About the firm

Vandervort Architects creates architecture that is influenced by the beauty and tradition of the Northwest. Our approach seeks appropriate design solutions that respond to the land, reflect our clients’ needs, and respect the communities in which we live and create.

We apply these same sensitivities toward understanding less familiar surroundings when working elsewhere around the region and country.

Vandervort Architecture and its core members have been focused on the design of custom residential living since 1994.  Whether it is a San Juan Island custom residence or a Seattle townhome community; a small kitchen addition or a mid-rise condominium project we are dedicated to creating livable and inspiring architecture.  

For us it is important that each design is specific to a client and a site and so each of our designs are unique. We seek to be environmentally conscious and to make choices that care for the earth’s resources. Our “green” resources, including LEED accredited professionals, allows us to facilitate discussions with client, contractor and design teams in furthering sustainable awareness and education.  

Our team

David Vandervort

David has extensive experience in all phases of residential and commercial architecture. His leadership of the firm of David Vandervort Architects, AIA, P.S. combines his passion for working with people in collaborative ways with opportunities to work on site sensitive, environmentally aware buildings of varying scope and nature. David values the relationships created through the design process, and is committed to providing excellence through integrating the client’s desires with the spirit of the land.

The focus of David’s career has been on smaller scale buildings primarily of a residential nature. This includes single family and multi-family housing, retreat facilities and inns, as well as commercial facilities including offices, churches, restaurants and schools. David graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture degree in 1981, and completed his professional registration in the State of Washington in 1993. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Mike Butrim

As an associate with David Vandervort Architects, Mike appreciates the challenge created by searching for innovative solutions to design. A native of western Washington, Mike strives to create solutions responsive to the local setting, and approaches each project as an opportunity to explore new design thoughts in response to natural, cultural, and contextual forces.

Mike’s career has focused on custom single family housing, multi-family housing and light commercial facilities. He is a strong advocate of appropriate and environmentally sensitive design, and his responsibilities at David Vandervort Architects include all aspects of architecture, project management, and construction observation. Mike graduated with a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Washington in 1988 and completed his professional registration in the State of California in 1994 and the State of Washington in 2000.

Mark Wierenga

An associate with David Vandervort Architects since 1995, Mark has been involved with many aspects of the firm’s development in the planning of operating systems and design and document production methods. As a project architect, his thoughtful and disciplined approach to problem solving and his creative energies have been vital to the success of the firm.

With a background in residential finish carpentry, Mark brings to the firm a knowledge of the construction process and has used these skills in production and detailing of residential and multi-family projects both large and small. Mark has a particular interest in multi-family housing and brings a disciplined and dedicated approach to design and resource efficiency to each project. Mark graduated from Washington State University in 1992 with degrees in Architecture and Architectural Studies. His professional registration was completed in 1998.

Brian O’Connor

Starting as an intern with Vandervort Architects in 2007, Brian worked at VA over the course of several summer / winter breaks while attending college at WSU. As a young designer he explored; studying abroad in Denmark, working abroad in China and locally in Seattle for a large firm.

During this time he worked on a variety of projects and scales from high rise office and residential towers to R&D facilities, shopping centers and retail stores.

After having an opportunity to work in a variety of core markets, Brian ultimately decided his passion was residential design and came back to DVA in early 2015. Brian brings to DVA a very diverse set of skills and knowledge that provides another way of looking at design problems and solutions. Brian graduated from Washington State University with a Masters of Architecture in 2009.

Laura Follis

Laura grew up in Bellingham, WA and attended the University of Washington where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Architectural Studies.  In 2014 while at the UW she studied at the UW Rome Center focusing on architecture and watercolor arts.  

She worked in residential architecture in the Seattle area prior to joining Vandervort Architects in 2017.  Laura brings to DVA an eagerness to help capture client goals, needs, and interests into a design that is strongly personal to both the individual and the site.  She is currently working toward professional registration in the State of Washington.

"We had our first opportunity to work with David Vandervort Architects on a whole house remodel. He had created an amazing update for a choppy 1956 home that had multiple previous renovations. We had a great working relationship throughout the project including regular meetings with the client and responsive adjustments to building challenges. We have since had an opportunity to work on more projects with this firm and look forward to more in the future."

– Blox Construction

Awards and publications

zHome - Issaquah, Wa

Flowing Lake Residence - Snohomish, Wa

  • Spring 2012 - Votre Maison Magazine
  • Modern Lux Housing - Sandu Publishing

Key Peninsula Residence - Gig Harbor, Wa

“Firm of the year” - Best of Home 2009

  • Seattle Magazine / Northwest Home Magazine

“Top 50 Northwest Architects” 2007 & 2008

  • Seattle Magazine / Northwest Home Magazine

NEXTHouse - Seattle, WA

  • March/April 2006 – Northwest Home and Garden
  • September/October 2006 – Natural Home
  • November 2005 - Building Edge Magazine – Spotlight
  • Innovative Housing: Concepts for Sustainable Living
    – Avi Frideman, Author

Capitol Hill Residence – Seattle, WA

  • October 2005 - Seattle Homes & Lifestyles - Green Design

West Seattle Residence - West Seattle, WA

  • What Makes it Green 2005

San Juan Island Cabin - San Juan Island, WA

  • 2004 The Getaway Home
  • 2004 Pacific Northwest, The Seattle Times Magazine

Magnolia Residence - Magnolia, WA

  • December 2004 - Dwell Magazine - Off the grid
  • 2003 AIA Seattle Times Home of the Month Award

Orcas Island Cabin - Orcas Island, WA

  • July 2002- Sunset Magazine
  • 2000 What Makes it Green

Ballard Craftsman Residence - Ballard, WA

  • 1999 AIA Seattle Times Home of the Month Award

Magnolia Remodel

Dwell Approved Designer

  • Dwell Magazine - Design Guide 2015

Crystal Lake Residence - Woodinville, WA

Buck Mountain Residence – Orcas Island, WA

Lopez Island Land Trust – Lopez Island, WA

  • September 2019 – Built-Green Hammer Awards “Judge’s Choice”

"David Vandervort Architects has been designing houses in the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years. Their most recent project for Lindal is a 2,700 square foot home, 1,600 feet up a mountain in the San Juan Islands. The design is innovative, with steel posts and wood beams, black-steel cladding on the exterior walls and roof, and wood accents throughout. The home is on schedule to be completed this year. DVA partners with quality suppliers, contractors and companies to build beautiful modern homes. We have been delighted by our collaboration with them and look forward to many more successful ventures in the future."

— Lindal Cedar Homes —