires a complete set of plans for permit submission, or eventually moves toward broader project coordination, MiniPlans' work is designed to support that progression without requiring clients to start over with a different provider.
- Permit-ready ADU and JADU plans
- Garage conversion and backyard cottage design
- Zoning and setback compliance built into the design process
- Coordination with established engineering partners
- Transparent, fixed-scope pricing
- Scalable services from plans to project coordination
For property owners looking for an ADU design firm that understands the specific demands of small-structure projects, MiniPlans offers a focused and process-driven option worth considering.