Following [139]View All »
Followers [365]View All »
BadgesView All »

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
5 Reviews
 | Review me »
Designs Northwest Architects is one of the Puget Sounds leading residential architecture and planning firms, recognized for its innovative exploration of design. Primarily serving the region from Seattle to the beautiful Skagit Valley and San Juan Islands.

Dan Nelson has been the principal architect at Designs Northwest Architects for over twenty two years and specializes in custom residential and waterfront homes.

Homes designed by Dan have been featured in International publications (The Lake Union Float Home is featured in the June/July 2012 issue of the French publication Architecture BOIS ), as well as national and regional publications such as
Better Homes and Gardens: Week End Homes, Remodeling Ideas For Your Home and Home Plan Ideas. His houses have also been featured in Seattle Homes and Lifestyle Magazine, and Northwest Home Magazine.

Recently his work has been posted on several popular architectural web sites including : Contemporist, Architizer, and Freshome.

Designs Northwest Architects has received twelve awards for design excellence from the Northwest Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and in January 2012 the Lake Union Float Home was selected for the Northwest Home - Seattle A.I.A. Home of the Month tour.

Services Provided:
Architecture, Master Planing, Interior Design.

Areas Served:
Seattle, Everett, Stanwood/ Camano Isand, Skagit Valley, San Juan Islands

Certification and Awards:
Boston Architectural College, Bachelor of Architecture 1982

Columbia University, MS in Architecture
and Building Design 1983
Contact:
Dan Nelson
Type:
Architects & Designers
Address:
10031 SR 532, Ste B, Stanwood, Wa. 2316 Fairview Ave.E.,
Seattle, Washington,
United States, 98102
Phone:
360-629-3441 206-331-5123
Website:
www.designsnw.com/
License #:
AIA # 30104946
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Path - What type of stone is used for the middle of this path?
    · Comment · 2 days ago
    Show 2 more comments
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects Not really, you probably walk on similar surfaces frequently and do not think about it.

    Thanks for the comment !
    Dan
    2 days ago ·
    sue79 Transition between.stone and gravel would look better if it wasn't a straight line, but was a curve either into the stone using gravel, or into the gravel using stone.
    5 hours ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    What is the wall colour. It's wonderful!
    · Comment · 3 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects It is always hard to capture true colors in photographs but the walls were painted with Benjamin Moore Carrington Beige.

    Have fun with your project !
    Dan
    3 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    love the color of the house - what kind of color is that or what pattern? appreciate your answer
    · Comment · 3 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects The homeowners actually picked the colors. The siding is horizontal cement fiber board with the smooth side exposed.

    Thanks for asking !
    Dan
    3 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    how are the rocks held stable? - are the rocks (retaining wall) held together with anything? is there a site where there might be more pictures of "all rock" retainers, or l... Read More »
    · Comment · 3 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects Hi Lorner,

    Thanks for the great comment about this project. I appreciate it !

    The rocks in the foreground of this image are three man rocks quarried in the foot hills of the Cascade mountains. The weight of the stone holds the earth in place.

    I am afraid I do not know of other sites that have images of stone retaining walls.

    Take Care,
    Dan
    3 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Love this house! Is there a house plan?
    · Comment · 6 days ago
    Show 1 more comment
    Suburan Designs I love the arbors. Do you have a detail of the wall bracket for the arbor.
    8 days ago ·
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects I would be happy to discuss your project with you. Please give e me a call !
    Dan
    6 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on an ideabook

    Houzz Tour: Dual Island Homes for a Reunion-Loving Family

    Breathtaking views form the backdrop for family gatherings on a generations-old Washington site Full Story »
    · · Comment · 6 days ago
    Show 24 more comments
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects I would like to let everyone know that I appreciate the great comments about these two houses.
    It was a privilege to work with two wonderful clients and their extended families.

    I would also like to thank Jim Hall the general contractor for both these houses. He did an amazing job turning this project into reality.

    As with all our projects we design our homes to meet the specific needs and personalities of our clients, as well as the environmental context.

