Orem Utah Architect for Luxury Custom Homes
What Building in Orem Means for You—and How We Keep It Simple
Designing a custom home in Orem offers both opportunity and challenge. Nestled between the Wasatch foothills and Utah Lake, the city combines family-friendly neighborhoods with quick access to recreation. Yet the reality of frost-line foundations, seismic design in Category D1/E, hillside wildfire precautions, and plan reviews that stretch across multiple departments can leave owners feeling overwhelmed.
Oxford Architect gives you direct access to me, Kory Cox, transparent design fees and timelines, interactive 3-D walk-throughs that streamline decisions, and two decades of experience shaping luxury residences across Utah. In the sections below, you’ll discover our approach, what makes Orem a unique place to build, essential permitting facts, and the straightforward steps to begin—including a complimentary Planning Pack you can request today.
Why Choose Oxford Architect
Luxury, nothing else. Twenty years working on high-end residences taught me the nuances of quiet HVAC, flawless stonework, and glazing that frames mountain and lake views without glare.
Interactive 3-D modeling. Walk every room in a digital twin, make confident choices in minutes, and avoid costly field changes.
Direct collaboration. You and I meet weekly on-site or over video; no layers of coordinators diluting your vision.
Remote-friendly workflow. Cloud mark-ups and VR reviews keep out-of-state owners fully in control.
Complimentary Planning Pack. Budget worksheets, permit checklists, and an example schedule arrive in your inbox the same day you request it.
Meet Your Architect – Kory Cox, AIA
Utah-born and Oxford-educated, I earned a Master’s in Architecture from Oxford Brookes University in England after completing a Business Management degree at Westminster. My career has included time with respected international firms such as Dahlin Group, HDR, and Rafael Viñoly Architects. Over nearly 20 years I’ve learned that true luxury is less about ornament and more about how a space feels every single day. At Oxford Architect, I personally guide each commission to ensure the finished home reflects its owner’s identity and sits comfortably in its setting. Learn more on our About page.
Why Build in Orem?
Known as “Family City USA,” Orem combines community-oriented living with proximity to world-class recreation. Utah Valley University, the state’s largest by enrollment, brings cultural and educational energy. Within minutes you can be hiking Provo Canyon, boating on Utah Lake with its 27 public access points, or skiing and dining at Sundance Resort just 20 minutes away.
For homeowners, Orem also offers long-term advantages. Utah’s property-tax structure exempts 45% of a primary residence’s market value from taxation, and while county rates vary, this provides meaningful savings compared to many states. Coupled with a growing tech corridor and steady demand in the Provo–Orem metro, investing in a custom home here blends lifestyle with sound financial sense. See more examples on our Projects page.
Permitting & Zoning
Online system. Orem requires all plan reviews and permits through its online portal, with real-time status tracking.
Design criteria. 115 mph design wind speed, 30-inch frost depth, winter design temperature of 8°F, seismic D1–E, and ice-shield underlayment on all roofs.
Energy code. Residential projects follow Utah-amended 2015 IECC standards; we typically exceed code with high-performance assemblies.
Snow load. Verified site-by-site using Utah State University’s ground snow load map.
Processing times. Minor trades can be approved in a single business day. Full custom-home reviews involve multiple departments and typically require several review cycles. Permitting begins after design is complete and adds time beyond the 4–6-month design window.
Wildland-Urban Interface. Foothill parcels require defensible-space planning and ignition-resistant materials per Utah HB 48 (2025).
Oxford Architect prepares every sheet, secures engineering stamps, and manages corrections so you stay focused on design—not paperwork. For a step-by-step overview, see our article What Does the Design Process Look Like?
Our Luxury Design Process
Site & Lifestyle Discovery. Walk your lot, set priorities, and align with budget realities.
Concept + Virtual Walk-Through. Shape massing, views, and room adjacencies inside an interactive 3-D model.
Detailed Documentation. Specify assemblies, lighting layers, and energy details to exceed code; drawings are permit- and pricing-ready.
Construction Administration. I visit the site, resolve field questions, and safeguard design intent until you receive the keys.
See a full breakdown in our Services blog.
Featured Concept – Boulder House
Stand apart with a concept sculpted as much as it is constructed. Inspired by natural formations in the Rockies, the Boulder House uses orientation and massing to capture sun angles and views. It’s a bold expression of mountain living and a showcase for custom residential architects who specialize in luxury. Explore more on our Projects page.
Request Your Complimentary Planning Pack
The #1 cause of budget overruns is rushing into design before completing research and analysis. An out-of-control project is stressful, costly, and unnecessary. The solution is successful planning.
That’s why we created the Project Planning Pack. Here’s what you receive:
Road map outlining the design and construction process from start to finish
Our hand-picked list of experts who can help at each stage
Cost guide worksheet with ballpark estimating
Project-specific checklists for key tasks
One-on-one complimentary 30-minute consultation with an expert
Monthly email tips and strategies to maximize your success
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to design and build a luxury home in Orem?
Architectural services typically run 6–16% of construction cost, depending on budget, size, and complexity. Construction costs vary widely by slope, structure, glazing, and finishes. Use our Planning Pack’s budget worksheet for clarity.
How long does design and permitting take?
Design typically takes 4–6 months with decisive clients and clean submittals. Permitting is a separate phase that starts after design; review times vary by scope and multi-department coordination and are in addition to the 4–6 months. Oxford Architect manages submissions, comments, and resubmittals to keep things moving.
Why hire an architect if my builder includes design?
Complimentary builder design is limited. A licensed architect safeguards life safety, structural coordination, and code compliance—while also acting as your advocate, ensuring your comfort, efficiency, and long-term satisfaction. Read more in What Does an Architect Actually Do?
Can Oxford Architect work with me if I live out of state?
Yes. Weekly video calls, VR model sharing, and cloud-based markups keep you involved without constant travel.
What climate factors affect Orem homes?
Seismic D1–E, 30-inch frost depth, site-specific snow loads, ice-shield requirements, and WUI precautions in foothill areas all inform design.
Are there hillside or view-lot rules near Orem’s foothills?
Yes. Steeper slopes and east-bench parcels require extra review for wildfire resilience, slope stability, and zoning compliance. We address these at the feasibility stage.
What energy-efficiency standards apply?
Utah’s amended 2015 IECC sets the baseline. We regularly exceed it with triple-pane glazing, advanced air-sealing, and high-efficiency heat pumps.
Ready to Begin?
Schedule a 30-minute discovery call or request your Planning Pack today and take the first step toward a custom home in Orem that feels, functions, and endures exactly the way you envision.
