This renovation of an existing home in Renton, Washington, draws inspiration from Paul Hayden Kirk and the Northwest Modern tradition, responding to the Pacific Northwest climate through generous shelter and natural light.

Two large covered patios extend the living spaces outdoors. Inside, ceilings follow the roof slopes, creating taller, brighter rooms. Offset roof planes accommodate clerestory windows that bring daylight deeper into the home. Form follows light.

The site presented significant infrastructure challenges. Wetlands and a high water table prevented an upgrade to the existing septic system. A sewer easement was negotiated with the neighboring property owner, providing a path to connect the home to public sewer.

The original material palette paired gray Hardie siding with warm cedar and matte black metal fascia. During construction, the client and contractor revised the material selections, so the completed home shown in the photographs differs from the original renderings.

The project brings together architectural renewal and practical site solutions to improve the home’s livability and add value to the client’s investment.

Perched on a hilltop in Bellevue, this 5,000-square-foot residence enjoys expansive views across Lake Washington toward the Seattle skyline. What began as an interior renovation evolved into a comprehensive architectural transformation after the limitations of the existing low ceilings became apparent.

To create more generous interior volumes, both floors were reconfigured with higher ceilings. A new flat-roof drainage strategy maximized the available ceiling height while remaining within the limits established by the neighborhood HOA. The outdoor view deck and lower terrace were also redesigned, strengthening the relationship between the home’s interior spaces, landscape, and panoramic setting.

The interiors offer a contemporary interpretation of Asian design principles, expressed through spatial layering, framed views, rhythmic screens, and carefully integrated millwork. Pine and hemlock bring warmth and tactile depth, while large-format stone and porcelain surfaces provide a quiet, monolithic counterpoint. Upholstered walls and furnishings soften the architecture, and concealed linear LED lighting gives the rooms a subtle atmospheric glow.

Throughout the residence, circular openings, vertical wood screens, and continuous ceiling elements establish visual connections between spaces while preserving a sense of intimacy. The result is a cohesive home that feels serene, finely crafted, and deeply connected to its hilltop setting.

Our clients came to us with a clear vision: a 4,500 square foot home built around their life — warm, comfortable, and efficient, with two large four-legged companions very much part of the household and a future generation already in mind.

The design responds to the site from both directions. The street-facing elevation is composed for curb appeal and presence, while the rear opens generously toward the garden, where dining and living spaces spill outward to a large deck with outdoor dining space and fireside seating. The living experience is extended into the landscape and encourage year-round gathering.

Multiple roof configurations were studied before arriving at a pair of pitched roof forms that best respond to the Pacific Northwest climate. The twin gables efficiently shed rainwater and withstand the heavy debris from the mature trees surrounding the site, while concealed gutters maintain a clean and minimal architectural expression.

On the practical side, an oversized carport on the north end of the house provides full shelter for the clients' RV — a deliberate accommodation rather than an afterthought.

The project is currently in development.

A new project in Bellevue broke ground this July. It was originally designed by the acclaimed local firm Vandeventer + Carlander Architects, but after the founding partners retired in 2024, the client asked my firm to take over. Since then, I’ve led a series of key design revisions: reworking the interface between the house and the eastern garden, reconfiguring the bedroom areas, and—after a view corridor conflict arose during HOA review—redesigning the massing of the north wing.

A significant part of my contribution has been rebuilding the entire project in Revit, ensuring we have a precise and reliable model for construction. What began as a relatively light engagement has evolved into a much larger endeavor. One of the most rewarding aspects has been studying the details developed by the original architects—many likely informed by their earlier work with renowned local firms such as Olson Walker. Their design reflects the Pacific Northwest style at its best. While it’s not a language I would claim as my own, I deeply respect their craftsmanship and have appreciated the opportunity to learn from the design thinking of a previous generation.

The project is an eight-unit middle-housing development in Shoreline, Washington, arranged as two parallel rows of four attached townhomes. The project addresses the demand for well-designed infill housing in the greater Seattle area at a neighborhood-compatible scale.

