Sheri Olson, FAIA

Over the past 25 years, I’ve built an exceptional network of resources and relationships. My professional experience includes working on large public projects on the East Coast, and I bring this knowledge of complex systems, project management, and team building to my residential work. I began designing homes in 1992 as part of my New York City-based practice and founded my Seattle firm in 2004 to focus exclusively on houses. I enjoy residential design for the relationships I build with clients while creating beautiful new homes.

My education includes a Masters in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University, where I won design and scholarship awards. My undergraduate education was a five-year Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona. I cultivated my keen eye for design by teaching architecture design studio at universities around the country, including the Rhode Island School of Design, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Washington. I was also an architectural journalist, author, and design critic. I balance my strong design sensibility with an ability to listen carefully to what you say, as well as hear the things you don’t say.

My interest in sustainable design reaches back to when I was a high school student and won several solar housing awards. It is now my passion to address climate change. I became LEED certified in green design in 2009 to help clients pursue green design goals, and I bring knowledge of energy efficiency, sustainable resourcing, and chemical sensitivity to all projects. In 2021, after intensive coursework and a grueling exam, I became Passive House Certified because I wanted to up my game in designing energy-efficient homes.

I was an architectural journalist for many years, interviewing some of the best architects in the world—including Frank Gehry, Steven Holl, and Rem Koolhaas—talking one-on-one with them about design and exploring their projects. I approach my design practice with everything I learned from this enlightening experience.

I’m active in many aspects of the design profession and community. In 2004, I was advanced to the American Institute of Architect’s College of Fellows for my contributions. I am a sought-after lecturer, juror, and public speaker. Seattle’s mayor appointed me to the Design Commission and the Design Review Board. As a member of Architects Without Borders, I provided pro-bono design services for a school in Nicaragua. I also support Mary’s Place financially and through volunteer hours to help families out of homelessness.