Architect Charles A. Marsh Jr. and builder Tom Paulsen crafted the Alden Mason House in 1958 as a Northwest Mid-Century Modern retreat. Nestled among trees beside a gentle creek near Lake Washington, this “treehouse” remains within Seattle’s city limits. Painter Alden Mason designed the home to reflect his deep reverence for nature.
Perched on a forested hillside above a shallow bay in the San Juan Islands, the Henry Island Guesthouse offers a compact, thoughtfully designed escape. By responding to the site’s rugged terrain, reusing materials from the main residence, and prioritizing a seamless connection to the landscape
Nestled on the windswept western shore of Orcas Island, the Deer Harbor Retreat reimagines an aging compound of home, guest quarters, studio, and garage into a luminous island retreat. By carving a bold central incision through the existing structure, the design not only reshapes how residents enter their home but also forges stronger ties to the surrounding landscape of water, forest, and sky.
J.G. Whittier Apartments brings a fresh vision to Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, marrying the rugged beauty of eastern Washington’s geology with thoughtful, community-focused design. Moreover, this four-story, 54-unit mixed‑use development features nature-inspired forms, high-quality materials, and an array of amenities that foster connection, wellness, and sustainability—all framed by sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier.
Discovery Bay House by Dekleva Gregorič Architects sits lightly in the Pacific Northwest, where Douglas fir beams form a clear, orthogonal grid. From the moment you step inside, the warm wood structure greets you. Sunlight filters through diagonal windows, carving shifting patterns on birch plywood walls.
Perched high above a sunlit meadow, Whidbey Uparati embodies the art of blending into its natural surroundings instead of imposing upon them. This contemporary family retreat is designed as a sanctuary for meditation, bonding, and the pursuit of “uparati”—meaning “stillness” in Sanskrit.
Whidbey Puzzle Prefab demonstrates how smart design can minimize environmental impact while fostering health, flexibility, and a deep connection to nature. This innovative prototype packs 600 square feet of thoughtfully arranged interior living space alongside 557 square feet of covered outdoor decks—all in a footprint one‑quarter the size of the average American home.
The In‑Kind House by GO’C transforms a modest 1950s foundation into a bright, nature‑connected retreat without increasing its footprint. Rather than adding square footage, the design delivers “just enough” space to meet the client’s needs—no more, no less—while repairing a poorly laid‑out original home.