Each unit is three stories, ranging from 1,550 to 1,630 square feet, with a garage and flexible bedroom on the ground floor, living, kitchen, and office on the second, and the primary suite and a secondary bedroom on the third. The stacked organization keeps the floor plate compact while providing the option for Unit Lot Subdivision, therefore clean title for each homeowner.

The exterior palette layers light and dark gray horizontal Hardie siding with vertical light wood siding, dark brown metal cladding, and large-format dark brown Hardie panels — a material strategy that provides tonal depth and articulates individual units within a coherent overall composition.

Situated in the quiet community of Brier, just north of Seattle, this home was designed to bring in abundant natural light and create an airy, welcoming atmosphere for its owners. At 4,300 square feet, the residence balances contemporary elegance with thoughtful functionality, offering a luxurious yet comfortable living experience.

A striking double-height atrium floods the interior with daylight, making every space feel bright and open. The home’s design carefully positions its northern wing to extend beyond the south, ensuring that the master bedroom enjoys maximum natural light throughout the day. Shed roofs with a subtle 1:12 slope enhance the contemporary aesthetic while effectively guiding water away. All large windows and glass sliding doors are protected by a 6 to 8-foot overhang that folds into the massing volume and speaks of a clean and minimal architectural language.

Inside, the home offers a luxurious kitchen, an inviting living room, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a powder room, and a spacious three-car garage. The exterior combines warm, wood-like weather resistance material with crisp white Hardie siding and matte black metal trim accent, creating a modern yet timeless look. Beneath the surface, energy efficiency is a priority, with continuous rigid insulation wrapping the conditioned spaces and a rain screen system ensuring durability.

Demolition began in January 2024, and thanks to a smooth permitting process completed in just two months and a fast-track design-build process, the homeowner’s vision was brought into reality in April 2025.

This 1,500sf addition in Bellevue includes a new master suite, garage, foyer/mud room, and converting the existing garage to a family room with vaulted ceiling. The last photo is the existing condition.

The master suite is on the second floor of the addition. The “frame” around the balcony and second story windows shield that facade from rain during the long raining season. The standing-seam metal facade re-uses the metal roof that was on the old garage.

The building permit was obtained in 2023 and the construction completed in 2024.

Located in the Briarcrest neighborhood of Shoreline, just east of Kellogg Middle School, this project transforms an existing single-family home through a carefully integrated two-story addition. The goal was to substantially expand the home’s livable space while maintaining a comfortable scale within its residential context.

The ground floor addition introduces a new two-car garage and a 372-square-foot living room that strengthens the connection between indoor living and the backyard. Above, the second floor adds a 667-square-foot primary suite designed as a private retreat, bringing light, openness, and long-term flexibility to the home.

A small outdoor deck and hot tub further extend the living experience outdoors. The project received full construction permit approval in December 2024.

This 4,700-square-foot home in Bellevue is designed around a courtyard house typology, creating a private sanctuary for the client in the densely populated 98006 area. At the heart of the home, a serene Japanese garden serves as the focal point, seamlessly connecting the Great Room, Dining, Kitchen, Master Suite, and In-Law Suite to nature. This layout not only enhances privacy but also brings natural light and tranquility into daily living.

From the outset, the client has been highly engaged in the design process. To ensure a smooth and cost-effective build, I advised bringing in a general contractor early for pre-construction involvement. This strategic decision allowed the client to compare multiple bids, ultimately selecting a well-regarded East Side builder who provided both quality and value. Through careful value engineering, we optimized costs by choosing durable yet economical Hardie siding for most of the exterior, with selective cedar accents for warmth and character. Structural streamlining and refined fenestration design further reduced costs—bringing the final estimate to less than half of the highest bid—without compromising the design integrity.

