Five years ago today (March 31st, 2016), I proudly swung open my Design | Build doors on Mercer Island, with an idea towards changing the way I both approached and regarded my profession. My talented team and I ventured down the creative path with a diverse array of residential clients, and while each home was as unique as their owner, commonalities emerged. Slowly but surely, a new design and lifestyle approach began to take shape in my mind – one that, despite its name, is actually very forward-thinking. I call it ‘Modern Nostalgia.’

Though the pandemic helped to accelerate my outlook, it occurred to me that the fast-paced, ever-changing demands of modern living can be tempered by our collective longing for simpler times through thoughtful design. Think about all the things you ask of your home - especially these days. Does it nurture you, or sap your energy? Do you move through your daily routine with ease (even when the outside world is turbulent and stressful)? Or is your home hectic instead of restorative?

The brave new world of post-pandemic America will demand our time and attention in unprecedented ways. Lines will continue to blur between our personal and professional lives. As an Architect and Builder, I feel the urgency to create authentic spaces that allow us to heal, regroup and emerge stronger and more grounded.

Home is as much a state of mind as a physical space. In shifting our design focus towards the intangible, ephemeral, soulful qualities of our built environment, we make room for the transformative impact our homes could have on the quality of our lives.

In celebration and honor of our Five-Year Anniversary, here are five recent works that each exemplify the Five Tenets of ‘Modern Nostalgia’ Homes.

Grounded | Soulful | Transformative | Authentic | Sexy but Practical

The idea of an authentic home, to me, has everything to do with the powerful intersection of artistry, lifestyle and sustainability. How do you maximize the elements of a space while also bringing out its creative potential?

Authenticity is when design and intention harmonize, as with this Addition / Remodel in Leschi. There’s an honesty to how this home was tailored to fit their lifestyle, in a practical sense. Every square inch of space is used, including a loft space that features a climbing wall along the sloped ceiling. The structure (exposed beams) and hand crafted finishes, like the Heath tile backsplash and Formology shelving, offer warmth and genuine self-expression.

This house was designed for authentic living, and the outcome was stunning.