Crafted Simplicity

Along the way, I became fascinated by a particular idea: the humble accessory dwelling unit, or ADU. Whether it's a backyard cottage, garage apartment, or in-law suite, an ADU is one of the most powerful tools we have to create flexible, human-scale housing. They support families, generate rental income, and allow aging in place—all without changing the essential character of a neighborhood.

But here's the challenge I kept running into: while ADUs have the power to solve so many problems, there’s a serious lack of design guidance that’s both high-quality and accessible. I’ve seen great architects create beautiful, livable ADU designs—but those plans often stay tucked away in a drawer or buried in a hard drive. Meanwhile, homeowners and builders are left with generic options that miss the mark.

That’s why I started ADU Patterns.

Our mission is to publish thoughtfully crafted ADU designs—homes that are compact, beautiful, and practical. We work with talented designers who understand how to make small spaces feel generous and grounded. And we curate everything carefully, so that every plan we offer is something we believe in.

This is about more than just floorplans. It’s about bringing good design within reach, creating housing choices that are both personal and purposeful, and leaving behind places that people love for generations.

If you believe in that too, welcome. We’re glad you’re here.

— Brooks Ballard
Founder & CEO, ADU Patterns