--- title: "ROM architecture studio — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/rom-architecture-studio-pfvwus-pf~1040390712 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1040390712.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "ROM architecture studio" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0fa3a1a10011db03_4722-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Tacoma, Washington 98402, United States" phone: "(206) 545-7336" website: http://www.romarchitecture.com rating: 5 review_count: 14 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 574 last_updated: 2026-08-13 --- # ROM architecture studio Original Houzz profile: [ROM architecture studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/rom-architecture-studio-pfvwus-pf~1040390712) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Tacoma, WA - **Serves:** Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Kirkland, Auburn, South Hill, Lakewood, Puyallup, Parkland, Spanaway, University Place, Graham, Bonney Lake, Frederickson, Elk Plain, Lakeland South, Prairie Ridge, Edgewood, Fife, Sumner, Midland, Summit, Orting, Milton, Waller, Pacific, Buckley, Algona, Clyde Hill, Medina, Alderton, North Puyallup, Fife Heights, McMillin, South Prairie, La Grande, Camp Murray, Longmire, Paradise Inn - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (14 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2013–2022), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves röm architecture studio is a boutique architecture and interior design firm serving the greater Seattle and Tacoma areas. Led by award-winning architect Carol Rae, projects include legacy homes, vacation homes, whole home renovations, vintage home remodels, and luxury interiors. Our designs have been featured in Fine Homebuilding, Old House Journal, Cottage Living, Architectural Record, Better Homes & Gardens Kitchen & Bath Ideas, dwell.com, and many regional publications including SeattleMet and Pacific Northwest Magazine. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Structural Engineering - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Attic Conversion - Basement Design - Tiny House Construction - Deck Design - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design - Earthquake Retrofitting - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - Seattle - Tacoma - Bellevue - Kirkland - Auburn - South Hill - Lakewood - Puyallup - Parkland - Spanaway - University Place - Graham - Bonney Lake - Frederickson - Elk Plain - Lakeland South - Prairie Ridge - Edgewood - Fife - Sumner - Midland - Summit - Orting - Milton - Waller - Pacific - Buckley - Algona - Clyde Hill - Medina - Alderton - North Puyallup - Fife Heights - McMillin - South Prairie - La Grande - Camp Murray - Longmire - Paradise Inn ### Typical Job Cost $350,000 - $2M+ ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | ROM architecture studio | | Address | Tacoma, Washington 98402, United States | | Phone | (206) 545-7336 | | Website | http://www.romarchitecture.com | | License Number | Architect - WA, CO, & CA | | Followers on Houzz | 574 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/rom-architecture-studio/162399537120566 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/romarchitecture - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/carolrae - Blog — http://romarchitecture.com/blog/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [ROM architecture studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/rom-architecture-studio-pfvwus-pf~1040390712) - **Website:** http://www.romarchitecture.com - **Phone:** (206) 545-7336 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Winner of seven BEST OF HOUZZ awards \| 2013 Master Builders Association of King & Snohomish County Remodeling Excellence (REX) Award - Laurelhurst Vintage Classic Kitchen \| 2011 AIA HUD Secretary's Alan J. Rothman Award in Housing Accessibility \| 2019 HGTV Designer of the Year - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2013–2022), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [Rhode Island School of Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/rhode-island-school-of-design-pfvwus-pf~1510685362) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 14 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Optimus Construction & Design LLC, Sept. 2019** > Carol is one of the most knowledgeable and gifted architects I have worked with. > Her details have details. > We are very impressed and we highly recommend her services to anyone with high expectations. **★★★★★ — Michelle Huff, June 2015** > We worked with Carol with ROM architecture, an incredibly creative, detailed, and professional architect. She was incredibly helpful throughout the whole process. We had her start with design concepts with a good/better/best set of options for all three floors - so we can make sure when we do the main floor (major kitchen remodel) that we don't have to undo anything later on in future remodels. I have a pretty intense work schedule - and Carol worked with us through the whole project in selecting the contractors as well as providing options to choose from for everything such as the hardware, lighting, etc. This was exactly what we needed. It turned out so well. We get compliments all the time - it doesn't look like an "add on" at all. Thanks Carol! **★★★★★ — L Villasana, April 2015** > Carol planned the perfect remodel of the first floor of our home. Her ideas were much better than we had anticipated. We thought we knew what we wanted until she came up with her recommendations. > > Carol listened to us and was able to translate our needs into a practical and