Working with Artists & Craftspeople
Working with artists and craftspeople is integral to what we do. In some cases, the architecture becomes the vessel that supports specific art installations. In others, the architecture and art are formed together to create a seamless spatial experience. In nearly all our projects, we work with craftspeople to fabricate specific architectural elements so that the detail of the work relates directly to the larger expression. Examples of this work include cast or slumped glass elements, metal fabrications, custom furniture and textile arts.
Thursday Night Crits
Every Thursday at 5:00pm, we get together for an all-office “crit.” The intent of these discussions is to make every project in our office the best it can be—to put the collective genius of the office to work. Over food and drink, a project is presented and discussed. The free flow of ideas consistently makes our projects better, and opens up lively discussions about design and how we see the world. This forum is also a great way to connect with each other on a regular basis, and to celebrate peoples’ achievements.
Community Involvement
Our commitment to community extends to a wide range of activities. We have an employer match program that helps support several non-profit organizations. We donate many hours every year in service to our community. Each of the principals is active in our community through service on boards and through the donation of expertise. In 2003, we contributed design as well as to the construction of a ten-house development for Habitat for Humanity; we are currently working on the design of an 150-child orphanage in Tanzania.
Sustainable Design
Our approach to sustainable design is rooted in the essential nature of the site itself, the orientation of buildings to topography/sun, minimizing construction waste, and making appropriate choices for building systems and the material palette. We integrate innovative methods of dealing with passive cooling, natural ventilation, managing daylight, energy use, recycled and repurposed materials, life cycle cost analyses and green roof technology. Currently 65% of our architectural staff is LEED Accredited. Our in-house sustainability advancement group oversees in-house research initiatives, promotes staff literacy in sustainability through programs and conferences, and promotes LEED education and accreditation. We are a member of the Seattle Climate Partnership.
Visiting Lecture Series
Every week starts with an all-office meeting and our visiting speaker series—a program inspired by the power of cross-fertilization. Individuals who excel in disciplines other than architecture come and share with us what they do. Over the years, we have had presentations by local and internationally recognized artists, craftspeople, filmmakers, environmentalists and one exotic dancer.
Out & About
Partners, principals and staff alike are actively engaged in our community as well as the broader architectural community. Lecturing, serving as visiting critics, and touring the world are just a few of the things we do to inform ourselves about our world and to share what we have learned.
