About Rosie Designs

Design clarity—before you commit to construction.

I’m Christen Frankhauser, founder of Rosie Designs and an architectural designer based in Pittsburgh. I help homeowners, real estate investors, and professionals see the potential in their properties—before they break ground, pull permits, or spend money they don’t need to.

My approach is simple: thoughtful, zoning-aware, design-smart guidance at the moment people need it most—the beginning.

My Approach

I focus on the “what-if” phase of design—helping you test ideas, clarify layout options, and navigate zoning challenges without the cost or overhead of a full-service architecture firm.

Whether you’re flipping a duplex, buying your first home, or prepping for a major renovation, I’ll help you understand what’s possible—and help you move forward with clarity.

Who I Work With

  • Real estate investors evaluating a deal

  • Homeowners planning a renovation

  • Realtors looking to close on a fixer-upper

  • Builders who need fast, schematic input

Whether you're looking at a blank lot, a tired duplex, or a single-room overhaul—I’ll help you figure out what’s possible before you commit to what’s next.

Why I Started Rosie Designs

I’ve spent years working inside architecture firms—from Scranton to Pittsburgh—on projects ranging from high-end homes to community-focused developments.

I started Rosie Designs to fill the gap between the client and the architect because not every project needs an architect right away.
Sometimes you just need a designer who can help you see it, sketch it, test it, and bring options into focus. That’s what I do.

What I Bring to the Table

I combine technical experience (like zoning and site analysis, space planning, and rendering) with an intuitive sense of how people live and move through space. I know how to balance vision with constraints—and I believe smart design should be more accessible, not less.

What sets Rosie Designs apart isn’t just fast turnaround or clear pricing—it’s that I work with my clients directly. We collaborate. We adjust. We find creative solutions.

Let’s Connect

If you’re thinking about a space—or you’re stuck on what to do with it—I’d love to hear from you.