modern look, which were aiming for. She was professional, punctual, responsive and fun to be around. > > It's been several years since the project was completed and people still compliment the remodel, particularly the kitchen. > > If we had to hire an architect again, we would hire Carol without hesitation. **★★★★★ — h2ozik, Feb. 2015** > Carol provided architectural and interior design service, and construction administration for a four-month remodel of our kitchen and first floor, involving some significant structural adjustments. Her service was exceptional. She is an outstanding communicator, both in listening to clients and conveying her own thoughts verbally and in writing. She offered to provide three possible design options and over-delivered (in a great way) with five. She helped with design choices by pre-selecting options for items such as light fixtures that would work with our design, thereby enabling us to focus on making a final decision without wasting time sorting through numerous possibilities. Finally, she solved problems during construction so that we didn't have to deal with them. We would hire her again and, in fact, already have. **★★★★★ — Adams Residential, Feb. 2015** > I have the unique perspective of working with Carol as both the contractor for mutual clients, and as a client depending on her for design services. > > Carol is exceptionally professional in approach, communication, and process. If I'm leaving something out, she is probably exceptional at that as well. She can fit design to the needs of a 1920's Craftsman home flawlessly. She can create a modern home from scratch that fits an established neighborhood, while hinting from the exterior, and revealing inside, a modern wonder. > > Her respect for the client desires and needs is the baseline from which her designs flow. Versatility, and architectural understanding are evident in the range of projects found in her portfolio. From modest functionality, to fabulous use of material and craftsmanship, to beyond compliance in ADA construction, her range is extensive. > > I have worked with Carol on a number of remodel projects in the Seattle area. When we came upon a vacant parcel that needed us to build a house that fit into the lot and preserved two large Western Cedars, Carol was our choice, and luckily she made herself available. We are half way through, which means we can stand on the floors, dry to the weather, and experience the spaces and the outlooks. The result is truly amazing, and a testament to her understanding of space and light and function. > > Carol also keeps versed on the most up to date concepts in design and construction. Green building, new materials, extreme insulation and airtight interior environments create challenges that require technique and system changes from the generic practices of decades past. Carol is the one who points these out and suggests implementation, sometimes before its in the code. **★★★★★ — Thomas Jacobson Construction, Inc, Feb. 2015** > As a general contractor, the qualities we value in the architects with whom we work are a positive and collaborative demeanor, that they provide detailed project documentation, have a solid understanding of the existing conditions of the house or property as well as construction methods, and that they respond quickly to our requests for information during construction. Our experience working with Carol at ROM is that she exceeds expectations in regard to all of the above. Perhaps more importantly, Carol is fun to work with and fosters mutually beneficial working relationships between Client, Architect, and Contractor throughout the construction process. I'd hire ROM to design my own house. **★★★★★ — Zoltan Farkas Construction L.L.C., Feb. 2015** > My name is Zoltan Farkas from Zoltan Farkas Construction, L.L.C. I have worked with Carol Sundstrom the owner of Rom Architecture Studio, on several projects. Our most recent collaboration was on a second story remodel of a 1980s home in Seattle. Carol provides a rare combination of artistic vision and a thorough grasp of the construction process. She is articulate, intelligent and when required quite tactful. Carol's is a very detail oriented architect who is equally skilled at design and project management. In short, she is a joy to work with and I always look forward to the collaboration when she calls me to look at one of her projects. **★★★★★ — ccone1226, Feb. 2015** > Carol is the consummate professional and dedicated her time, skill, expertise, talent and wisdom to my major remodel (tear down and rebuild) which occurred a few years ago. She was instrumental in making sure the project stayed within 1% of the budget (amazing). When I needed to remodel one portion of my home fairly recently, she again provided innovation, creativity and focus to the work. Passersby routinely comment on the beauty/unique design of my home, and friends and family who are invited in are enveloped by a welcoming (yet intellectually stimulating) design and "flow". **★★★★★ — adamyingzi, June 2013** > Carol worked with us to remodel a 1931 Seattle tudor home. The house had not been updated since the 40's and it was a challenge to come up with something that matched the style of the house but also included modern day needs. Carol did an amazing Job! She designed an an amazing Kitchen, as well as a deck addition with french door opening. She was very good at thinking about both practicality at look. The result was classic AND functional. We would definitely work with Carol again and highly recommend her to all friends and family! **★★★★★ — dawnkinsel, June 2013** > Working with Carol at Rom Architecture could not have been a