The courtyard house is a time-tested typology found in cultures worldwide, from the Machiya (町屋) of Japan to the Siheyuan (四合院) of China and the historic courtyard homes of Europe. This design approach is particularly well-suited for urban living in the U.S., offering a balance of openness and privacy, indoor-outdoor connection, and a peaceful retreat within the city. Now, with the design finalized and costs optimized, the construction started in early 2025.

To address the challenge posed by the housing crisis in the Pacific Northwest, we propose HOMI—HOme for Modular construction & Innovative living—as a practical and scalable solution. HOMI offers several key features:

- CNC-manufactured components: All major parts are precisely manufactured using CNC technology for high accuracy.

- Compact and transportable: All parts are designed to fit into a pickup truck or SUV for easy transport to the site.

- Simple assembly: The components can be handled by one person and assembled by two adults with minimal tools.

- Configuration flexibility: The system allows for various configurations, adapting to urban, suburban, and off-grid settings.

- Sustainable materials: The structure is primarily built from sustainable mass timber, including cross-laminated timber (CLT) and mass plywood panels (MPP).

- Off-grid capability: HOMI homes are energy-efficient, utilizing photovoltaic panels and wind turbines for self-sustaining electricity.

- Water recycling: The homes collect rainwater and recycle it as reusable gray water.

- Energy efficiency: High-efficiency insulation provided by products such as Kingspan© Low Embodied Carbon (LEC) roof and wall panels ensures superior thermal performance.

By manufacturing all components to precise dimensions in the factory, HOMI drastically reduces labor costs, which make up the majority of construction expenses. This enables homeowners to assemble the homes on site themselves, reducing both material and labor costs, while providing an affordable, sustainable housing solution.

Perched on the waterfront of Meydenbauer Bay, this Bellevue home is undergoing a thoughtful transformation to elevate its connection to the stunning surroundings. The homeowners envisioned a space that not only maximized their panoramic views but also provided a refined, high-quality living experience. We are honored to serve as the full-service architect on the project.

Navigating the complexities of steep slopes and shoreline critical areas, the project required a strategic and meticulous approach to secure approvals. The design expands the home’s footprint in the direction towards Lake Washington, introducing three carefully placed volumes that bring the outdoors in. A palette of durable, natural-looking materials—including wood-inspired finishes and a fiber cement rain screen—ensures longevity while complementing the waterfront setting.

With permit approvals secured in December 2024, the project is now in its construction preparation phase, bringing the homeowners one step closer to the reimagined home they envisioned.

For a homeowner with a passion for badminton and indoor entertainment, this residence is designed around a truly unique centerpiece—an indoor court that defines the home’s identity. More than just a place to play, the court becomes the heart of the design, inspiring a dramatic central atrium that shapes the entire living experience.

All other spaces—kitchen, dining, bedrooms, garage, and more—extend from this soaring core, creating a dynamic interplay between openness and privacy. Circulation on both levels flows around the atrium, reinforcing its presence as the home’s defining feature.

Spanning just over 6,000 square feet, the design maximizes the 35-foot height limit to create a sense of expansiveness. The exterior pairs high-end fiber cement panels in bold contrasts of dark gray and white, while inside, a refined palette of level 5, smooth finish gypsum walls, dark bronze metal accents, and warm timber finishes brings balance. Thoughtful lighting design enhances the home’s contemporary feel, ensuring that every space—whether for sport, relaxation, or gathering—feels both striking and inviting.

The permit of the building was approved in September 2025.

In 2022 I did the concept design of a 15,000sf commercial building to the north of Seattle. The form generation acknowledges the important intersection to the southwest corner of the site. A panelized modular facade system answers the need for maximizing the rental potential for all the floors by providing ample light to all corners of the interior. The facade design also helps breakdown the scale of the building so it will be a friendly addition to the urban environment. We will soon meet with the City to work on the approval process.

