Seattle Residential Architecture Firm

At Ectypos Architecture, we believe a house must live in harmony with its people, the physical site, and the surrounding environment. As residential architects, we see of our role as being the spark at the intersection of these aspects.

Founded in 2001, Ectypos is a residential architecture firm that listens to its clients’ creative dreams as closely today as it did the day the studio opened.

Residential Design

At Ectypos Architecture, we create contemporary residences and versatile live/work areas that improve our customers’ lives. To reach that goal, we depend upon collaboration from our clients.

Our first step is to pay close attention to our client’s objectives. This level of awareness is essential, whether a new home or a major remodel. Each project is one-of-a-kind. Each project might include unique requirements. These requirements can have anything from space for an impressive car collection to complete ease of access (ADA). Also, we think about the complexities of the building site as well as its surroundings. The resulting residential frameworks are both modern and timeless.

At Ectypos Architecture, we recommend sub-consultants as well as contractors with meticulous attention. We pay particular interest throughout the building stage of the project. This attention to detail a causes a job that that is consistent throughout all building disciplines. Lastly, in all scenarios, we work with the city to accomplish an effective permit outcome.

projects

Firm Leadership

Lucia Pirzio-Biroli
AIA, principal

As an architect, Lucia Pirzio-Biroli holds true to her personal philosophy: good design is practical, elegant, and timeless.

It’s a belief that came naturally. Raised in the Pacific Northwest on Mercer Island, Lucia’s family had an appreciation for design, art, and landscape—everything a house can provide a natural home to. Eventually, her personal appreciation for the everyday values of beauty and functionality took a professional turn.

Professional

Washington State Licensed Architect (No. 7785)
Accredited professional: LEED AP
Master of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania (1991)
Bachelor of Environmental Design, University of Colorado, Boulder (1985)

Public service

Mercer Island Planning Commission (2016-2021)
A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH), Citizen’s Advisory Board (2018-Present)
Mercer Island Design Commission (2004-2012)
Island Vision: founder of non-profit dedicated to sustainability education
Mercer Island Green Ribbon Commission

Michele Marquardi
principal

Michele Marquardi’s design philosophy is focused on simplicity.

“I believe the most important tool of the designer is not the pencil but the eraser,” says Michele, who looks to bring balance and symmetry to every client challenge. To know Michele’s personal story is to know how “balance” became a critical part of his professional ethos.

Professional

Dottore in Architettura, Università IUAV di Venezia (1990)
Baccalaureato, Topography and Surveying, Istituto Tecnico per Geometri GianGiacomo Marinoni, Udine, (1973)

Public service

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for Mercer Island, Post Disaster Damage Assessment
Building Board of Appeals, Mercer Island (2017-2017)
Fine Arts Advisory Council for the Mercer Island School District (2012-2017)
Arcade Journal: Architecture/Design in the NW, Editorial Committee (2002-2007)

“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