Known for being bordered by the sea, mountains, and evergreen trees, Washington’s largest city, Seattle, is home to unrivaled spaces ideal for residency. For more than three decades, the city has promoted housing for more than one family, with multifamily construction accounting for the overwhelming majority of its residential units. In Seattle, you can be guaranteed to find architecture that integrates and develops an experience that sustains and responds to local needs. And the city is brimming with architects eager to turn your idea into a reality. To assist you in making your decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best Multifamily Architects in Seattle, Washington. We’ve also included the services the companies provide, their specialities, and how long they’ve been in the industry.
Jackson | Main Architecture
311 1st Avenue, South Seattle, WA 98104
Jackson | Main Architecture (JMA) has been one of the most prominent multifamily designers in the Northwest. Since 2015, the firm has been providing a one-of-a-kind experience with designs that prioritize client goals and end user demands. With many podium-style multifamily projects in Seattle and the greater Northwest, JMA is well versed in all aspects of the design, permitting and construction processes.
The firm aspires to build integrated urban communities which connect living, working, recreation, and transportation for better engagement with the environment and others. A remarkable structure that follows this approach is the multifamily project, Alexan Central Park. The project provides 193 apartments and retail space to Redmond’s Downtown Park. Unique uses of public and private open space create a comfortable experience for residents while enhancing the surrounding community.
Caron Architecture
801 Blanchard St. Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98121
Caron Architecture is a well-known full-service architecture company that delivers beautiful yet straightforward designs for national and international clients. The firm’s experience in design and land-use planning dating back to 2002 enables it to provide efficient project delivery culminating in distinctive and appealing design solutions. Spearheaded by CEO and Founder Radim Blazej, Caron offers a unique outlook to each of its initiatives by valuing the diversity of its dedicated, skilled team and its varied cultural experiences.
Caron’s comprehensive portfolio showcases its range of designs from multifamily and high-rise & hotels to residential and commercial establishments. In the multifamily industry, the firm is currently working on a remarkable project: The 8 Tower. The 8 Tower, located in the Denny Triangle area, will be Seattle’s newest high-rise residential structure, setting the bar for luxury and style. The project will contain around 300 upscale condominiums, including urban studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms, and penthouse apartments. The tower’s unique form and sculpted roofline will make it a prominent landmark in Seattle’s growing urban core— strengthening the firm’s philosophy: exceeding client expectations.
ARC Architects
119 S. Main St. Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98104
ARC Architects has been one of Seattle’s partners in affordable multifamily housings for 45 years. ARC has been offering consistent, quality architectural design services to clients in the public, private, and non-profit industries. Under the leadership of Washington’s Registered Architect since 2010, Jeff Wandasiewicz ensures that the firm’s designs resonate and advance the narrative at the core of each project. By emphasizing relationships, Jeff’s team of skilled designers work hand-in-hand with their clients to develop structures that meet their goals and exceed expectations.
ARC’s portfolio demonstrates the creativity of the firm that has been practicing sustainability long before the term became popular. The firm is also dedicated to fulfilling the demands of affordable housing by creating structures that are simple to construct, blend in with their surroundings, and are welcoming and safe. The Rose Crests Apartment is a prime example of ARC’s innovative multifamily buildings. The project is a modest multifamily housing development in Issaquah’s Talus neighborhood. The 3- and 4-story façades’ residential materiality and cool hues fit nicely with the neighboring market-rate housing. Rose Crest is made up of 51 stacked apartments separated among 5 buildings, several of which have views of the mountains.
Cone Architects
1319 N. 49th St., Seattle, WA 98103
Cone Architecture is a Seattle-based architecture and planning firm that specializes in self-driven concepts for the urban setting. Founded in 2015, the company was built on a core group of people committed to having a substantial effect on the development of urban housing. Tim Carter, Jamie Tengel, and Greg Squires lead the firm with a collaborative practice— one that is rooted mainly in the firm’s values. Together, they build designs with a uniqueness that can endure the test of time while always looking for chances to develop techniques that integrate relevancy and responsiveness.
14th & Spring is one of the firm’s notable designs that incorporates functional and one-of-a-kind design solutions. Taking influences from the neighborhood’s century-long heritage of craftsman residential houses, this project features cornices, lap siding, and window trim while also incorporating modern features such as floor-to-ceiling glass and open roof decks. This half-block of twenty-six townhouses, situated on the south boundary of the booming Pike/Pine district, attempts to strike a balance between conventional craftsmanship and modern form.