In Shoreline, our latest townhouse project boasts a five-unit design along a bustling thoroughfare, close to bus stops and the Sound Transit light rail. Considering the winter sun's angle and views across the street, I strategically rotated the building's south-facing façade by 16.3 degrees towards the east. This shift not only amplifies sunlight intake but also enhances privacy, and injecting a dynamic building form.

Each unit provides 1200 to 1300 sq. ft. of conditioned space, featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a powder room. Additionally, a single-car garage provides indoor parking at the ground floor of every unit.

The façade exudes sophistication, blending stagger-patterned high-end fiber cement tiles, sleek metal panels, accents of cedar siding, and crisp white fenestration trims.

This project is work in progress.

To address the upcoming demand for the missing middle housing, we developed the design for this high-end townhouse project nestled within the vibrant City of Shoreline. Boasting nearly 2,200 sf of living area and a spacious 550sf of two-car garage, each unit features a master suite, three bedrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen, an expansive living room, and a versatile bonus room. These townhouses meet the popular demand of the local market.

While the floor plan is optimized for efficiency and comfort, the bespoke façade speaks of the epitome of contemporary architecture, harmoniously blends AEP Span©’s exquisite corrugated metal panels with the timeless allure of Swisspearl© fiber cement tile, and the warm and welcoming thermally-treated timber. The use of materials emphasize durability while providing a boutique ambiance that captivate the viewer’s imagination.

The homeowners can step onto their private balconies on the second and third floors, or ascend to the relaxation on their exclusive rooftop deck. These enchanting outdoor sanctuaries offer boundless opportunities to bask in the beauty of nature, creating the perfect backdrop for memorable gatherings or cherished moments of solitude.

For the subdivision and house design at the beautiful and idyllic Duvall property, we are able to subdivide the lot into 15 smaller lots, each of which occupied by a single family residence. For the house design on Lot 6, the concept provides the following features especially mindful of the regional characters of the Pacific Northwest:

1. Sheltered outdoor space on the ground level. The upper level of the house acts as an umbrella and shield the outdoor space from rain during the long and damp winter.

2. Eaves that protect the large window walls from the rain, yet integrated into the overall massing of the house to create a sculptural form.

3. Sloped roofs that guide water effectively away and reduce the need for maintenance.

4. Facing the window walls toward the west, where the view of the Cherry Valley is unfolded.

All major programs, including two bedroom suites, the kitchen and dining room, and the living room are all placed on the upper floor, which connects to the main entrance on the east. Because this house might one day become a retirement home, this arrangement minimizes its occupants’ need to move up and downstairs. As the terrain drops toward the west, the lower level, which contains the garage, back-of-house functions, and the outdoor terrace are revealed. Therefore the house looks like a rambler from the east and a two-story building from the west.

The exterior of the house is cladded with corten steel, a material that weathers gracefully with the lapse of time. The natural look helps the building to blend into the landscape surrounding. The “softer” interior of the house is made of cedar wall surfaces and oak floors. The dark metal trims and window surrounds supplement the palette with a heavier accent.

The house is about 3,500sf in gross floor area and 2,500 in net floor area.

A lakeside mansion that we designed in Everett, WA. Totaling 8,000SF, the house has two stories above-grade and a basement. The exterior material composition is mainly consisted of white stucco walls, while the master suite and children bedrooms are highlighted with cedar wood sidings. The main entrance is signified with zinc metal panels. Because the public road is to the north and an apartment building is to the east, the windows facing these directions are screened with wood louvers for privacy. The south-facing double-height great room takes in the splendid view of the lake through storefront-style large glass-pane window walls. The master suite has a balcony facing the lake. A wood-paved deck and an infinity pool on the south side of the house maximize the best indoor-outdoor living experience to the residents. The sloped roofs and vaulted ceilings in the bedrooms spaces provide extraordinary ceiling heights. The project obtained the building permit in April 2022, and the construction began in August of the same year.

