Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Port Townsend, WA
Terrapin Architecture was founded in 1997 by Richard Berg, a licensed architect with over four decades of experience in residential and commercial design. Our firm specializes in creating buildings that harmonize with their natural surroundings while prioritizing energy efficiency and functional aesthetics. We employ time-tested design principles including Feng Shui integration and Passive House-certified methodologies to deliver spaces that enhance quality of life.With a focus on client collaboration, we translate individual inspirations into tailored architectural solutions. Our team combines expertise in historic preservation, timber-framing, and modern construction techniques to serve diverse project needs across the Pacific Northwest.
Services
Architectural Design
Structural Design
Neighborhood Planning
Commercial Projects
New Residences
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of architectural experience with historic and modern designs
- Our team includes Passive House-certified energy efficiency experts
- We prioritize client collaboration throughout the design process
- Specialized expertise in Olympic Peninsula environmental integration
- Proven track record with complex timber-framing and preservation projects
Associations and certifications
- Passive House Institute
Services
Architectural Design
Terrapin Architecture creates custom designs integrating site-specific features and client preferences. Our approach combines energy efficiency with aesthetic appeal, using both traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. We specialize in translating client inspirations into functional spaces that maintain structural integrity and environmental harmony.
Neighborhood Planning
Our neighborhood planning services focus on creating cohesive, sustainable communities that respect local character. We develop master plans balancing modern needs with historic preservation, ensuring walkability and environmental stewardship. Projects include mixed-use developments and historic district revitalization across the Olympic Peninsula.
Commercial Projects
We design commercial spaces that optimize functionality while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Our portfolio includes medical offices, farm-to-table facilities, and adaptive reuse projects. Each design incorporates energy-efficient systems and materials tailored to business needs while complying with local building codes and accessibility standards.
New Residences
Terrapin Architecture specializes in custom residential projects from modern stucco homes to timber-framed retreats. We create energy-efficient living spaces that integrate with natural surroundings, offering floor plans optimized for family needs. Our designs balance contemporary comforts with sustainable building practices and local architectural traditions.
Structural Design
Our structural design services ensure buildings meet safety requirements while maintaining design integrity. We specialize in complex timber-framing systems and seismic retrofitting. The team applies advanced engineering principles to both residential and commercial projects, ensuring durability and compliance with Washington State building codes.
People
Richard Berg
Architect & Founder
Licensed architect with 40+ years experience, specializing in sustainable design. MIT graduate and former MIT teaching assistant. Expert in timber-framing and historic preservation. Serves on Port Townsend's Historic Preservation Committee.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-service architectural design, neighborhood planning, structural engineering, and project management for residential and commercial buildings.
Do you specialize in specific building types?
We focus on custom homes, commercial buildings, and mixed-use developments with expertise in timber-framing and historic preservation.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
We use Passive House-certified methodologies, energy modeling, and locally-sourced materials to create energy-efficient buildings that minimize environmental impact.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily Port Townsend and the Olympic Peninsula, with select projects across Western Washington and occasional international commissions.
How much do your services cost?
Fees vary by project scope. We provide customized estimates after initial consultation to match your specific design and budget requirements.
