--- title: "Michael Knowles, Architect — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-knowles-architect-pfvwus-pf~1577150476 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1577150476.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Michael Knowles, Architect" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9423efe10cfff320_1043-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1148 NW Leary Way, Seattle, Washington 98107, United States" latitude: 47.6701 longitude: -122.3763 phone: "(206) 399-1784" website: http://www.deforestarchitects.com rating: 5 review_count: 4 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 586 last_updated: 2026-08-10 --- # Michael Knowles, Architect Original Houzz profile: [Michael Knowles, Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-knowles-architect-pfvwus-pf~1577150476) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Seattle, WA - **Serves:** Seattle - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (4 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2012–2017), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Michael Knowles has over 25 years of experience with residential and commercial projects. He believes that good design is a result of balanced simplicity and consistently demonstrates an attention to detail reflective of his interest in the craft of building. Michael is a graduate of Washington State University where he received his Bachelor of Architecture degree. He is a licensed architect in the states of Washington and California. Michael has joined the team, and is accepting new projects, at DeForest Architects. ### Areas Served - Seattle ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Michael Knowles, Architect | | Address | 1148 NW Leary Way, Seattle, Washington 98107, United States | | Phone | (206) 399-1784 | | Website | http://www.deforestarchitects.com | | Followers on Houzz | 586 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Michael Knowles, Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-knowles-architect-pfvwus-pf~1577150476) - **Website:** http://www.deforestarchitects.com - **Phone:** (206) 399-1784 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2012–2017), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 4 reviews** ### All 4 reviews **★★★★★ — Quantum Windows & Doors, Oct. 2013** > We are currently in a working relationship with Michael Knowles and have come to recognize his exemplary ability to reconcile unique architectural challenges. Specific to our current project, an extensive addition to a recording studio, Michael has contributed impressive insight in maintaining architectural integrity at the same time addressing particular engineering needs, namely acoustic elements. Working with Michael has proven to be our pleasure. **★★★★★ — dwightgaston, July 2013** > My wife and I both love the work Michael has done, and we enjoy working with him. > > He's been our architect since mid-2007, designing our extensive remodel in 2008-09, as well as a second phase in 2011. > > He really understands the style we're looking for, and has executed it consistently throughout our house. Many architects tend to push their aesthetic onto their clients, but Michael really tries to understand what we're looking for, and achieve it. > > We would recommend him to anyone. **★★★★★ — jsfreeman, April 2013** > I found Knowles PS on Houzz and hired Michael after interviewing a number of firms. After a six month remodel, we've just moved in and couldn't be happier with Knowles' work. We especially appreciated Michael's design esthetic and astute attention to detail. While we didn't change the footprint of the home, we renovated almost every room and each step of the way, Michael provided thoughtful space planning recommendations, creative problem solving and most importantly, quality design. His wife Colleen provided invaluable advice on fixtures and finishes and together were able to address all our renovation needs. We had a vision of the updates we wanted, but Michael & Colleen took our ideas to a level we couldn't have imagined. Not only were the design concepts spot on, they are both a joy to work with. A great listener, Michael gathered input from us but also worked seamlessly with our contractors, who especially appreciated his very detailed plans. And Colleen was able to take an idea and find just exactly the right solution, whether it be a paint color, fabric or tile. All in all, it was a great partnership. The results are fabulous and the process of getting there, well planned and executed. I hope to have the opportunity to work with Knowles PS on future projects. Truly a great team. **★★★★★ — doriskogan, April 2013** > Michael Knowles designed our home 10 years ago. We loved working with Michael, who grasped what we wanted within our first meeting. Michael is a consummate professional -- thorough, meticulous, responsive. He is highly creative and always came up with ideas and alternatives that surprised and delighted us. We worked closely during almost a year of design and planning plus 10 months of construction. It was consistently a pleasure to work with Michael, and the end result, as my husband once said, is a "sculpture we get to live in." We wish we could build something else with Michael! ## Selected projects - [Madison Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/madison-park-residence-pj-vj~374380) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 25 - [Queen Anne Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/queen-anne-residence-pj-vj~7602) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 11 - Description: This home, perched atop Queen Anne hill in Seattle, was