Ectypos Architecture Seattle WA

Ectypos is a top architect in Seattle, we design contemporary residential—and adaptable live/work—spaces that enhance the lives of our clients. To reach that goal, we depend on collaboration.

Our first step is to listen carefully to a client’s objectives. This is the case be it new custom home design or a significant home remodel. Our design perspective translates to smaller houses that live large—and large houses that never overwhelm.

At Ectypos Architecture, we a have a strong commitment to doing more with less. In all cases, an energy efficient envelope is a core goal. So is maximizing the use of natural light and ventilation. We look to minimize impact to a site’s existing native landscape whenever possible. We’re also skilled at making challenging building sites work to our client’s advantage. We select and utilize the most appropriate construction techniques and technologies for the program, site, and budget.

Founded in 2001, Ectypos listens to its national and international clients’ creative dreams as closely today as it did the day the studio opened.

“Lucia and Michele designed a beautiful house for John’s mother. It was designed to be a zero-energy house—and it’s perfectly integrated and adapted to its site and to our family. The design respects the heat and cold of the Southwest high desert and its intense thunderstorms.”
- Sayre and John Gerhart—Corrales, New Mexico
“We hired Ectypos after looking at their other projects. At the start, our thought was that we would rehab our one-story home, but the house was so poorly built we decided to use the foundation and build two stories above. Their design work is flawless.”
- Cheryl Trivison and Rich Haag—Seattle, Washington
“Ectypos created the design for the renovation of our 100-year-old house in Sydney, Australia. They kept the footprint of the house almost completely intact, yet at the same time opened the space up from within to reveal a light, airy, sustainable home. It’s the perfect house for us.”
- Heather Weaver and John Alroy—Sydney, Austrialia
“We've been in our house for six years, and we don't think there’s anything we would change. The design, advice, and supervision Lucia and Michele provided was outstanding.”
- Bob and Karen Gillespie—Bellevue, Washington
“Michele Marquardi has a great eye for Pacific Northwest modern. He was always patient with us as we switched direction during planning. He’s very easy to work with.”
- Lisa Koutek—Seattle, Washington