better experience. She is bright, practical, forthright, hardworking, and extremely talented. > > We hired Carol for a whole house remodel of a newly purchased 1920s home after reviewing her prior work and observing that she tailors the design to the style of the house and the current/future needs of the client. We also needed someone who would provide the full array of services from coordinating the home inspections during the purchase, establishing a realistic budget, creating the plans, and overseeing the construction. > > The process of working with Carol was fantastic from the get go - she understands design from both an artistic and practical standpoint. This means she knows how to get the best possible results out of your budget while not afraid to think outside the box and make creative suggestions. She has been absolutely AMAZING and made what easily could have been a stressful and expensive construction nightmare into a fun process resulting in a home that is more stylish, functional, and affordable than we imagined. **★★★★★ — Dawn Siegel, Dec. 2012** > Carol was the perfect architect for us. Her eye for detail and can do attitude made our remodel a success. With the impending addition to our family, we needed to remodel/ add on to our 1920's craftsman bungalow. Undaunted by the challenges of seemless integration between old and new, gave us the most livable space we could get for our lot size. > > We added a master suite and what we call and 'adult' size kitchen with a sunny breakfast nook. Her style of flat fee bidding, brought all the potential contractors to us on one day. The flat fee worked well for us to help encourage the contractors and subs to use their time efficiently and control their costs. This provided us a financial buffer for when timelines were delayed. > > We've recommended her to several of our friends and acquaintences and if/when we buy an additional property, she will be our go to architect. **★★★★★ — rkovalchik, Dec. 2012** > Hired ROM Architecture Studio to design a complete exterior restoration of a 1924 craftsman bungalow. This included a complete rebuild of an inviting front porch in the traditional style, and new exterior siding and window trim for the rest of the house. > > ROM architecture was very easy to work with as we explored ideas during the design phase. The combination of listening to what I wanted to achieve while providing useful suggestions and details to make my ideas a reality really worked well to achieve an excellent result. Specifically: > > \- Provided many helpful suggestions during the design phase including information concerning building code compliance and build cost estimates for the various plans considered. > \- Detailed plans were drawn and proved invaluable during the construction phase. > \- Provided an unbiased 3rd opinion between contractor and customer whenever any dispute occurred regarding build quality or compliance to the plans. I found it was very valuable to have an independent architect as part of the team rather than using the builder's architect. > \- Available to meet on-site when needed to keep the construction phase moving and avoid delays. > > Highly recommended! ## Selected projects - [Madrona: Tudor Renewal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/madrona-tudor-renewal-pj-vj~2098956) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 23 - Description: Major remodel of a 1929 classic brick Tudor with a view of Lake Washington. The design process started when the couple discovered they were expecting, and construction was completed before the baby’s due date. The challenge on the main floor was to create a more functional kitchen that would be visually open to the dining room and the view beyond. This was achieved with structural revisions that allowed the kitchen to be increased in size, together with replacing the existing patio doors with a… - [Ravenna: Post-War Traditional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ravenna-post-war-traditional-pj-vj~2098997) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 7 - [Magnolia: Mid-Century Modern \| Universal Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/magnolia-mid-century-modern-universal-design-pj-vj~68804) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 19 - [Washington Park: Transitional Rustic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/washington-park-transitional-rustic-pj-vj~665752) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 14 - Description: Whole-house remodel of a hillside home in Seattle. The historically-significant ballroom was repurposed as a family/music room, and the once-small kitchen and adjacent spaces were combined to create an open area for cooking and gathering. A compact master bath was reconfigured to maximize the use of space, and a new main floor powder room provides knee space for accessibility. Built-in cabinets provide much-needed coat & shoe storage close to the front door. - [Lake Washington: Georgian Veranda](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-washington-georgian-veranda-pj-vj~314856) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 3 - [Laurelhurst: Classic Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laurelhurst-classic-kitchen-pj-vj~122082) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 14 - [Pioneer Square: Universal Design Urban Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pioneer-square-universal-design-urban-loft-pj-vj~314834) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 10 - [Magnolia Bluff: Spanish Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/magnolia-bluff-spanish-mediterranean-pj-vj~314844) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 