PUBLIC47 Architects LLC
232 7th Ave. North Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98109
PUBLIC47 Architects LLC is a Seattle, Washington-based architecture practice. The firm’s name “PUBLIC47” alludes to its interest in site-specificity— Seattle is positioned on the 47th parallel —as well as its view that architecture of all scales should have a beneficial impact on its surroundings. At the helm of this firm are principals Jeff Boone, Scot Carr, and Kevin Tabari who aims to establish spaces that are realistic, beautiful, and long-lasting. With over 9 years in the industry, PUBLIC47 has been designing structures that are efficient, captivating, and attractive.
Ranging from commercial and civic structures to adaptive reuse and multifamily projects, PUBLIC47 has consistently created innovative, forward-thinking, and well-thought-out designs. Among the remarkable structures the firm has designed, the Henry Apartments stands out. The 100-unit apartment complex is located at the crossroads of commercial and multifamily zones. The design attempts to bridge the gap between the light-industrial nature of the structures to the north and east and the residential style of the structures to the south and west. The Henry Apartments was an honorable mention in the 2017 Seattle AIA Awards.
Encore Architects
1402 Third Avenue Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98101
Established in 2015, Seattle-based architectural firm Encore Architects has worked on numerous multifamily projects across Washington. Throughout the years, the firm has trained and developed a team of experienced architects that serve a long-standing client community and are guided by loyalty, cooperation, and responsibility. The team has an average of 18 years of industry experience, backed up by a lifelong curiosity.
One of the principals leading the firm is Christine Hatcher, a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for Building Design and Construction (LEED BD+C). Her significant knowledge and expertise in architecture have contributed to the firm’s success in delivering fundamentally functional and sleek designs that meet client objectives.
Encore’s portfolio reflects the firm’s expertise on multifamily projects, which are directed with responsiveness, sincerity, and transparency. The LEED Gold project, Axle Apartments, is one of the many structures that embody these values. Axle Apartments recreates the transitional area in the Interbay Neighborhood as a new place to call home. As the prominent display of many established communities, the project provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for affordable housing in Seattle, at a pivotal moment in Interbay’s development.
b9 architects
610 2nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
With 20 years in the industry, b9 architects has become a renowned architectural and design firm in Seattle. Centered on bringing about positive change in the urban environment via creative place-specific modern architecture, b9 architects’ completed works include urban single- and multi-family housing developments, live-work residences, and commercial interiors that support sustainable, transit-oriented, walkable communities.
With a Master of Architecture from Harvard University and member of several AIA Seattle Boards and Task Forces, including Past President of the Board of Directors, Bradley Khouri leads the practice. By advocating for policies that encourage equitable urban policies focused on density and sustainability, the firm has received the 2016 Green Builder Home of the Year Award. It is also a member of 1 Percent For the Planet, contributing a minimum of 1% of gross earnings to environmental groups. b9 has been acknowledged for its creativity, design quality, and dedication to sustainability through articles, media interviews, and accolades.
One of its sustainable multifamily projects is Solhaus, located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood in Seattle. Ten townhouse units connected by a shared courtyard, Solhaus is designed to achieve a high level of energy performance. Employing continuous exterior insulation, high performance windows, air sealing, and a heat-recovery ventilation system, Solhaus was designed to the Passive House energy standard. In addition to sustainability, the project celebrates community by opening units into the shared space via entry doors, and roll up garage doors from living rooms, softening the boundary between outdoor and indoor spaces. Private amenity spaces are also provided via decks and roof decks. The project steps up from 12th Avenue E to maximize access to natural daylight and provide views to the west for all units. Bradley Khouri was a partner in the development of Solhaus, a collaboration with Cascade Built, a local leader in sustainable development and construction.
Bumgardner Architects
2111 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121
Bumgardner is a widely respected, award-winning architectural and design firm specializing in developing all of the constructed components that contribute to excellent communities. Bumgardner emphasizes residential, retail, and hospitality work by building over 1,000 units now in the industry or under development. Anchored by 40 years of professional experience, the firm offers innovative and award-winning solutions to challenges of sustainability, affordability, human connection, and place identity.
