4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com
30 Best Architecture and Design Firms in Seattle
These architecture firms are leading the way in Seattle and beyond.
These annual rankings were last updated on January 6, 2025. Want to see your firm on next year’s list? Continue reading for more on how you can improve your studio’s ranking.
Seattle, also known as the Emerald City — not the one in the Wizard of Oz but rather a nickname that speaks of the city’s breathtaking surrounding greenery — is considered one of the most futuristic cities in the United States. Starting as a humble timber town in the 19th century, post-industrial Seattle was violently destroyed after the 1889 Great Seattle Fire razed much of the downtown area. Following this pivotal event, Seattle underwent a rapid architectural rebirth. Architectural works such as John Graham’s Jr. Space Needle, OMA’s Seattle Library and Frank Gehry’s Museum of Pop Culture mark the West Coast city’s modern architectural history.
In addition, Seattle is a city that continually attracts some of the most visionary architectural projects, such as the Amazon Spheres — Amazon’s workspace housing an impressive range of plant species — not just through sustainable and technologically driven practices but also through socially invigorating designs. In recent years, the city has become a hotbed for mixed-use developments, seamlessly blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to create vibrant, livable communities.
With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in Seattle based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.
The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority:
Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of Seattle architecture firms throughout the year.
Without further ado, here are the 30 best architecture firms in Seattle:
30. Graphite Design Group
Graphite Design Group is a Seattle-based design firm recognized for crafting people-focused integrated environments that elegantly solve complex problems. Their diverse portfolio spans office, retail, hospitality and mixed-use typologies, serving a broad clientele from boutique retail spaces to $400M development projects. With a team of experienced architects and designers, Graphite Design Group seamlessly blends creativity with functionality, consistently delivering bespoke designs that surpass expectations.
Some of Graphite Design Group’s most prominent projects include:
The following statistics helped Graphite Design Group achieve 30th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Seattle:
A+Awards Finalist | 1 |
Featured Projects | 1 |
Total Projects | 12 |
11. SHED Architecture & Design – Modern Architects Seattle
SHED Architecture & Design, located in Seattle, specializes in modern and sustainable projects including custom homes, remodels and commercial interiors, as well as landscape, furniture and conceptual designs. SHED’s origins as a design/build firm continue to inspire and inform the design process, as they collaboratively work with clients and partners to seek unique solutions that embody the qualities of economy, beauty and craft.
Some of SHED Architecture & Design – Modern Architects Seattle’s most prominent projects include:
The following statistics helped SHED Architecture & Design – Modern Architects Seattle achieve 11th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Seattle:
Featured Projects | 6 |
Total Projects | 17 |
7. Best Practice Architecture
Meaningful design is a balance between content, beauty and function. Inspiration from our client’s real-life needs is used to choreograph intuitive experiences with distinct levels of interaction. Our devotion is to never losing sight of the needs of the people with whom we work. This is our Best Practice.
Some of Best Practice Architecture’s most prominent projects include:
The following statistics helped Best Practice Architecture achieve 7th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Seattle:
A+Awards Winner | 1 |
Featured Projects | 8 |
Total Projects | 38 |
2. The Miller Hull Partnership
Founded in 1977 by David Miller and Robert Hull, partners with a defining background in the Peace Corps, The Miller Hull Partnership is strongly influenced by site and environmental conditions. The heart of our work is understanding the power of natural surroundings. Our legacy of environmentally responsible buildings is inspired by the efficiency and elegance of passive systems and regional materials. We leverage the openness and flexibility of modernist form to celebrate connections inside and out. We continually explore the boundaries of current thought, pulling from the latest technology, materials and cultural context. Miller Hull is widely recognized for innovative, timeless designs that provide enduring value by harmoniously elevating the ordinary with nature. Partnership is at the core of our practice.
Some of The Miller Hull Partnership’s most prominent projects include:
The following statistics helped The Miller Hull Partnership achieve 2nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Seattle:
A+Awards Winner | 2 |
A+Awards Finalist | 8 |
Featured Projects | 16 |
Total Projects | 36 |
meet the team
We’re inspired by diverse design perspectives, innovation, technology, art, and the world around us. We live for the chance to create and disperse powerful, genuine messages that resonate.
tessa franchini
principal
tessa@paxsonfay.com
Tessa graduated from Fordham University in New York with a dual bachelor's degree in Communications and Political Science. During her time at Fordham, she worked for an interior designer and at NBC News where she developed her love for both design and communications. After graduating, Tessa managed marketing at 3form, a pioneer in the sustainable building products industry. During her tenure, 3form was repeatedly named one of the most recognized manufacturers in the design industry among architects and designers, and the company won multiple awards for its innovative product launches. After 3form, Tessa consulted on marketing efforts with leading product manufacturers in architecture and design before starting Paxson Fay with Amy.