    The O Connor residence was designed to accommodate several generations of family members at any given time, and the house sits on a site that slopes toward the water. The site context led to a design that has multiple levels. The ship ladders lead to sleeping lofts specifically designed for grandchildren to navigate up to their " hideaways" overlooking the Saratoga Passage. The ladders and loft areas are actually a very popular feature among the younger generations of the family.

    The entry level of the home is designed to accommodate family members who do not navigate stairs easily. it has its own family/living space, kitchen and master suite (where the grand father slept). This level also has the courtyard space where the family spends most its time in the summer.

    Thanks again for all your comments!

    Dan
    6 days ago · ·
    thedarlingsbecca Remember when families who lived in cities rented or bought places in the same neighborhood? My grandparents bought on Albany Ave. In the late 1940's, they sold half of their two-story to one of my aunt's and her family. My grandparents' son, my Dad, rented on the same street, next block. His other sister rented one block from him. Meanwhile, they and their families jointly used or shared my grandparents' small, rustic summer home, built in the 1920s. In the 1950s, my Dad left Albany Ave. to build a home in the suburbs. He then began building a cottage just down the road from Grandpa's. When the grandparents were elderly (1960's), they sold the original cottage to the daughter who did not live in the two-story. My parents and this aunt and uncle retired to their cottages. Five years later, the other sister sold the two-flat and bought a cottage. They ended up less than a block away from each other for the last 10-29 years of their lives. They weren't wealthy or privileged, their cottages were simple until made into their last homes. They did it because it financially made sense to live in an area with lower taxes, etc., but also to continue the family relationships that are so important to healthy living.
    4 days ago · ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Love the shingle stain - do you remember the color?
    · Comment · 7 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects This looks like Benjamin Moore's Sea Gull Gray, but photographs do not reflect true color. You should verify your paint choices with a local paint supplier.

    Have fun with your project.
    7 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Hard to tell...It appears that only one of the houses has a water view. Is that correct?
    · Comment · 7 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects Both houses actually have spectacular views of the Saratoga Passage, looking toward Whidbey Island, WA.

    This image is taken from the home closest to the road and as you can see the view of the water is quite expansive.

    Thanks for asking!

    Dan
    7 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Who is the manufacturer of the dining room chairs?
    · · Comment · 8 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects Hi Design Brouelette,

    The home owners selected the furniture for this project. Unfortunately I have no record of the manufacturer.
    Take Care,
    Dan
    8 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects is following jimkhall
    8 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    I think the shake color is great. Can you tell me what it is?
    · Comment · 8 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects This looks like Benjamin Moore's Sea Gull Gray, but photographs do not reflect true color. You should verify your paint choices with a local paint supplier.

    Have fun with your project.

    Dan
    8 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Ships Ladder - Was this ladder fabricated for the site? If not which company is the manufacturer? Also what is the hardware on barn door??
    · Comment · 8 days ago
    Rustica Hardware We make a similar barn door hardware. See: http://rusticahardware.com/box-track-barn-door-hardware/
    10 days ago ·
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects The ship ladder was custom designed and fabricated for this project. Wes Weld welding in Stanwood WA. was the fabricator. The barn door hardware is off the shelf hardware. Take a look at Rustica Hardware's web site.

    Thanks for asking !
    Dan
    8 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Great simple pendant. Who makes it? Thanks.
    · Comment · 8 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects The pendant comes from TECH LIGHTING.

    Take Care,
    Dan
    8 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Light - Who makes this light?
    · Comment · 8 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects The light was custom designed and fabricated for this home.

    Thanks for asking !

    Dan
    8 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    The English Residence has been featured on HID, HOME INNOVATION DESIGN. Here is the link to the article. http://homeinnovationdesign.com... Read More »
    · Comment · 9 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    Posted on RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECT MAGAZINES web site. http://www.residentialarchitect.com/people/view/Dan%20Nelson.aspx
    · · Comment · 9 days ago
    Destination Lighting I've often passed by this houseboat while on Lake Union and always want to be transported to that rooftop deck!
    9 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Art - Loft is located West?
    · Comment · 9 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects The loft is actually on the east side of the house.
    Thanks for asking !
    Dan
    9 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Can you tell me the trim color AND the house color? I love this contrast”
    · Comment · 13 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects I am sorry I do not have the records for these colors the contractor was RGN Construction.
    The trim color is a charcoal that matches the the charcoal metal roof.