A 2,000sf single family house remodel in Shoreline, WA. The design centers around the living room which is the focal point of the family life. The walls of the original kitchen and bedroom which occupied the space were removed, as well as the drop-ceiling. We framed a vaulted ceiling with exposed collar ties to enhance the ceiling height and create a more airy and brighter space. Extra light is allowed in by three 2’x4’ skylights. The entry is moved from facing the street to facing the driveway for increased privacy.

The interior design has a touch of the Japandi style, a combination of the Scandinavian functionalism and Japanese rustic minimalism. The engineered wood floor, wood veneered kitchen wall cabinets and the exposed collar tie beams in the living room all speak to the soft and organic nature of the home. All kitchen hardwares and fixtures are accented in brushed nickel. All bathrooms are covered with large cement-style floor and wall tiles, while all fixtures and hardwares are accented in black.

The courtyard space is decked with composite pavers and protected from the weather by a cedar roof. All living spaces — the living room, bedroom quarter, and the garage — all open to the courtyard. The exterior of the living room is cladded in cedar wood sidings, and roofed with a black standing seam metal roof. The bedroom quarter and the garage’s exteriors are cladded in dark-brown Hardie planks.

More photos will be available after the landscaping is finished.

We pay the utmost attention to design quality for projects big and small, including this 950sf DADU conversion in Shoreline, WA. The structure was originally a very tall, single story garage. We designed it into a detached ADU with 3 bedrooms, 1 kitchen and 2 bathrooms. The energy code requires it to be treated as a new construction, therefore the insulation introduced around the entire building envelope. The mezz level presents a “tree house” concept, adding some fun on top of the practicality. It will bring our client extra cash flow as a little but nice rental property.

The design of a major addition to an existing Tudor villa in Duvall, WA. The house is situated on a 4.7-acre parcel with numerous beautiful trees and vegetated landscape, and has been used as an airbnb and wedding venue. The client’s original goal is to add a master suite on top of the existing kitchen for her own use. My solution is to demarcate the site into two programs: a private section on the west and a public section on the east. The private section includes the new master suite, a meditation/tea room, an indoor jacuzzi, and a private zen garden. The public section includes a grand stair that acts as a podium for wedding ceremonies, amphitheater sitting, and an existing barn repurposed as a food and beverage venue.

A 12,000 SF, three-story speculative house. The roof form is inspired by the mountains in the surroundings. The clerestory windows between the walls and ceilings allow in plenty of lights that help to illuminate the interior of the building. The exterior material palette consists of white stucco walls, blacked steel frames, nanawall and wood soffit.

An addition project north of Seattle. The client wanted a new addition on top of the existing garage to provide two bedrooms, an office, and a bathroom, but prefers the addition to be in the same style as the original house, with gable roof etc. So I played with the finish material to give it a Nordic Modern look. The project obtained its building permit in April 2022.

Our recent design for a duplex in Shoreline WA contains two 3B2B units. The first image is my preferred option, and the second is the client’s preferred option. The client prefers this option because it is perceived as “more economic” to build. I agree that given this is an investment property, every penny should be saved if possible. On the other hand, my preferred option, with its criss cross roof and louvre on the side of the stair, is visually more interesting. The point here is for investment properties, or actually for all projects, we need a balance between economics and design. Sometimes some wise choices jointly made by the client and architect will yield a better design with little or minimal cost increase. Way to go! And as always, thanks to my client for giving me this opportunity to work on this project.

A three-level, steel and light-gauge construction of 2,500 square feet in total (incld. the basement). Exterior concrete and stone panels anchor the building to the ground, while wood decking provides outdoor space that takes in the view of the forested surroundings.

A 1,700 square feet, two-level house that provides an exclusive and quiet oasis in an urban setting.

With a composition made of three staggering boxes, this 1,900 square feet house takes in the view of the surroundings on the second floor. The stone-cladded chimney also acts a structural support for the cantilevered second level.

A detached ADU in the Seattle suburb, where two existing structures are improved with sloped metal roof decking and wood exterior cladding, and joined into an atrium space, from which a playful tree house soars into the air.