amy golden
principal
amy@paxsonfay.com
Growing up in Seattle, Amy was always exploring the great outdoors but she found a particular thrill in traveling. During a visit to New York City at age 10, she knew that was where she wanted to live. After high school she left her home in the Pacific Northwest behind for the great unknown to attend Fordham University in the Bronx. Upon graduation, Amy received a phone call from CNN offering a job opportunity of a lifetime working in television ad sales at Manhattan's Time Warner Center. When a job opportunity in Los Angeles opened up a few years later, Amy couldn't say no to a new adventure back on the west coast. But Seattle eventually called her back home and Amy returned to pursue a Master's degree in Business Administration with the hopes of learning the skills she needed to feed her entrepreneurial spirit. Before graduating, Amy co-founded Paxson Fay with Tessa Andrews in 2015. Amy focuses on marketing strategy, public relations, social media, and partnerships.
colby wood
senior account executive
colby@paxsonfay.com
After graduating from Fordham University in New York City with a major in Communications and Media Studies and a handful of marketing and PR internships, Colby moved to Boston to manage marketing for a small, women-owned, creative consulting agency. While in that role, Colby managed public relations and marketing efforts for some of Boston's most prominent events and public art initiatives, including the Boston Pickle Fair and The Bulfinch Crossing Projections in downtown Boston. Colby gained experience crafting brand stories and identities through social media marketing and creative copywriting, seen through the successful launch of a premier Massachusetts adult-use dispensary and the revamp of her agency's own website. After two years, Colby decided it was time to figure out what the West Coast was all about. Looking to blend her marketing experience with her passion for design and architecture, Colby found Paxson Fay, where she focuses on social media strategy and management and public relations.
paige childs
communication specialist
paige@paxsonfay.com
As a child, Paige wanted to be an architect; but after falling in love with storytelling, the power of words, and yes, the show West Wing, she decided to pursue journalism at The George Washington University in the nation’s capital. Following graduation, Paige crafted communications for the beauty and banking industries. Craving space for creativity, she joined the small team that would reopen the congressionally designated National Children’s Museum. There, she played an integral role in establishing the museum’s brand, bringing it to life across digital channels, including social media, email, and advertising. After nearly eight years in DC, she decided it was time for a change of scenery. Having grown fond of the title Washingtonian, she made the cross-country move to Washington State. She landed in Seattle at Paxson Fay, where in true full circle fashion she is the architect of social media and public relations strategies for our architecture and design clients.
zoe mcphail
senior communications coordinator
zoe@paxsonfay.com
From San Francisco, California, Zoe moved to Seattle, Washington to pursue her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington. She graduated with a dual bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science. Shortly after graduation from UW, Zoe hopped across the pond to pursue her Master of Science in Urban Economics and Real Estate Finance at the London School of Economics. Focusing on Sustainable Development, she found herself drawn to adaptive reuse and preservation projects in the world of architecture and design. Building on prior marketing and social media experience, Zoe returned to the PNW in July of 2023 to work on social media strategy and content creation for clients at Paxson Fay.
martina povolo
account coordinator
martina@paxsonfay.com
Martina joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern when she was a senior at the University of Washington. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Interest Communications, Martina is now continuing with the team as a Communications Assistant. During her time at UW, Martina worked as the Special Sections Editor at the university’s newspapers where she won multiple awards for her front page spreads. Looking to blend her minors in real estate and environmental science with her focus in communications, Martina is passionate and excited to join the Paxson Fay team.
tara lyons
account coordinator
tara@paxsonfay.com
With roots in Napa and Denver, Tara ventured to the Pacific Northwest to pursue her academic journey at the University of Washington, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Education. Tara's love for writing began when she delved into songwriting, building on her pre-existing passion for singing and playing the piano. Following her undergraduate years, she returned to Paxson Fay, where she had previously interned, transitioning into the role of Communications Assistant. With a keen interest in PR and social media, Tara seamlessly integrates her creative flair into the professional realm. Outside of work, you'll find Tara passionately supporting the Kraken, embodying her love for both storytelling and sports.
We are seeking a highly skilled and creative Digital Marketing Specialist to join our growing team. This role is ideal for someone with a deep understanding of social media strategy, content development, algorithm trends, and strong knowledge of paid social and digital marketing best practices. Bonus points for graphic design skills to strengthen our clients' social media presence with dynamic, eye-catching content. Click here to read more.
We are hiring for our internship program! We are looking for an intern with a passion for design to help manage key communication channels. Click here to read more.
what we do
We are a communications firm founded in our passion for good design. Our unique approach to marketing and public relations in the architecture and design community has elevated our clients work to the next level. We’re backed by a talented community of creatives. From copywriters to social media experts, we provide a complete package of customized services. We strive to create a personal experience with each client, integrating teams and tackling your biggest marketing and public relations challenges from a high level. Then we help execute those plans ensuring lots of reporting along the way, with lots of coffee breaks in between because we’re from Seattle and that’s what we do.
marketing
marketing strategy
brand strategy
project management
partnerships acquisition and management
e-mail blasts
public relations
media strategy
content production
media communications and outreach
awards: strategy, content development and submissions
social
platform strategy and management
content production
targeted campaigns
results + reporting
advertising
advertising strategy
budget strategy + negotiation
calendar management
creative coordination
content
storytelling
copywriting
website and e-mail marketing
video: sourcing, storyboarding and scheduling
photography acquisition + curation
events
event management
sponsorships + partnerships
tradeshow coordination
press tours
clients
Here is a little taste of who we love to work with and what we love to do.