As a Seattle architect specializing in Mid-Century Modern homes, I believe in honoring their classic design while elevating their building performance for today’s living.
Mid century modern architecture is more than an aesthetic. It is a philosophy rooted in how architecture—especially modern architecture — can improve people’s lives. These ideals were expressed in attention to scale and proportion, simple but thoughtfully detailed materials, and spaces that address the family’s needs.
My work reflects an understanding of these principles—whether designing a new custom residence from the ground up or updating and expanding a Pacific Northwest original.
Just because a house was built in the 1950s doesn’t mean it’s a Mid-Century Modern. A true MCM typically has several, if not all, of the following design elements:
If your midcentury home is not considered Mid-Century Modern, it is often possible to remodel it to look more like one. This may include increasing the connection between inside and outside, removing interior walls to connect rooms, and even raising a space’s ceiling to create an interior focal point.
The Seattle area has a rich inventory of original Mid-Century residences. Preserving their architectural integrity while updating them for modern living requires restraint, technical expertise, and respect for the original intent. They tend to be smaller than many homeowners expect, and expanding the footprint can be tricky. It’s important to match the scale and proportions of the original house so that an addition is not overwhelming. Another approach is to adjust your lifestyle to match the house if you are committed to being a steward and not just a homeowner.
Due to their exposed structure and sloped wood-clad ceilings, it’s important to work with an architect and contractor who know they can’t hide systems behind dropped ceilings and trim. It takes creativity and dedication to update an MCM behind the scenes so that the seamless whole of the design is not interrupted. The best Mid-Century Moderns were conceived as an integration of architecture, structure, and nature.
As a Mid-Century Modern remodel architect, I work with clients to:
The original electrical panel is not large enough to accommodate the plug loads we demand today. If you’d like to charge an EV, the panel will need to be expanded. Often, galvanized pipes at the end of their life need to be replaced. The original heating system is typically an oil-fired furnace, which is not environmentally friendly, and I recommend replacing it with a heat pump for heating and cooling. Advances in lighting technology and lighting design can also enhance an MCM.
Thanks to advances in building technology, it is now possible to design a new home that embraces the defining characteristics of Mid-Century design: large amounts of glass, exposed beams and posts, and low-slope roofs. At the time, most were built in the 1950s and 60s, and MCM homes were not energy-efficient; they leaked warm air in winter and were hot in summer. The energy crisis in the 70’s dampened new construction, and stricter energy codes made it almost impossible to permit. But now, advances in glazing, heating, cooling, and insulation make it possible to integrate high-performance building systems with the defining characteristics of MCM in new homes.
After an introductory meeting, I will send you a proposal outlining the scope of work, my fee, and deliverables. The first step is to develop an overall design for the house and involves us working together to understand your needs and review different design options. Once a design direction has been established, we begin developing it in more detail, fleshing out material choices, cabinetry, and fixtures. The next step is to produce the construction drawings needed to get the permit and for the contractor to build the project. I serve as your representative with the contractor during construction, answering questions, holding weekly site meetings, and observing progress.
Architectural fees vary depending on project scope. Custom homes and significant remodels require careful design and documentation. After an initial consultation, I can provide you with a proposal that describes my fee structure and what to expect.
A custom home may take several months for full design and documentation, while remodel timelines depend on the project’s complexity. Once the design direction is established, I can provide a schedule early in the process.
Yes, I have a short list of contractors that I recommend. It’s especially important to have a contractor with experience with Mid-Century Modern homes, as they present unique challenges.
I don’t recommend copying existing designs, and no client would really want that, since a new home should reflect the family’s needs. We design original homes that honor the movement’s clarity, structure, and connection to landscape while meeting contemporary standards.
Yes. I regularly remodel original Mid-Century homes, enhancing architectural features while improving comfort, performance, and livability. I don’t believe in a time-capsule approach; instead, I blend the best of today with the best of that time.
There was a shelf of Mid-Century architecture books at my childhood public library, and I checked out the book on Case Study houses (I loved the drawings) and Richard Neutra (I loved the quiet expansiveness of his spaces) over and over again. As an adult, I was able to buy one in West Seattle, and although it was not designed by a well-known architect, whoever built it was paying close attention to the work of those architects. The modesty of the design, with its open, flowing spaces, car-decking ceilings, and connection to the outdoors, makes me feel grateful every time I come home.