Business Details
Sustainable Residential Architecture & Design in Seattle
Whitney Architecture, based in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood, is a small yet dynamic firm with a four-person team dedicated to residential architecture and planning across the Pacific Northwest. Our approach prioritizes collaboration, guiding clients through every phase of their projects while embracing their ideas to transform aspirations into functional, enduring spaces. With expertise in sustainable design, including Certified Passive House Consultants on staff, we integrate energy-efficient principles like Passive House, Built Green, and LEED into every project. We emphasize quality design regardless of scope, ensuring longevity, functionality, and budget alignment.Our processfrom preliminary design to construction documentationfocuses on client participation, iterative refinement, and technical precision. Recognizing the non-linear nature of architectural design, we maintain flexibility to adapt ideas while upholding a commitment to respectful client relationships. Our work spans modern, northwest-style, and eco-conscious residences, reflecting a philosophy that rejects stylistic preconceptions in favor of limitless project potential.
Services
Residential Design
Passive House Certification
Construction Documentation
Sustainable Architecture
Project Permitting
Highlights and features
- We specialize in Certified Passive House design for maximum energy efficiency
- Our team provides hands-on guidance through all project phases
- We prioritize client collaboration and iterative design refinement
- We integrate LEED and Built Green sustainability principles
- Our process balances creative freedom with technical precision
Services
Residential Design
Custom residential architecture services creating functional, aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Our team collaborates directly with homeowners to develop site-specific designs that maximize natural light and energy efficiency while maintaining structural integrity. We specialize in modern interpretations of northwest architectural traditions.
Passive House Certification
Design and certification services meeting international Passive House standards. We implement super-insulated envelopes, high-performance windows, and heat-recovery ventilation systems to achieve 90% reductions in heating energy consumption while maintaining indoor air quality and comfort.
Construction Documentation
Comprehensive technical documentation for permitting and construction. Our detailed plans include architectural drawings, material specifications, and structural calculations ensuring accurate project execution while maintaining compliance with local building codes and zoning regulations.
Sustainable Architecture
Environmentally conscious design integrating LEED, Built Green, and Passive House principles. We optimize building orientation, specify sustainable materials, and implement water conservation systems to create low-impact residences that reduce long-term environmental footprints while enhancing occupant well-being.
Project Permitting
End-to-end permitting assistance navigating municipal requirements. Our team prepares submittal packages, coordinates with local authorities, and addresses code compliance issues to streamline approval processes for residential new builds and renovation projects in Seattle and surrounding areas.
People
Paul Whitney
Principal
Licensed architect with 20+ years of Pacific Northwest residential design experience. Leads project vision and client relations while maintaining oversight of all technical documentation and construction phases.
Amy Kastelin
Office Manager
Manages firm operations and client communications with 15 years of architectural administration experience. Coordinates project timelines and maintains organizational efficiency across concurrent residential developments.
Leslie Lane
Project Architect
Certified Passive House Consultant specializing in energy-efficient residential design. Leads sustainable project development and technical implementation of high-performance building systems.
Mirta Villaran
Project Architect
Residential design specialist with expertise in modern northwest architecture. Focuses on spatial optimization and material selection to create functional, aesthetically cohesive living environments.
Questions
What architectural services does Whitney Architecture offer?
We provide full-service residential architecture including design, permitting, construction documentation, and Passive House-certified sustainable design across the Pacific Northwest.
How does Whitney Architecture approach sustainable design?
We incorporate Passive House standards, LEED principles, and Built Green certifications into all projects, focusing on energy efficiency through super-insulation, airtight construction, and passive solar strategies.
What is the design process timeline?
Projects typically follow five phases: preliminary design, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and permitting, with timelines varying by project complexity.
Do you work on both new constructions and remodels?
Yes, we handle new residential builds, eco-villages, and high-efficiency remodels, including historic preservation projects maintaining northwest architectural character.
How are construction costs managed?
We maintain strict budget alignment through value engineering, material selection guidance, and phased cost analysis during the design development process.
What makes Passive House design unique?
Passive House construction reduces heating energy use by 90% through ultra-efficient windows, thermal bridging elimination, and heat-recovery ventilation systems.
