ON THE BOARDS
Walla Walla Winery & Tasting Room
Transforming an existing agricultural building in Walla Walla County into a boutique winery and tasting room, this project is for a new producer focusing on Italian varietals. The design is adaptable to the changing needs of the tasting room while meeting all functional and technical demands of the production area.
To create a balanced atmosphere, we use a neutral palette of plaster walls and polished concrete floors, complemented by warm touches from wood ceilings and furniture. For a cozy vibe, smaller light fixtures replace a more extensive lighting scheme, strategically placed throughout the space. These fixtures either hang from the wood slat ceiling or are mounted on adjustable arms from the walls, accommodating various seating arrangements.
On the building’s exterior, a heavy timber trellis with shade fabric extends from the north side, providing a lovely outdoor seating area for warmer days.
Orcas Island Yoga Studio / Guest Room
Currently under construction, this project transforms an existing garage on a rural property in the San Juan Islands into a versatile live-work space that functions as a home office, yoga studio, and guest suite.
Given the compact footprint of the original structure, the design prioritizes adaptability and efficiency. A custom casework wall serves as a multifunctional storage solution, seamlessly integrating workspace essentials, yoga props, and household necessities while concealing a pull-down Murphy bed for overnight guests.
To enhance comfort and flexibility, cork floor tiles provide a warm, resilient surface suitable for both work and movement-based activities. The material palette balances natural textures with refined details—handmade Heath tiles, white oak shelving, and base cabinetry create an understated yet sophisticated backdrop for video calls and daily use. A Noguchi lamp adds a sculptural lighting element, casting a soft, ambient glow throughout the space.
A newly introduced trellis at the building’s entrance provides solar shading while visually framing the approach. This element not only mitigates solar heat gain but also enhances the transition between the surrounding landscape and the repurposed interior.
By preserving the existing structure and focusing on thoughtful material choices, this project celebrates the intersection of functionality and serenity, offering a retreat that supports both work and well-being.
West Seattle Brewery Pavilion
This outdoor, all-season patio for a popular West Seattle brewery is set to dramatically expand the seating capacity to more than twice its current size, providing ample space for all guests. The design features a sawtooth roof that helps to break down the scale of the structure through the use of repeating timber modules. These work together to create a unique and memorable identity that stands out distinctively from the nearby retail spaces that surround it. Clear polycarbonate panels on the upper vertical surfaces invite an abundance of natural daylight into the area, while opaque sloped panels overhead ensure shade and comfort for the guests enjoying their time below.
San Juan Islands Sauna
We’ve been engaged by a repeat client to develop a prototype sauna that adheres to the rigorous standards of traditional Finnish sauna design. This project is rooted in a deep respect for time-honored sauna principles while embracing modern construction methods to achieve precision, efficiency, and transportability.
The design process was driven by a set of strict geometrical, functional, and technical requirements, each playing a crucial role in shaping the sauna’s proportions, seating configurations, and the strategic placement of key elements such as the heater, windows, and entry points. The client’s vision extended beyond spatial optimization; they sought a solution that could be prefabricated and efficiently transported via flatbed truck to its final destination. This constraint necessitated a careful study of modularity, joinery, and assembly techniques, ensuring that every component could be fabricated off-site without compromising craftsmanship or authenticity.
A compact entry vestibule precedes the main sauna space, serving a dual purpose: minimizing heat loss and providing a sheltered transition zone where users can comfortably change before entering the sauna. This intermediary space enhances thermal performance while reinforcing the experiential sequence of moving from the exterior environment into the warmth of the sauna.
One of the most critical aspects of the design development was the exterior façade treatment. We explored a range of material approaches, balancing contextual sensitivity with the potential for visual contrast. The intent was to craft a façade that could either blend harmoniously with its surroundings or stand as a distinct sculptural object, depending on the setting. To elevate the sauna beyond conventional prefabricated models, we emphasized a textured, detail-rich façade that introduces a refined scale of craft and material articulation. This level of detail ensures a tactile and visually engaging surface, differentiating the sauna from the mass-market alternatives while reinforcing its architectural integrity.
Ultimately, this prototype embodies a fusion of tradition and innovation, offering a transportable yet highly considered sauna experience that remains deeply connected to its Finnish heritage.
Woodinville Wine Tasting Room
This boutique 1,300-square-foot tasting room at The Yard at Harvest in Woodinville, WA, offers a warm and sophisticated ambiance that blends modern minimalism with rich materiality. At the heart of the design is a 16-foot monolithic white oak tasting bar, its clean lines and natural finish creating a welcoming focal point for guests. The bar is complemented by brass pendant lighting that casts a warm glow, enhancing the richness of the wood.
Behind the bar, a curated display of wine bottles is set against a backdrop of handmade textured tile and brass-accented shelving. A glass-enclosed private cellar beyond provides both a functional wine storage space and an elegant visual feature, inviting guests to admire the selection.
On either side of the bar, arched doorways lead to intimate seating areas bathed in natural light. Large steel-framed windows and exterior doors wrap around the space, creating a seamless connection between indoors and out. The natural light highlights the material palette of warm woods, brushed brass, and neutral tones, fostering an inviting atmosphere. The space encourages guests to linger, sip, and enjoy a refined yet relaxed wine-tasting experience.
