Business Details
34 Years
experience
Sustainable Architectural Design Services in Seattle
HARRISON Architects has been dedicated to lyrical sustainable architecture for over 35 years, blending ecological principles with functional design. Our practice emphasizes modern Pacific Northwest aesthetics, firewise construction, and Passive House energy performance. With expertise in multigenerational homes, backyard cottages, and small multifamily projects, we prioritize cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. Our team collaborates with consultants and contractors who share our commitment to healthier materials, resource conservation, and innovative design. We offer full-service architectural design, hybrid design/build models, and Passive House consulting, supported by 45 years of architectural experience and 12 years of specialized Passive House expertise.Our Seattle-based firm has pioneered sustainable building techniques in Washington State, implementing full-site recycling and certified sustainable materials on every project since 1992. We maintain affiliations with Passive House Northwest and the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild, reflecting our leadership in green architecture. Our process begins with a reality-check consultation, followed by iterative design phases that incorporate client feedback and budget considerations. We emphasize transparency in construction administration, including weekly site visits and contractor collaboration. Recognized as a Distinguished Business in King County's Green Works program, we demonstrate environmental ethics through both our office operations and project specifications.
Services
Full Service Architectural Design
Passive House Consulting
Hybrid Design/Build
Green Building Certification
Construction Administration
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- 45 years of architectural experience with 12 years of specialized Passive House expertise
- Pioneered sustainable building techniques in Washington State since 1992
- Hybrid design/build model offers budget certainty and collaborative efficiency
- Distinguished Business in King County's Green Works environmental program
- Affiliated with Passive House Northwest and Northwest EcoBuilding Guild
Associations and certifications
- Passive House Consultant (PHC)
What people say
Deep knowledge
Thoroughness and creativity
Exceptional budget management
Collaborative design process
Pioneering sustainable techniques
Services
Full Service Architectural Design
We provide comprehensive architectural services from initial concept to construction completion. Our process includes feasibility studies, code research, schematic design, construction documents, and site administration. We specialize in residential projects ranging from single-family homes to small multifamily developments, with particular expertise in energy-efficient design and sustainable materials. Our iterative approach incorporates client feedback throughout all design phases.
Passive House Consulting
As one of the first certified Passive House consultants in the US, we offer specialized consulting for ultra-low energy buildings. Our services include energy modeling, thermal bridging analysis, and certification guidance. We've applied these principles to Seattle's first certified Passive House and affordable housing projects across multiple states, combining comfort optimization with carbon footprint reduction through advanced building science.
Hybrid Design/Build
Our hybrid model combines design expertise with construction collaboration from project inception. We work with vetted contractors to provide budget certainty while maintaining design flexibility. This approach offers cost efficiencies through early contractor involvement while preserving the accountability of separate design and construction contracts, ensuring both innovation and practical execution.
Green Building Certification
We guide projects through various green building certifications including Passive House and LEED standards. Our team specifies low-toxicity materials, FSC-certified lumber, and recycled content products. We implement full-site recycling programs and prioritize locally sourced materials, maintaining compliance with the most rigorous environmental building codes and sustainability benchmarks.
Construction Administration
Our construction phase services include weekly site visits, contractor coordination, and technical support. We facilitate problem-solving through collaborative meetings with owners and builders, review shop drawings, and verify compliance with specifications. Our hands-on approach ensures design intent is maintained while addressing field conditions through practical, cost-effective solutions.
People
Rob Harrison
Principal Architect
With 45 years of architectural experience, Rob Harrison is a certified Passive House Consultant and founder of HARRISON Architects. He pioneered sustainable building practices in Seattle since 1992 and co-founded the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild. His expertise spans residential and multifamily projects with a focus on energy efficiency and ecological design.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We specialize in modern Pacific Northwest architecture that combines Craftsman warmth with contemporary design principles, firewise construction, and Passive House energy performance standards.
Can you help with multifamily housing projects?
Yes, we design multigenerational homes, backyard cottages, and small multifamily projects including quadplexes and stacked flats in compliance with HB 1110 regulations.
Do you offer Passive House consulting services?
Yes, we provide Passive House consulting for owners, architects, and builders, including energy modeling, certification guidance, and technical support for ultra-low energy buildings.
How do you approach sustainable design?
Our lyrical sustainable design approach conserves energy and resources through healthier materials, long-term cost reduction, and poetic spatial relationships while maintaining full collaboration with eco-conscious contractors and suppliers.
What construction administration services do you provide?
We offer weekly site visits, contractor coordination, shop drawing reviews, and technical support throughout construction to ensure design integrity and practical implementation of sustainable building practices.
Are you available for out-of-state projects?
Yes, we've completed projects in Hawaii, Arizona, and Washington State, leveraging our expertise in sustainable architecture and remote collaboration tools for successful out-of-region implementations.
