Business Details
16 Years
experience
Custom Sustainable Home Design in Seattle
Since our founding in 2010, ALCOVA has been dedicated to delivering sustainable, modern residential architecture that prioritizes both functionality and environmental responsibility. Our approach begins with a deep understanding of client needs and site-specific challenges, enabling us to create custom designs that balance aesthetic vision with practical execution. With expertise in new construction and home renovations, we guide clients through every project phasefrom initial feasibility studies to final construction oversight. Our team's proficiency in navigating complex regulatory environments, including environmental permitting, ensures compliance while maximizing design potential.By integrating advanced energy efficiency strategies and water conservation techniques, we exceed standard code requirements to deliver homes that are both future-ready and comfortable. This commitment to innovation, combined with transparent communication and collaborative design processes, has established ALCOVA as a trusted partner for homeowners seeking thoughtful, budget-conscious solutions in the Seattle area.
Services
Site Selection Analysis
Feasibility Studies
Custom Residential Design
Landscape Planning
Environmental Permitting
Construction Documents
Interior Design
Sustainability Consulting
Design Development
Programming Services
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We have over a decade of experience in Seattle's residential architecture market
- Our designs integrate passive and active energy-saving features exceeding code requirements
- We specialize in navigating complex environmental permitting processes in the Puget Sound area
- Full-service approach from site selection to construction oversight ensures project continuity
- Collaborative design process emphasizes client participation in decision-making
Services
Site Selection Analysis
Our team evaluates potential properties to determine suitability for development by analyzing zoning restrictions, environmental constraints, and project feasibility. Early identification of site-specific challenges helps avoid costly mistakes while ensuring regulatory compliance. We provide detailed assessments that inform strategic decision-making for residential projects.
Environmental Permitting
We navigate complex environmental regulations for projects in sensitive areas, developing strategies to meet critical area protections and slope restrictions. Our expertise streamlines the approval process for sites in Puget Sound's ecologically unique environments while maintaining design integrity and project viability.
Custom Residential Design
Creating tailored living spaces that balance modern aesthetics with functional requirements, our designs prioritize natural light integration, energy efficiency, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. Each project receives personalized attention to spatial relationships and material selection throughout schematic and detailed design phases.
Feasibility Studies
We conduct comprehensive analyses to determine project viability by assessing regulatory limitations, structural possibilities, and budget considerations. These studies help clients make informed decisions about property modifications, additions, or new construction through detailed technical evaluations and cost projections.
Construction Documentation
We prepare complete construction sets specifying all materials, fixtures, and systems required for building. Our documentation ensures accurate costing and implementation of design intent, covering electrical layouts, cabinetry details, and site development plans while coordinating with engineering consultants.
People
Pietro Potest
Principal
Pietro founded ALCOVA with expertise in sustainable design, combining his Italian architectural education with Pacific Northwest environmental sensitivity. His leadership focuses on creating ecologically responsible yet aesthetically compelling residential solutions.
Richard Tung
Architectural Designer
Richard contributes technical proficiency and innovative approaches to design, leveraging his dual architecture degrees and property management experience. His work emphasizes functional spatial solutions integrated with environmental considerations.
Younyoung Choi
Architectural Designer
Younyoung brings precision and creative problem-solving to our team, applying her architectural design training with hands-on experience in material detailing and production management for complex projects.
Kikka Staffiere
Interior Designer
Kikka specializes in interior finishes and spatial experience, combining her design expertise with client-focused furnishing consulting. Her work ensures cohesive aesthetic integration from architectural concept to final interior details.
Questions
What types of residential projects do you specialize in?
We focus on custom new construction and renovation projects throughout the Seattle area, from single-family homes to accessory dwellings.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
Our projects integrate energy-efficient systems, water conservation features, and locally-sourced materials while exceeding environmental code requirements.
Can you help with environmentally sensitive sites?
Yes, we have extensive experience navigating Puget Sound's regulatory challenges for sites near steep slopes and critical areas.
What budget ranges do you typically work with?
We tailor solutions across various budgets, specializing in cost-effective customization without compromising design quality.
What's your design process timeline?
Timelines vary by project scope but generally include 2-3 months for schematic design and 3-5 months for permit documentation.
Do you handle both design and construction oversight?
Yes, we provide comprehensive services from initial concept through final construction, acting as your advocate during building phases.
Reviews (2)
Judy M.
Aug 24, 2020
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Like the previous reviewer, I am considering purchasing a property. Also, like the previous reviewer, I am concerned with taking advantage of Pietro's goodwill, i.e., not paying him. My family is considering purchasing property. We approach this with endeavor with caution for many reasons. (1) The property is sloped. (2) We are ignorant to the process of buying land and building. (3) We come from humble backgrounds, and have three children, one of whom is in college. The aforementioned is not to say that others who may be more fortunate economically aren't concerned about their
Wen S.
Jun 15, 2016
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I was considering purchasing a property that had unpermitted work (which might violate zoning law). I wanted to double check. So, I called up Pietro. Pietro was very patient on the phone answering my questions. Twenty minutes into the conversation, I felt bad that I was taking up his time without paying him, and offered to pay. He said that he would start charging me when he really sat down and worked with me. I was impressed by Pietro's grace and knowledge. If I end up going for this property (or any other property that I have doubts about legitimacy), I would definitely hire him to check
