Mission style house plans are inspired by the architecture of 18th century Spanish Catholic missions in the American southwest. Revived in the sunbelt states around the turn of the century, Mission style quickly caught on across California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Florida. The distinctive parapet characteristic of Mission designs also appeared in some Craftsman homes of the same era.

The signature of a Mission home plan is a multi-curved parapet (a wall that rises above the roofline), which may grace the façade, the portico, a dormer window, or all of the above. Some Mission designs feature a square bell tower or “campanario”. Like their Spanish and Adobe cousins, Mission homes boast thick masonry walls covered in stucco and breezy arcades leading to patios and interior courtyards. Heavily carved or paneled doors set in elaborately carved portals welcome visitors in distinctive southwestern style. Mission house plans evoke a unique sense of time and place and add regional spice to everyday living.