Listening is the most important initial tool and skill for an architect. Success begins with a client’s ideas and dreams for how they want to live and work in their space. After investigating the site parameters and any existing structures, the subsequent goal is to interpret the client’s ideas and requests into a visually pleasing structure. Creativity is essential to this phase, particularly when rising to the challenge of making ideas a reality within a defined budget framework. Ultimately, the role shifts to generating plans for construction, while collaborating and coordinating with other professionals, in a timely and budget-sensitive manner.

Successful projects employ teamwork between the client, the architect and the contractor. Bassett Larsen Design can work either as a member of the team, or as a design sub-contractor to a builder member of the team. Regardless of the structure of the relationship, teamwork that is focused on achieving client goals is essential to the success of designing and building a project.

Complexities involved in solving today’s design and permitting issues, including environmentally sensitive areas, energy considerations, restrictive zoning and drainage rules, require experienced investigation and proven reliable ability to obtain permits. Cindy has experience throughout Seattle neighborhoods and almost every suburban jurisdiction, and a consistent record of obtaining neighborhood approvals, zoning approvals and building permits. Additionally, challenging zoning variances have been earned in Seattle, Bellevue, Medina, Mercer Island and Lake Forest Park.