Architecture, to us, is an ongoing process of listening, observing, and then designing with intention. As Seattle architects who have spent decades designing custom homes across the Pacific Northwest, we’ve learned that successful projects are not the result of a single decision, but of hundreds of thoughtful ones made consistently and with care.
The following principles guide our work every day. This is how we design, and how we strive for our homes feel as though they belong to their site, serve their owners, and responsibly exist in their moment in time.
Every home we design begins with the land. Before drawing a single line, we walk the site—feeling the slope underfoot, watching how morning light filters through the trees, listening to wind and water. We aren’t imposing a building onto a landscape; we are looking for ways of revealing possibilities held within it.
This intimate understanding of the site guides everything that follows. The orientation of a window, the placement of a path, the rhythm of the roofline—each decision is shaped by sun, view, shelter, and privacy. No two projects are the same, whether it’s a custom home design in Seattle or a waterfront home on San Juan Island, because no two landscapes speak the same way.
Architecture is not a solitary art. The strength of our work comes from the conversations that shape it—between architect, client, builder, engineer, and craftspeople.
From early on in a project, we bring the full team into the process. Not as a formality, but to begin those conversations that will lead to the best possible result. This early alignment helps us honor the design intent, manage costs with foresight, and avoid compromises that could diminish the architecture and its usability. The result is a smoother process, transparent expectations, and opportunities to connect with others on a shared vision.
We design for longevity—for homes that still feel grounded and relevant decades from now.
That means restraint over excess. Natural over ornamentation. Materials like cedar, steel, stone, and glass that weather beautifully in the Pacific Northwest climate. Interiors that flow effortlessly from one space to the next, supporting daily rituals and quiet moments. These are the decisions that give a home lasting strength and character.
In the Pacific Northwest, sustainability isn’t an added feature—it’s a responsibility. We approach sustainable building practices as a mindset that informs each phase of design.
We orient buildings to capture sunlight in winter and shade in summer. We specify high-performance envelopes, energy-efficient systems, and locally sourced materials whenever possible. These choices reduce environmental impact, but they also make homes more comfortable, resilient, and economical to live in.
A concept may inspire, but it’s the details that make architecture truly memorable. The meeting of materials, the flight of a stair, the division of a window—when done well, these things disappear into a feeling of calm and coherence.
We work closely with builders and craftspeople to ensure material junctions, proportions, and finishes are executed with precision. This level of attention, on paper and in the field, is how vision becomes structure, and structure becomes home.
Our involvement doesn’t end when permits are approved. Throughout construction, we remain engaged—reviewing drawings, visiting the site, refining details in real time. Conditions on the ground change. Materials behave in unexpected ways. Staying involved allows us to solve challenges without losing sight of the architectural intent.
Working with the best builders and craftspeople who care about design and know when to ask questions helps ensure the home that is built is the home that was imagined. Allotting time for site meetings and periodic review of the work allows conflicts and challenges to be addressed in a timely manner. Too often, when these efforts are not allowed to occur the project suffers.
The success of a project can be measured in images, awards, and craftsmanship, but we also measure it more simply: Does it feel right? Does the home belong to its site and its inhabitants? Will it grow more meaningful with time?
As a Seattle architecture firm, this is what drives our work on every custom residence we create. From quiet waterfront cabins to modern urban sanctuaries, our custom homes reflect not just best practices in architecture, but a deep respect for place, craft, and the people who call these spaces home.