Principal Mark Simpson (AIA) encourages team members and clients to work closely together to grasp the project objectives fully. The portfolio of the firm reflects a shared purpose, ideals, and dedication to teamwork. The firm examines design alternatives that grow from simple thoughts into innovative structures. The Colina project is one of Bumgardner’s sustainable structures that define space in unconventional ways.
Colina East and Colina West are two Bumgardner multifamily structures in Seattle’s Beacon Hill area. The two locations are connected by Beacon Avenue and the south Lander Festival Street, boosting the flourishing pedestrian experience currently existing on Beacon Hill. The residential layouts in the 6-story mixed-use buildings range from studios to one and two bedrooms. Rooftop facilities with views of downtown and Mt. Rainier are available to residents. This project is also pursuing LEED Gold certification.
Grouparchitect
1735 Westlake Ave N. #200, Seattle, WA 98109
Grouparchitect was established in 2003 with the intention of setting a good example as designers and as people. Since then, the firm has grown into a forward-thinking and professional architectural firm dedicated to attaining design excellence in all of its projects. Its principal, Brain Palidar, is a member of the AIA and a Certified Sustainable Building Adviser (CSBA). He ensures that the firm’s team of designers and architects combine every knowledge with creativity to make each project the best it can be. The firm’s unique designs have allowed it to become a five-time recipient of the Best of Houzz Award. Grouparchitect has also been featured in the Architizer, HomeDGSN, and e-architect.
Grouparchitects excels in environmentally sustainable solutions for housing projects of all sizes and types, ranging from modest residential remodels to town houses to multifamily and mixed-use complexes. One of its relatively new sustainable projects is the Vale Apartments. The style of the building emphasizes the site’s long, linear character, with ground level loft units and individual patios, as well as wide open space bordering the Trail. The Vale prioritizes clean energy and sustainability. and it promotes resident cooperation by offering biodegradable dish soap and other basic environmentally sustainable goods. The project also aims to achieve National Green Building Standards certification.
Johnston Architects LLC
100 NE Northlake Way Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98105
Johnston Architects (JA) was founded in 1991 with the aim to produce great architecture via thoughtful, conscientious, and sustainable design. JA has grown from two designers in 1991 to over 30 people today, establishing itself as a leading Pacific Northwest design business and an emerging pioneer in firm practice. With over 30 years running in the industry, the firm has become well-known for their company culture, featured in publications like the Seattle Business Magazine and Bizwomen. Their civic architecture has earned them AIA Seattle, AIA Northwest & Pacific Region, and AIA National Honor Awards, while their multifamily and mixed-use projects have been recognized with AIA, ASHRAE, Futurewise, and Green Hammer Awards.
One of JA’s leaders is partner Megan McKay, LEED AP, who joined the firm in 2006. With over 15 years of professional experience in numerous project types, she has emerged as a specialist in mixed-use and multifamily housing projects, recognized by clients for her expertise in navigating Seattle’s complicated entitlements process. Bryant Heights is a prime example of one of the firm’s remarkable multifamily developments. The contemporary project restores the area by easing the transition from the lively commercial nature of NE 65th Street to the dense single-family neighborhood beyond. By incorporating itself into the environment and community, the 28 condominiums, eight live-work apartments, and 6,500 SF of commercial space blend harmoniously with their environment.
GGLO Design
1301 First Avenue Suite 301, Seattle, WA 98101
Founded in 1986, GGLO has long been an integrated design firm that serves clients all over the world with architecture, urban planning, interior design, and landscape architecture. Beth Dwyer, a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) with LEED for Building Design and Construction (LEED BD+C) accreditation, helps pilot the firm to exceed client expectations— enough to be awarded ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms of 2021. Beth and the team overlay a variety of applications to create real experiences. The firm approaches projects from the inside out and the outside in, in order to create design solutions that create spaces that connect people through beauty and innovation.
The firm has extensive expertise in designing sustainable mixed-use, market-rate, and senior housing, hospitality, university environments, tall structures, affordable housing, parks, and open spaces and commercial office projects. An example of this is the multifamily structure, Alley 111. This multifamily project includes a completely integrated indoor-outdoor retail area with a highly adaptable layout that can be tailored to various visitor and user groups. The retail in the alley is intended to attract boutique, local shops to diversify Bellevue’s primarily suburban chain culture. Integrating the design principles of the ground floor up through the building, a flexible natural community area provides room for entertaining and reflecting. The project is currently certified with LEED Silver.