    Have fun with your project.

    Dan
    13 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    What is avg cost to build the bunks? Thank you!!
    · Comment · 13 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects RGN Construction built these beds.

    Thanks for your question.

    Dan
    13 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    how do get one of these? - i have an apartment building that I'd like to add one on. Thanks, Frank 253-549-5170
    · Comment · 13 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects Hi Frank,

    These canopies are custom designed and fabricated.

    You could check out Pheeny Achitectural elements on the internet for prefabricated canopies.

    Take Care,
    Dan
    13 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Garage door as a roof? - We also live in WA and want to use our pergola year round. Would a door like this work to slide over the top to protect from the rain but s... Read More »
    · Comment · 13 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects It is an interesting concept. It seems like you would want to design the pergola to incorporate the tracks and be able to slide the door horizontally as a roof.

    Have fun with your project, I think it could be great !

    Dan
    13 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects is following Robert M. Cain, Architect, Maryann Thompson Architects
    13 days ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    What is the color of this stain?
    · · Comment · 14 days ago
    Show 4 more comments
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects If you would like to give me a call, I would be happy to discuss your project !

    Take Care,
    Dan
    14 days ago ·
    Amy Werfel Interiors No project in sight, yet...just curious. This is a lifestyle my husband and I have talked about for some time. We are thinking "retirement" which is a ways away.
    14 days ago ·
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects Hi Amy,

    That's OK. If you want to give me a call anyway, I would still be happy to talk to you about this project.

    Take Care,
    Dan
    14 days ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects is following North East Hydronic Radiant Inc.
    2 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Back yard fire places
    · Comment · 2 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects RGN Construction was the contractor.
    2 weeks ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    The Lake Union Float Home was posted on ADELTO. Assif Majid wrote the article and was the editor of the magazine. http://www.adelto.co.uk... Read More »
    · Comment · 3 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects uploaded 1 photo
    3 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    I like the ceiling idea. Where would I get the fasteners? (4 each panel)
    · Comment · 3 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects Try doing a web search for Mockett fasteners.

    Dan
    3 weeks ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    Taufique Ahmad recently posted the Lake Union Float Home on the architectural design web site ARCHWORLDS. http://www.archworlds.com/2012/... Read More »
    · Comment · 3 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    The lake Union Float Home was posted on Trends Now, future trends magazine. http://www.trendsnow.net/2011/11/the-lake-union-floating-home... Read More »
    · Comment · 3 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects is following Iris Design Studio
    3 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    Georgiana Design recently posted the Coan Waterfront Remodel on her design web magazine. Here is the link to her posting ! http://georgi... Read More »
    · Comment · 3 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects updated their profile
    3 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Landscape - What are the purple flowers in this picture called?
    · Comment · 3 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects The purple flowers are RED MOTHER OF THYME / THYMUS SORPHYLLUM.

    You can get more information about the garden for this project on Scott Lankfords Landscape Architects HOUZZ site.

    Thanks for asking !
    Dan
    3 weeks ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Pea stone? - What size and color is the pea stone, everything looks great.
    · Comment · 3 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects We used 1/2 inch minus Skagit Grey crushed rock for the pathways on this project.

    You can see more of this project on Scott Lankford's Landscape Architect's HOUZZ site.

    Thanks for asking !
    Dan
    3 weeks ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Siding - Can you share what siding product is used here? Thanks!
    · Comment · 3 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects The siding is western red cedar board and batten siding. 1x2 battens over a 12inch board.

    Thanks for asking !