5 - [Nob Hill: French Victorian](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nob-hill-french-victorian-pj-vj~69140) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 21 - [Woodland House: Northwest Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/woodland-house-northwest-modern-pj-vj~1432588) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 22 - [Tangletown: Craftsman Bungalow Porch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tangletown-craftsman-bungalow-porch-pj-vj~314849) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 5 - [Frelo: Northwest Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/frelo-northwest-modern-pj-vj~71715) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 11 - [Maple Leaf: Craftsman Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maple-leaf-craftsman-bungalow-pj-vj~314833) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 8 - [Tejon: Cottage Style Porch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tejon-cottage-style-porch-pj-vj~314852) - Location: Colorado Springs, CO - Photos: 2 - [Crown Hill: Art Deco Streamliner-Inspired](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crown-hill-art-deco-streamliner-inspired-pj-vj~254547) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 18 - [North End Tacoma: Craftsman Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-end-tacoma-craftsman-bungalow-pj-vj~1432642) - Location: Tacoma, WA - Photos: 17 [See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/rom-architecture-studio-pfvwus-pf~1040390712) ## Ideabooks - [Forest Sunroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/184285030/list/forest-sunroom) — 15 ideas - [ATA](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/142584506/list/ata) — 62 ideas - [Modern front entry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87188215/list/modern-front-entry) — 17 ideas - [Bridge House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83180428/list/bridge-house) — 15 ideas - [Traditional Homestead](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83132169/list/traditional-homestead) — 106 ideas - [Forest Ridge](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/82790982/list/forest-ridge) — 159 ideas - [Waterfront Bluff](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/82790939/list/waterfront-bluff) — 48 ideas - [Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75815698/list/cottage) — 37 ideas - [Pierce County Eco](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75800726/list/pierce-county-eco) — 29 ideas - [North Capital Hill - kids' bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/71048961/list/north-capital-hill-kids-bath) — 10 ideas - [North Capital Hill - kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/71048842/list/north-capital-hill-kitchen) — 9 ideas - [Tacoma Waterview](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68221338/list/tacoma-waterview) — 8 ideas - [Greenwood](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/67338421/list/greenwood) — 10 ideas - [Prefabricated shower pans](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65947492/list/prefabricated-shower-pans) — 4 ideas - [Furniture-style Vanities](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20013081/list/furniture-style-vanities) — 11 ideas - [Bath/shower Wet Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48387743/list/bath-shower-wet-room) — 15 ideas - [Basement Windows](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49211425/list/basement-windows) — 8 ideas - [TV Conceal](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48754124/list/tv-conceal) — 4 ideas - [Seward Park Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26476091/list/seward-park-cottage) — 9 ideas [See all 19 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/romarchitecture) ## Community Q&A **Q: Where is the cabinetry from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Cabinetry brand A: It’s custom designed and custom built **Q: Were the floors original to the house and were they refinished?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the color of this floor. Is it red oak? What stain is used? A: Yes, original to the house. Red oak. Clear finish. **Q: colors in kitchen and connecting room** *(in Photo Questions)* what is the name and brand of red paint and paint of wall by front door? BTW-love how you have breathed beautiful life into this old house. A: Thank you! The paint is by a company that is no longer in business. They had a great curated collection of colors that were specially created to look great in the overcast skies in Seattle. If you have Miller Paint where you live they have a similar palette called ‘colorevolution.’ I have several blog posts on my website about paint colors you should check out. Go to: www.romarchitecture.com **Q: flooring transition** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the two types of flooring? We bought a 1950’s home that has 2 1/4” oak flooring and are adding on. This transitional flooring works well here. Thank you:) A: The flooring in the kitchen is fir with an oil and wax finish. **Q: details on the fireplace please** *(in Photo Questions)* the me mechanics of it- woodburning or gas? maker? A: Gas, manufactured by Valor **Q: I was interested in sink/vanity. Would it work with wheelchair?** *(in Photo Questions)* I was interested in sink/vanity. Would it work with a wheelchair? Wher can it be purchased? Thank you for your information and time. A: Yes, I designed it to work with a wheelchair. It is fully custom made, though, and not something you can purchase. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*