Urbal Architecture
1938 Fairview Ave. East Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98102
In the past 12 years, Urbal Architecture, PLLC has since evolved to become an award-winning architecture practice in Seattle’s Eastlake area. The firm’s progress has been a natural product of the talent it attracts, along with the quality and value it provides to its clients. Chad Lorentz, the company’s founding principal, has 10 years of expertise in residential design and enjoys creating homes at all scales for various sorts of clients. This passion has driven the firm to constantly innovate while under strict time constraints. The Seattle Times, Upstate Business Journal, and the Auburn Examiner are among the few that featured the firm’s progressive nature.
The firm’s extensive portfolio of residential projects has won it several awards including the 2020 Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park and the 2019 Merrill Gardens at Rockridge. By communicating effectively with its clients, Urbal has constructed remarkable structures since 2010— notably the Marvelle at Southcenter. This modern 7-story apartment complex is located in the heart of downtown Tukwila, in the Tukwila Urban Center and transit-oriented development area. The metropolitan setting provides people with easy access to neighboring restaurants, retail malls, and medical services.
Runberg Architecture Group
One Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98104
Photo by Michael Walmsley
Since its inception in 1998, Runberg Architecture Group has built a reputation for careful design that integrates every project’s particular social, economic, and environmental objectives. Founder Brian Runberg (AIA, NCARB) guarantees that the firm’s strategies balance such needs to construct sustainable structures. Runberg aims to develop spaces that attain this harmony for its clients and communities by addressing each project’s unique requirements and opportunities.
By using artistry and analytics, the firm has relied on extensive industry knowledge to design buildings that meet budget, time, and performance goals. Runberg also strives to understand the intangible aspects that contribute to creating spaces where people desire to be while preserving a feeling of place within a neighborhood setting. 2021 PCBC Gold Nugget Awards, 2021 ULI Americas Award of Excellence Finalist, 2021 NAHB Multifamily Pillars of the Industry, and the 2020 LEED Home Awards were given with respect to the firm’s approach.
Among the firm’s series of residential projects, the Century Apartments proves to be a design of excellence to its residents. The 9-story Century Apartments, located near Seattle Center, Denny Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, and downtown, is styled to optimize the pedestrian experience at grade. The balance of private, semi-public, and public green space gives relaxation from the urban environment’s harsh pavement and forms a comfortable barrier from high street traffic for homeowners.
ZGF Architects
925 Fourth Avenue Suite 2400, Seattle, WA 98104
As one of Seattle’s oldest running architectural and design firms, ZGF Architects has delivered innovative, authentic, and sustainable designs since 1942. Leslie Morison (Associate AIA) and Allyn Stellmacher (AIA, LEED AP) are some of the firm’s principals that hone the diverse and intricate designs featured in the BD+C Magazine’s 40 Under 40 List and Architect Magazine. Under their leadership, the firm has looked beyond technological solutions to include artistry, sensuality, and craftsmanship into everything it touches. As a result, ZGF Architects design buildings, build communities, make art, and generate responsive and compassionate settings for people of all ages.
Running for 79 years, the firm has a wide range that spans industries from healthcare and research facilities and academic buildings to mixed-use complexes and museums. With a practice of over 700 experts dispersed across six offices in the United States and Canada, the company combines a global perspective with a hands-on approach to execute excellent projects. In addition, the firm has a long history of working with cities, developers, and other clients to develop creative designs for highly sustainable structures where communities may work, learn, and live harmoniously.
The AMLI Arc Residential Tower is one of the LEED Gold projects that pushes the boundaries of sustainable design. ZGF supplied planning and design for 421,416 SF, a 41-story residential tower with 393 units, which is part of a larger 728,712-square-foot mixed-use complex in Seattle’s growing Denny Triangle area includes a 307,296-square-foot office tower for Amazon. The building incorporates significant daylighting, access to vistas, and planted streetscape enhancements to promote the tower’s link to the community and transparency. In addition, the interior design includes various textures, raw elements, and a rich palette inspired by the natural surroundings of the Pacific Northwest.
