5 Best Residential Architects in Seattle (2026)

Independently ranked by our review of ratings, reviews and reputation · How we chose

By Lorian Hartfield, Real Estate and Financial Expert · ✓ Data verified August 2026 · 8 min read

Hiring a residential architect in Seattle usually means a project that runs a year or more, so the working relationship matters as much as the portfolio. Four of the five firms on this page hold a perfect 5.0 rating on Google, and the fifth, Olson Kundig, is a globally recognized practice with an AD100 listing to its name. That combination of small-studio warmth and big-name credibility is fairly rare on one list.

Short answer: Olson Kundig carries the highest review volume at 32 reviews (4.4 stars) and global recognition, including a spot on the 2026 AD100 list. For a perfect track record, Rhodes Architecture & Light (5.0, 17 reviews) in West Seattle and chadbourne + doss architects (5.0, 12 reviews) both draw repeat praise for close, hands-on collaboration through construction. Most firms here work on a project-fee basis rather than a fixed rate, so get a written scope before signing.

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1. Olson Kundig
2. Rhodes Architecture &…
3. GO'C Architecture & De…
4. Rohleder Borges Archit…
5. chadbourne + doss arch…
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Seattle's Residential Architects Compared

#	Business	Rating	Reviews	Best for
1	Olson Kundig	4.4 ★	32	Large-scale, award-winning design	View ›
2	Rhodes Architecture & Light	5.0 ★	17	Full-scale remodels / West Seattle	View ›
3	GO'C Architecture & Design	5.0 ★	16	Award-winning custom homes	View ›
4	Rohleder Borges Architecture	5.0 ★	15	Distinctive, art-driven residential design	View ›
5	chadbourne + doss architects	5.0 ★	12	Collaborative, turnkey residential projects	View ›

5 Best Residential Architects in Seattle (2026)

The five worth interviewing

#1 Overall🕑 Open 5 days/wk

Olson Kundig

4.432 Google reviews

Olson Kundig is a global architecture and design practice headquartered in Seattle, known for work that blends built structures with their natural surroundings. The firm's portfolio spans residential, commercial, and cultural projects internationally, including the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa and the LeBron James Innovation Center at Nike's headquarters. It was named to the 2026 AD100 list, one of the more recognized honors in architecture and design.

What people praise

Global reputation with award-winning residential and commercial work
Known for expressive, site-integrated design
Deep bench of experienced designers across large and complex projects

Worth knowing

A couple of reviewers found finished spaces beautiful but less practical day-to-day
One review described a design issue with parking and unit placement on a commercial high-rise

Reputation scorecardrank in Seattle

Rating4.4 / 5

Review volume32 · 97th

Confidenceearly

Recency9 months ago

Info completenesssite · phone · hours

Rating breakdown84% 5-star

✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: Olson Kundig has the highest review volume on this page at 32, though the 4.4 rating reflects a mix of high praise and a few pointed critiques. It's the pick if you want an architecturally ambitious, statement-making home and are comfortable working with a larger, internationally known firm.

Website +1206-624-5670 Directions

159 S Jackson St #600, Seattle, WA 98104

#2🕑 Open 5 days/wk

Rhodes Architecture & Light

5.017 Google reviews

Rhodes Architecture & Light is a West Seattle-based residential and commercial architecture firm with more than a quarter-century of experience in Modern Northwest design, custom residential work, and land planning. Reviewers describe detailed 3D modeling during the design process and close coordination with builders, HVAC specialists, and condo boards on complex renovations. The firm is led by Tim Rhodes.

What people praise

3D modeling lets clients experience a design before construction starts
Transparent, itemized weekly billing with narrative time descriptions
Coordinates directly with contractors and specialists through the build
Known for working through difficult structural constraints, like immovable concrete slabs

Worth knowing

Detailed, hands-on process suits clients who want frequent check-ins rather than a hands-off approach

Reputation scorecardrank in Seattle

Rating5 / 5

Review volume17 · 92nd

Confidenceearly

Recency8 months ago

Info completenesssite · phone · hours

Rating breakdown100% 5-star

✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: Rhodes holds a perfect 5.0 across 17 reviews, several of them detailed accounts of complex remodels. It's a strong pick for anyone tackling a major renovation with real structural challenges.

Website +1206-933-1257 Directions

4218 SW Alaska St Ste G, Seattle, WA 98116

#3🕑 Open 5 days/wk

GO'C Architecture & Design

5.016 Google reviews

GO'C Architecture & Design is a Seattle studio, led by Aimee and Jon, known for site-specific custom homes and wineries around the Pacific Northwest. The firm's Sound House project received coverage in the New York Times, and reviewers, including builders who've partnered with the firm, describe the work as detailed and creative. GO'C keeps a compact portfolio focused on distinctive, one-of-a-kind residential projects.

What people praise

Recognized nationally, including New York Times coverage of a signature project
Builders describe the firm as flexible and collaborative during construction
Site-specific design that responds to unique waterfront and mountain-view properties

Worth knowing

Most recent reviews date back roughly two years, so confirm current project capacity

Reputation scorecardrank in Seattle

Rating5 / 5

Review volume16 · 87th

Confidenceearly

Recency2 years ago

Info completenesssite · phone · hours

Rating breakdown100% 5-star

✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: GO'C holds a perfect 5.0 across 16 reviews and a reputation for architecturally distinctive, award-recognized homes. It's the pick if a striking, site-specific design is the priority.