    Dan
    3 weeks ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    The Lake Union Float Home was recently posted on the British web magazine e-architect. Here is a link to the magazine article ! http://w... Read More »
    · · Comment · 3 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    Posted on Georgiana's design web site: http://georgianadesign.tumblr.com/post/51154070443/ten-broeck-farm-wa-dan-nelson-designs-northwest
    · · Comment · 4 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    Posted by Georgiana and Meggielynne http://meggielynne.tumblr.com/post/51156485609/georgianadesign-ten-broeck-farm-wa-dan
    · Comment · 4 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    In 2011 John Hill wrote an article for A DAILY DOSE OF ARCHITECTURE that featured the Lake Union Float Home. HALF DOSE #99 LAKE UNION FLOAT... Read More »
    · Comment · 4 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    "ELEGANT ECO HOME WITH FIREMAN'S POLE ROCKS" Here is the link ! http://www.trendir.com/house-design/elegant-eco-home-with-firemans-pole... Read More »
    · Comment · 4 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Where could I purchase the door and stained glass side window?
    · Comment · 4 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects Thanks for asking about the door and the glass side light.

    Both the door and the glass side light are custom designed and fabricated.

    Hope this helps.

    Dan
    4 weeks ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    The glass connector between the garage and the house of the Skagit Valley Farmstead was featured on the web site for Lake and Home Magazine,... Read More »
    · Comment · 4 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    The Lake Union Float Home was recently posted on EPUNDIT, a web magazine dedicated to ART, DESIGN, TECHNOLOGY, ARCHITECTURE, and VIDEO. Her... Read More »
    · · Comment · 4 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects commented on a discussion
    Concrete Color - Can you please tell me the stain color used in the concrete driveway? Thanks so much!
    · Comment · 4 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects The concrete color is the natural color of concrete.

    Thanks for asking !
    Dan
    4 weeks ago ·
    Sign Up to comment
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    The Thomas Eco House was recently featured on DAILY ARCHITECTURE.COM http://dailyarchitecture.com/post/14521341124/thomas-eco-house-by-de... Read More »
    · Comment · 4 weeks ago
    Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
    The Lake Union Float Home was recently posted on the Art and Design web site WAVE AVENUE Here is the link : http://waveavenue.com/profil... Read More »
    · Comment · 4 weeks ago
    Show More Events

    Sign in to see 5 Reviews »

    Review by H2K design Inc.:

    h2k design has worked in partnership with Designs Northwest Architects for over 14 years. Designs Northwest’s integration of interiors in the earliest stages of...
    Sign in to see more »

    Review by patriciasmith:

    Our builder recommended that we work with Dan Nelson, and we are so happy that we did! Dan is wonderful to work with. He listens well, has great ideas, is ver...
    Sign in to see more »

    Review by brooksjones:

    Designs Northwest is a very professional and creative company. it is a pleasure to work with their team of architects. The friendly people at Designs Northwest ...
    Sign in to see more »

    Review by Lankford Associates Landscape Architects:

    This is a fantastic architect to work with. We have collaborated on many projects over many years, and his design and attention to client input is remarkable. ...
    Sign in to see more »

    Review by RGN Construction:

    As General Contractors, we have had the privilege of working with Dan Nelson and the great folks at Designs Northwest Architects on many projects, some award wi...
    Sign in to see more »

    Reviews by Dan Nelson (4)

    Review for LaCasse Construction:

    Designs Northwest Architects has worked with Jack Lacasse on several custom homes. Jack is a great craftsman and is always sensitive to our clients budget and t...
    Sign in to see more »

    Review for Lankford Associates Landscape Architects:

    Scott Lankford and I have worked together for many wonderful clients over the past several years and we have a very similar approach when it comes to working w...
    Sign in to see more »

    Review for H2K design Inc.:

    I have collaborated with Garrett Kuhlman and Wendy Kennedy of H2K design on numerous architectural projects over the last 15 years and have found Garrett and We...
    Sign in to see more »

    Review for RGN Construction:

    As an architect that focuses on custom residential construction it is important to work with a general contractor that is willing to work as a team mate to give...
    Sign in to see more »