Washington State University. Year 4. Avalara Hawk Tower

Avalara Hawk Tower - Freiheit & Ho Architects

An Urban Mixed-Use north of CenturyLink Field in Seattle's Pioneer Square Historic Neighborhood is home to two towers connected by skybridge and ground floor common atrium. Home to the Embassy Suites in the north tower and Offices, parking garage, pool and outdoor roof garden in the south tower. My role in this design-build project was construction administration, site visits, Pioneer Square preservation board presentations and design approval hearings, roof deck/garden design and tennant improvements.

Tenant improvements included full restaurant design with construction oversight and BOMA calculations/configurations for potential office tenants.

Awards: winner of the 2017 Architectural Precast Concrete Award for Excellence. Photos: Freiheit Architects

Retail Design -

Freiheit & Ho Architects

This retail design project was a tenant improvement that provided exercises in design, client interface, full construction documents and project management. The client had several core values that drove the identity of their bank branch, however I was able to propose a design sketch that suggested the use of marine rope as a feature to frame the space to tie in with the local marine vernacular. Soft materials and 'rustic vibe' were encouraged to accommodate not just 'banking clients drop of a check', but to perhaps create a special place to pause and enjoy a cup of coffee. Construction of this abstract idea posed many problem solving opportunities to fit within a tight time frame and budget. Coordination between the expectations of the client and the constructability for the contractor built solid relationships. Photo: Freiheit Architects

Ideas were communicated with a combination of Revit models, photoshop overlays, sketches, mock-ups and plans. The client was able to picture the space well before substantial completion. Working at Freiheit & Ho Architects gave invaluable experience in commercial architecture, a taste of corporate clients and the ability to learn quickly in an open studio environment with day to day communication and feedback from the firms principles, partners and project architects.