Website +1206-265-2754 Directions

89 Yesler Wy Ste 401, Seattle, WA 98104

#4🕑 Open 5 days/wk

Rohleder Borges Architecture

5.015 Google reviews

Rohleder Borges Architecture is a Seattle firm led by Andrew Rohleder, working across aviation, residential, commercial, and civic projects, with a design sensibility reviewers describe as blending Pacific Northwest calm with striking visual detail. A floating home on Lake Union, praised by local real estate agents, has drawn attention for design elements inspired by classic lake boats. Reviews come largely from interior designers, real estate agents, and past clients who've seen the firm's work firsthand.

What people praise

Praised for careful attention to small design details
Real estate professionals specifically note the design quality drives buyer interest
Efficient, well-organized use of space in unconventional properties like floating homes

Worth knowing

The Google listing is not currently claimed by the business, and recent review activity is limited

Reputation scorecardrank in Seattle

Rating5 / 5

Review volume15 · 82nd

Confidenceearly

Recency6 years ago

Info completenesssite · phone · hours

Rating breakdown100% 5-star

✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: Rohleder Borges holds a perfect 5.0 across 15 reviews, with some of the most detailed praise on this page for aesthetic distinctiveness. Confirm current availability directly, since the listing shows less recent activity than others here.

Website +1206-464-7997 Directions

89 Yesler Wy, Seattle, WA 98104

#5🕑 Open 5 days/wk

chadbourne + doss architects

5.012 Google reviews

chadbourne + doss architects is a Seattle firm led by Lisa Chadbourne and Daren Doss, focused on residential design across the Pacific Northwest. Reviewers repeatedly describe a two-person collaborative process where the pair refine ideas together before presenting them to clients, and several clients have returned for a second project after a first successful one. The firm's site emphasizes craftsmanship paired with a lighter, more playful design sensibility.

What people praise

Multiple clients hired the firm a second time for additional projects
Reviewers describe hands-on involvement through construction, not just design handoff
Strong communication style repeatedly called out as a differentiator
Works well within tight budget or site constraints

Worth knowing

Small firm size means limited capacity for very large-scale projects

Reputation scorecardrank in Seattle

Rating5 / 5

Review volume12 · 66th

Confidenceearly

Recency3 years ago

Info completenesssite · phone · hours

Rating breakdown100% 5-star

✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: chadbourne + doss holds a perfect 5.0 across 12 reviews, several from repeat clients, which is one of the stronger trust signals on this page. It's a solid choice if you want a smaller firm that stays closely involved from design through construction.

Website +1206-860-1975 Directions

1467 22nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

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How we rank these

We score every firm on its live Google rating, how many clients have actually left a review, how recently people are still reviewing it, and how complete its public listing is (website, phone, hours). Confidence weights the star rating against review volume, so a 5.0 built on 17 reviews counts differently than one built on 12. No firm can pay to change these numbers.

How much does a residential architect cost in Seattle? (2026)

Architect fees for residential work in Seattle typically scale with project size and complexity, and firms on this page price by project scope rather than a flat rate. Get a detailed written proposal before committing so you know exactly what’s included, from initial design through construction coordination.

Serving all of Seattle

These five firms are based across Seattle, from West Seattle to Pioneer Square to the Central District, and most take on projects throughout the greater Seattle area and Puget Sound. Ask each firm directly whether they’ve worked in your specific neighborhood, since local code knowledge and site conditions vary a lot across the city’s hillsides and waterfronts.

What to ask before you hire a residential architect

Can I see completed projects similar in scope to mine?
How do you structure fees, and what’s included versus billed separately?
Will you coordinate directly with my contractor and other specialists?
How familiar are you with Seattle’s permitting process and current code requirements?
What’s your typical timeline from initial design to construction completion?
Who on the team will I be working with day-to-day?

Frequently asked questions

Are these rankings paid?

No. Rankings come from public Google data. A business can pay to be a Featured Partner (badge and top placement), but that never changes another business’s score or position.

How did you choose these residential architects?

We pulled residential architecture firms in Seattle with a meaningful Google review base, then ranked by real rating, review volume, and how recently people are still reviewing.

How often is this updated?

This page was last verified in August 2026 using live Google data. We recheck ratings and review counts periodically to keep it current.

Which Seattle architect has the most name recognition?

Olson Kundig is the most internationally recognized firm on this list, named to the 2026 AD100 list with projects spanning residential, commercial, and cultural work worldwide.

Which firm is best for a full home remodel?

Rhodes Architecture & Light draws strong reviews specifically for complex remodels, including detailed 3D modeling and close coordination with contractors through construction.

Do smaller architecture firms handle the whole project, or just design?

It varies by firm. Several on this list, including chadbourne + doss and Rhodes Architecture & Light, describe staying involved through construction, not just handing off drawings.

The bottom line

For most residential projects, Rhodes Architecture & Light’s perfect rating and detailed, hands-on process make it a safe default. If you want the biggest name and the most ambitious design, Olson Kundig’s global reputation is worth the conversation. Either way, get a written fee structure and project scope before signing anything.

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