SHKS Architects

Washington Park Residence

Situated along a leafy avenue in Seattle’s Washington Park neighborhood, the home welcomes visitors though wrought iron gates into an entry court with stone pavers and native plantings. A roof with deep overhangs caps the stately home, while an earthly-hued stucco exterior blends the house in with its surroundings. Built in 1987, the house was purchased by a couple ready to transition from the home where they had raised their four boys, now adults. Their priorities had shifted from a plan that accommodated the whole family to an open home designed for entertaining and hosting guests.

A huge congratulations to Matt Hamel on receiving APT recognition from the Association for Preservation Technology International.

This honor recognizes Matt’s contributions to the preservation field and his dedication to the stewardship of historic places. The projects featured here represent just a few of the many efforts that helped earn this recognition, and reflect the collaboration of clients, communities, craftspeople, and project teams along the way.

We’re proud to celebrate this achievement and Matt’s ongoing work preserving places that connect us to our shared history!

Turns out sustainable transportation and competitive commute times are not mutually exclusive.

May is Bike Everywhere Month, and a few of our team members have been participating in rides, commutes, and everyday trips by bike throughout the month.

We’re glad to see our staff taking part in a community effort that promotes accessibility, sustainability, and a more connected urban experience!

If you’re curious about Bike Everywhere Month or want to learn how to participate, check out for rides, resources, and events happening around the region.

It’s almost Summer, and for those of you that have the “Should I live on a houseboat” dilemma like we do, here’s a past project we love:

An active retiree sought to downsize from their main residence to a smaller footprint and live more simply. SHKS Architects substantially renovated the existing structure to accommodate an active lifestyle and to take advantage of the proximity to the water, nature, skyline views, and daylight. The modest 850-square-foot living space employs design strategies to optimize a small space without sacrificing functionality or comfort. Spatial variety, flexible spaces, small and large openings, a restrained yet rich material palette, and custom furnishings activate the interior and support the owners desire to entertain, connect with nature, and relax.

The owner enjoyed the collaboration with builder, designer and craftsmen, and as the little house gradually unfolded it was evident character was abundant in the crafted details.

Spent time out of the office recently with building storage units to support their growing inventory.

Their work represents sustainability, equity, and community, keeping furniture in circulation and making it accessible to households that need it most. It’s a mission we’re glad to support.

If you’re interested in volunteering or donating, they’re doing meaningful work worth checking out - thank you for having us!

This residence is located in a City of Seattle Historic landmark building, designed by Frederick Anhalt and built in 1929. Ensuring that all original amenities remained, the remodel with SHKS restored a sense of harmony between the exterior character and the interior experience, while maintaining their connections to the past.

Awards: Home of Distinction, AIA Seattle Chapter & Seattle Magazine, 2022

Would you incorporate any of these changes in your home?

A quiet milestone, and an exciting beginning.
This week marked the soft opening of the Sequim Library—a project shaped by community, place, and a shared belief in the enduring value of public space.

Designed to welcome, adapt, and endure, the library is shaped by daylit spaces for reading, gathering, and everyday connection.

We look forward to seeing how the community makes it their own.

More soon!

Join us and for Happy Hour on Thursday October 23 from 5:30-7pm at our Fremont office! Details and RSVP link in bio. We hope to see you there!

# Preservation

Recently, we stepped away from our desks and rolled up our sleeves to help our friends at get their temporary space ready to serve our neighbors. While construction is underway at their home on N 45th – FamilyWorks will distribute food and provide services out of the old Stoneway Hardware location a few blocks away.
Once renovated, their space will provide a dignified shopping experience for patrons and support areas will equip staff with workspace needed to accomplish their mission of nourishing communities one family at a time.

The Association for Preservation Technology Northwest Chapter (), in partnership with the Historic Preservation Education Foundation (), is hosting a preservation workshop Saturday, September 20th at the Crown Hill Center in Seattle from 8:30am to 5pm on the planning and design of historic window retrofits.

SHKS’s Historic Architect, Matt Hamel, will join seven other experts and professionals to lead sessions that combine presentations with hands-on demonstrations. To learn more about session topics and to register, visit the link in our bio.