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make a difference. And it’s not inhibited by the cultural overlay, or the business world or the way people see themselves.”
But you don’t have to take our word for it – over the past month, we had the privilege to speak to a few of our client, design and engineering partners that we’ve worked closely with over the last few decades. We asked them about design and construction trends in our region, what it means to truly build a community, and what the future holds for Seattle and the Puget Sound region.
“We’re going to have to face some of these challenging social issues that we have with homelessness and the transportation problems. We’re making some progress, but it’s not as strong as it needs to be,” said Ron Klemencic, chairman/CEO of Magnusson Klemencic Associates. “We’ll all be tested with our brain power and our skillsets to try and help contribute to addressing some of these broader community issues beyond just doing our day jobs.”
aybe we’re biased, but we think that the Puget Sound area hosts some of the most respected and skilled firms in the country. Whether we’re talking about the impactful owners with whom we’ve had the opportunity to partner, or the top tier design and architecture firms with which we’ve completed dozens of projects, we believe our region has the cream of the crop when it comes to talented, innovative individuals.
Through our conversations, some major trends emerged. The first of which is the Pacific Northwest’s overwhelming spirit of collaboration and innovation. “The desire to be very collaborative in meeting the client’s needs and really embracing projects as our own is different than what happens in other parts of the country where things are more commodity-like,” said Laura Lohman, principal with Seneca Group. “I think that’s special about the way we approach things here.” Many also found that this collaborative mindset is furthered by a wave of ingenuity and new ideas brought on by the tech companies that have made Seattle their home. “There’s lots of new people coming, and it’s all based on innovation and ideas, things that have always driven Seattle,” said Allyn Stellmacher, partner at ZGF Architects. “This is a place where people like to come and feel like big ideas have a chance, and that they can
It was also evident that many have been reflecting on the growth that’s been happening in our region in recent years, and the architecture, engineering and construction industry’s role in shaping the future of Seattle and the surrounding region.
Despite the challenges that may face the future of Seattle and the Puget Sound region, one thing was astoundingly clear – everyone loves the Seattle community and is grateful to be part of such an innovative culture that is one of the fastest-growing and progressive communities in the country. “The most enjoyable thing about Seattle is the lack of encumbrances relative to being able to be a big thinker and put meaningful ideas forward in how you shape a company, shape an idea, shape yourself or shape a building or a city,” Stellmacher said. “And that sense of continual evolution and that respect for how we got here is really an open door moving forward and are powerful tools to enable an open culture that is really progressive. “That’s one of the great things about Seattle, the ability to accept thinkers and celebrate that as part of our growing heritage and our culture.”
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