We are an architectural design and drafting firm that was established in the Treasure Valley in 1994. Draftech has provided drafting and design services in the Treasure Valley for over 30 years, with over 16 million square feet drawn to date. In 2007, Brendan and Michele took over the company . Original services were exclusive only to home builders; they recognized an opportunity to expand Draftech's services for both builders and homeowners alike.
Since taking over, the Draftech team has successfully produced over 12,000 new home designs, from small production homes to large, luxury custom homes. Since 2009 Draftech has produced over 55 award winning Parade of Homes.
MEET THE TEAM
We staff only the best designers and draftsmen. Our designers have both creativity and hands on experience in architecture real estate, interior design, and home building. Secondly, our draftsmen are educated in the "structural" field. They have a real working background in home building and possess a deep understanding of engineering principals, beam and floor calculations, geometry and math. This enables our plans to receive permit approval the first time. More importantly, we incorporate “value engineering” which will lower your building cost. Our dedicated team prides itself on providing our clients with strong communication, fast, predictable turn-around times and well planned home designs you will love.
Brendan Smythe, CPBD, AIBD (Certified Building Designer/Owner)
Michele Smythe (Designer/Owner)
Michele has over 17 years experience in the industry. She started her career in bookkeeping and office management for a small building contractor. After six years she decided to obtain her real estate license. For three years not only did she represent her clients with home buying and selling, but she was also involved with the purchasing and renovating of out-dated homes around the Treasure Valley.
After raising her four children she attended Boise State University to pursue a degree in Business Management. She was instrumental in the purchase of Draftech, and in 2007 became office manager and head of account services. In only a few years she also showed a talent for floor plan design. Adding a woman's touch to all of her designs, she has personally designed over 12,000 homes. She keeps the Draftech engine running at it's core, making her the heart and soul of the office.
Brendan and Michele live in Eagle, have been married for 27 years. They have 4 adult children, and are now grandparents.
Brendan has over 27 years of experience in the building and design industry. He earned his Associate Degree in Design & Drafting in San Jose, CA in 1995. He worked in the design and drafting industry for 5 years before being offered a position as a partner in a residential construction company. Where he became a Licensed Contractor. Not only did he provide custom home designs but he also gained valuable construction knowledge and field experience. He put "hammer to nail" on dozens of his design projects from conception to reality.
After moving his family to Idaho, Brendan took over Draftech in 2007 and since then has designed thousands of new homes, including over 60 award-winning designs. He heads 11 different subdivision design committees throughout the treasure valley.
After gaining the required experience in Building Design, Brendan passed the rigorous exam under the National Council of Building Designer Certification (NCBDC). He is now a certified professional building designer (CPBD) and also a member of the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD). He recognizes that strong residential design comes from clear objectives, quality control, honesty and most of all a patient teaching and learning mindset.
James Mahan (Draftsman III/CAD/BIM)
James is a team member at Draftech where he develops and creates construction drawings with accuracy to currant codes and specs as well as maintaining our drafting software.
At a young age he wanted to be an architect/drafter and in 2000 he earned his AS degree in drafting. Having passion for his talent, he takes pride in his work as if the plans are for his own home.
With his many years of experience James has worked for several large architectural firms in the valley before calling Draftech his home in early 2012.
When not working James spends time with his wife and four children. He loves to travel and see new sites.
Audrey Cabrera (Assistant Designer)
Audrey received her Associates Degree in Drafting Technology in May 2018. She started her drafting career with Draftech in May of 2017. Over the years her skillset has grown tremendously and this has allowed her to take on both drafting and design work. In addition to her work on construction documents, she also creates 3D models allowing homeowners to walkthrough their homes in virtual reality before construction begins.
Audrey comes from a tiny island called Saipan. After 12 years of paradise, she traded the beach for the mountains and hasn’t left Idaho since. She loves road trips, camping and anything outdoorsy.
Eric Smith (Draftsman III/CAD/BIM)
Eric joined the Draftech team in November of 2020. Since high school he has enjoyed working with contractors and home owners to help make their designs come true. In 2004 he earned his AS in Architectural Drafting. In the years that followed he worked for several design firms and contractors developing their construction documents. Since landing at Draftech he looks forward to further developing his skills to help the Draftech team.
Eric, along with his wife and 4 children were excited for the opportunity to relocate from Oregon to Idaho as they have longed to be in a drier climate with more opportunities for outdoor recreation all year round. His hobbies include hunting, hiking, fishing, snow boarding and pretty much anything adventurous outdoors.
Hannah Luthman (Project Coordinator)
Hannah joined the Draftech team in the spring of 2016. She has spent her time here defining the role of Project Coordinator in order to serve the needs of builders, contractors and other clientele at Draftech. She has an eclectic background ranging from an undergraduate degree in technical theatre design to a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Through her studies and professional career she realized she had a knack for business organization, process flow and communication. We have been fortunate to have her bring those talents to Draftech.
Hannah is devoted to working alongside her coworkers as well as Draftech’s clients and has established many wonderful relationships in the process. When she is not at work she is keeping herself and her family busy, healthy and active. She loves spending time wrangling her two young children and enjoying life with her amazing husband.