Vernacular has two meanings. In literature, it's the common language — the tongue of the people, not the academy. In architecture, it's the built tradition that belongs to a place and its community, not to an architect's portfolio.
We chose the name deliberately. We're not here to build monuments to our own ideas. We're here to listen to yours — and then bring every tool we have to making them real.
That's commonsense architecture. And it's the only kind we know how to do.
Every Vernacular project moves through three phases: Discovery, Visualization, and Solution. What distinguishes this process isn't the phases — every architect has phases. It's what happens inside them.
Discovery
Before we design anything, we want to know everything. Who you are. How you live or work. What you've tried before. What you're afraid of. What your budget is, honestly. What your timeline is, realistically. What success looks like to you when the project is done.
We meet every client face to face. We walk every site. We ask questions other firms don't bother with, because the answers shape everything that follows.
"Why does this project matter to you?" is a question we always ask. The answer usually becomes the soul of the design.
Visualization
Once we know who you are, we start to imagine what your space could be. Concept development at Vernacular begins the way a film director begins — not with software, but with scenes. Key moments. Experiences we want the building to create. We sketch these out, build inspiration boards, and develop the visual logic of the project before committing a single dimension.
Then we bring those ideas to you — sketches, floor plan concepts, 3D perspectives — and we listen again. Your response shapes the next version. We move forward when you're ready, not when the calendar says so.
Solutions
With concept approved, we build the documentation that turns great ideas into built reality. Code review, engineering coordination, drawing sets at 30%, 60%, and 99% completion — each milestone a checkpoint, a conversation, a chance to make sure the project still reflects what you came to us for.
We don't disappear into production and reappear at permit. We stay connected. And when we hand off to your contractor, we stay in your corner.
Real Estate & Developer Services
Real Estate & Developer Services We partner with real estate agents and developers to attract high quality buyers and tenants to their properties. We use state of the art marketing tools to elevate their listings and stand out from the crowd. This collaborative effort helps properties move faster and connects our team with exciting new project opportunities.
Client Testimonials
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“I continue to recommend Tyler to everyone I meet needing assistance with designs. Tyler is a professional in every since of the word. A great asset for myself as a General Contractor as well as an owner's representative in the build process."
Tom Stean, President
Stean Contracting
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“Tyler is incredibly creative, but still sensitive to project costs. He applies his integrity and values to all of his designs."
Jason Meier
Meier Landscape Architecture
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“We found ourselves in dire need of someone knowledgeable regarding buildout and permitting processes for a commercial space. Tyler recognized our urgency, took control of the project and sorted everything out between the general contractor and municipality in a timely and efficient manner. We are exceedingly grateful for his expertise."
Andrew & Sydnee
Baby Haven
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"Tyler has been a joy to work with. We truly value our relationship with him and his company. He has gone above and beyond to help us develop plans that meet the expectations and needs of our building projects."
Michael Liimatta, COO
Healing House KC
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"Tyler's expertise and insightful ideas were invaluable throughout the renovation process. He provided comprehensive drawings and specifications for submission to both the City and the State, ensuring that we met all necessary regulations. I highly recommend Tyler for any architectural services. His professionalism and dedication to his clients truly make a difference."
Denise Willsey, Owner & CEO
Compassionate Care Homes
Tyler Hiatt, AIA, NCARB
The driving mantra of my career is to be a positive difference, no matter where I am. I believe that it's my responsibility and privilege as an architect to build and restore thriving communities through creative design. What I've come to realize is that design is easy. Execution is hard. So, I set out to find a way to stand in the gap for my community by advocating for my clients in a way that I wasn't seeing very often in the industry. With my skillset at the crossroads of the design and construction industries, I knew the highest use of my time would be to provide practical, cost-effective design services for my clients.
From there, I've developed a network of trustworthy contractors that always operate with integrity, so that I was sure my clients would be taken care of from the first day of design to the day they moved into their new space. Today, my vision is expanding, and I am exploring solutions to make homeownership attainable for families from all walks of life and at any income level.