Alpine Utah Architect for Luxury Custom Homes

Looking for an architect in Alpine, Utah? We help you design a custom home that fits the land, the lifestyle, and your long-term vision.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Alpine is one of Utah’s most exclusive residential areas, with mountain views, estate-sized lots, and strong resale value.

  • New homes typically range from $500–$1200 per sq ft, depending on slope, size, and finishes.

  • Most lots are subject to strict hillside and grading rules, which can affect design and permitting.

  • Alpine City’s permit review averages 7–10 business days, when drawings and documents are complete.

  • We offer a free Project Planning Pack, with a roadmap, budget tools, and local permit guidance.

Work with Oxford Architect to stay in control, avoid surprises, and create a home that feels right from day one.



What Building in Alpine Means for You—and How We Make It Simple

Alpine, Utah blends quiet luxury with world-class views. But designing a home here—particularly on steep benches or in wildfire zones—comes with technical demands. At Oxford Architect, you work directly with principal architect Kory Cox from day one. We focus exclusively on custom residential projects, offering realistic timelines, transparent design fees, and a high-touch service model that keeps you in control.

Below, you'll discover what makes Alpine unique, why discerning homeowners choose Oxford Architect, and how to begin the process with a free Project Planning Pack.

Why Choose Oxford Architect

  • Luxury, nothing else - We focus 100% on high-end residential design. Two decades of experience mean we understand the nuances of stonework, soundproofing, lighting, and smart-home integration—with luxury finishes that feel effortless.

  • Interactive 3-D modeling - Walk through your design before it’s built. We use BIM and Revit to let you see every space in 3D, collaborate in real time, and avoid costly mistakes on site.

  • Direct collaboration - You and Kory meet weekly—on-site or over video—to review drawings, make decisions, and ensure your vision is carried through with clarity.

  • Remote-friendly workflow - Living out of state? No problem. We keep you fully involved with cloud mark-ups, virtual walkthroughs, and easy file sharing.

  • Complimentary Planning Pack - Request a free toolkit that includes your project roadmap, cost-estimate worksheet, and Alpine-specific permitting checklist.

Meet Your Architect – Kory Cox, AIA

Utah-born and Oxford-educated, I earned a Master’s in Architecture from Oxford Brookes University in England before returning home to design luxury residences that honor the Mountain West landscape. Over 20 years—including work with respected international firms—I learned that true luxury is less about ornament and more about how a space feels day after day. At Oxford Architect I personally shepherd every commission, ensuring the finished home reflects its owner’s identity and stands comfortably in its setting.

Learn more on our About page.

Why Build in Alpine?

Alpine is one of Utah’s most sought-after locations for a reason: dramatic mountain backdrops, large estate lots, and a strong sense of privacy attract homeowners looking to build a lasting legacy.

  • Top-tier schools: Served by Alpine School District, with Lone Peak High School ranked in the top 10% statewide.

  • Lifestyle advantage: With 300+ days of sunshine, residents enjoy quick access to over 30 local trails, American Fork Canyon, and the slopes of Snowbird and Sundance.

  • Exclusive zoning: Larger parcels (0.5–2.0 acres) and strict density caps preserve views, quiet streets, and long-term value.

  • Strong resale: As of 2025, Alpine’s median list price sits around $2M. Realtor.com Market Trends

  • Easy commutes: Just 20 minutes to Lehi tech campuses and 40 minutes to Salt Lake City International Airport.

Whether you're relocating from out-of-state or upgrading locally, Alpine combines high-end living with access to everything that matters.

Permitting & Zoning Fast-Track

Alpine City has strict building standards to protect its natural terrain and residents—but the process is smooth with the right team.

  • Site Plan Form #1 is required before a permit application; includes topo map, utility layout, and fire-risk review. Learn More.

  • WUI compliance: Nearly all homes must meet Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) rules. This includes:

    • Ignition-resistant cladding

    • Class A fire-rated roofing

    • 30–100 ft defensible space, depending on site classification

    • Additional fire-resilient design requirements may apply. Learn more in our blog on fire resilience

  • Snow & wind design: Alpine requires snow-load designs of 45 psf and wind speeds of 115 mph.

  • Frost depth: 30 inches minimum foundation depth.

  • Review time: Typical single-family permits are reviewed within 7–10 business days when drawings are complete.

See Alpine Building Code Summary

Oxford Architect coordinates all submittals, DRC meetings, and inspections—so you stay focused on design, not red tape.

Our Luxury Design Process

1. Site & Lifestyle Discovery

We begin by walking your lot (or reviewing site footage) and listening deeply to your goals, constraints, and inspirations.

2. Concept + Virtual Walkthrough

We explore layout options, views, and adjacencies using a 3D model that updates in real-time.

3. Detailed Documentation

Drawings include structural coordination, finish specs, lighting plans, energy detailing, and WUI documentation.

4. Construction Administration

Kory visits the site, resolves field issues, and ensures contractor execution aligns with design intent—all the way to final punch-list.

See how our process works

Featured Project

Pepperwood Estate Concept

Designed for a private mountainside parcel above Salt Lake Valley, this project explores how natural stone, expansive glazing, and slope-responsive forms create luxury that blends into the land.

With floor-to-ceiling views, concealed HVAC systems, and warm interior palettes, this design reflects the balance Oxford Architect brings to high-elevation projects across Utah.

Explore the full vision

Request Your Complimentary Planning Pack

The #1 cause of budget overruns is rushing to the design phase without enough research. That’s like heading into surgery without a diagnosis.

This is why we created the Project Planning Pack.

Here’s what you get:

  • Roadmap that shows you the design and construction process from start to finish

  • Costs guide worksheet that gives you a ballpark estimate for your custom home

  • Project-specific checklists for key tasks

  • Alpine permitting summary and design-code cheatsheet

  • One-on-one complimentary 30-minute consultation with Kory Cox

  • Monthly tips to keep your project on track

Request My Planning Pack

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to design and build a luxury home in Alpine?

Design fees typically range from 6% to 16% of construction cost, depending on size and complexity. High-end builds in Alpine often range from $500–$1200 per sq ft, especially on steep or wildfire-zone lots.

How long does the design and permitting process take?

Most projects take 4–6 months from kickoff to permit approval. This includes design phases and city review windows.

Why hire an architect if my builder has a designer?

Builder-included design is often limited and generic. A licensed architect like Kory provides deeper value: site-responsive solutions, structural coordination, code compliance, and ongoing advocacy during construction. What does an architect actually do?

Can Oxford Architect work with out-of-state clients?

Yes. We use weekly video reviews, cloud tools, and 3D walk-throughs to make remote collaboration seamless.

What climate factors affect Alpine home design?

Expect to account for snow load (45 psf), frost depth (30 in), seismic activity (Zone 3), wildfire risk (WUI compliance), and canyon winds (115 mph).

Are there special rules for hillside construction?

Yes. Alpine limits cut/fill, requires slope analysis, and enforces height/view corridor restrictions. We address this in the pre-design phase.

What energy-efficiency standards apply?

Utah follows the 2021 IECC. We typically exceed it using triple-pane glazing, insulated headers, and high-performance HVAC.

Ready to Begin?

Schedule a 30-minute discovery call or request your Planning Pack and take the first step toward a custom home that reflects your vision—and handles Alpine's unique site demands with confidence.

Book My Call

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