originally constructed in 1940 and later remodeled in 1980. The owners desired an updated home that reflected and responded to their tastes and lifestyle. They wanted to update their home with a classic, timeless aesthetic while retaining a casual feeling. The existing floor plan was comprised of small rooms and constrained spaces that resulted in a disfunctional circulation pattern. With the exception of the formal living room, nearly ever… - [Bryant Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bryant-residence-pj-vj~7589) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 7 - Description: The owners desired to dwell in an elegant and efficient home. The owner’s interest in a minimalist aesthetic informed the design approach. The built result creates a tailored, family-friendly and modern home. The interior materials create a comfortable environment through the balanced use of wood, stone and painted surfaces. The exterior is developed from a palette of low maintenance materials, including standing seam metal roofing, stucco and thermally broken aluminum windows. - [Capitol Hill Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/capitol-hill-residence-pj-vj~7594) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 4 - Description: The owners desired an updated kitchen that would satisy both their aesthetic preferences and the needs of a growing family. The bright and airy space provides clean and uncluttered surfaces that contribute to a beautiful and well-organized work environment. The craft and detail of the remodel respects the home's original style while transitioning to a more contemporary aesthetic. - [Cedar Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cedar-park-residence-pj-vj~7596) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 7 - Description: This project is located on a hillside overlooking Lake Washington. The public spaces of the existing residence, originally built in the 1970’s, functioned poorly and failed to satisfy the owner’s aesthetic desires. As a result, the upper level of the home has been significantly reconfigured and updated. A primary focus of the project was to maximize views of the lake. In response, the living room ceiling has been increased in height to provide a dramatic arrangement of east-facing windows that e… - [Magnolia Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/magnolia-residence-pj-vj~7599) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 3 - Description: The existing kitchen in this Tudor home was cramped and dysfunctional for its young owners and their growing family. An addition to the rear of the home provides spatial breathing room and allows for the desired modern conveniences. The tile back splash and leaded-glass cabinet doors are among the details carefully considered to connect the new work with the existing style. - [Port Orchard Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/port-orchard-residence-pj-vj~7601) - Location: Port Orchard, WA - Photos: 7 - Description: The excellent water and mountain views made this waterfront property the right location for the owner's dream home. The owners had a strong preference for a particular aesthetic and desired a "Northwest Waterfront Industrial Warehouse Modern" home. The exterior is developed from a palette of low maintenance industrial building materials juxtaposed against “warm” wood elements. The composition of these elements creates a simple yet elegant design. - [Volunteer Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/volunteer-park-residence-pj-vj~7603) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 6 - Description: The owner, though a modernist at heart, was attached to the original character of this stately early twentieth century residence. The resulting design approach provides an infusion of modern elements in harmony with the existing architecture. The entire back half of the main floor was gutted and reworked to create a more open floor plan that complemented the client’s modern lifestyle and included a kitchen, den and bathroom. The second floor, although historically interesting, lacked a master su… [See all 8 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-knowles-architect-pfvwus-pf~1577150476) ## Community Q&A **Q: Pendant light hanging above the sink** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, could you please provide details on the pendant light hanging above the kitchen sink? It is just what I have been looking for.....Thank you! A: The pendant light over the kitchen sink is from Hudson Valley, 5921F-AN Sutton. **Q: Can you tell me colors?** *(in Photo Questions)* I would love to know what paint and colors you used, please?? I can't read your previous answers. Sherman? Benjamin? names of paint, please? St. Joseph, MI A: We asked the painter to match the existing trim color. Sorry, I don't have a record of what the color name/number is. **Q: Sliding doors** *(in Photo Questions)* I wondered if it's possible to know what brand the sliding doors are? A: Fleetwood http://www.fleetwoodusa.net/menu\_bar/Products/3070-T/sliding-door-3070-T.php **Q: Cabinets** *(in Photo Questions)* Are these custom slab cabinets, wood type, etc.? A: Yes, these are custom cabinets, mostly maple with some walnut accents. **Q: Who makes the vanity light?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Illuminating Experiences http://www.illuminatingexperiences.com/product\_detail.php?id=188 **Q: mirrors** *(in Photo Questions)* Are these medicine cabinets or custom framed mirrors? or where did you get the mirrors? A: The medicine cabinets are from Century Bathworks. The surrounding trim is custom. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-10.*