--- title: "Sortun-Vos Architects, P.S. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sortun-vos-architects-p-s-pfvwus-pf~1577210360 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1577210360.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Sortun-Vos Architects, P.S." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5803446d005ccd12_1747-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1105 N 38th St, Seattle, Washington 98103, United States" latitude: 47.6734 longitude: -122.3426 phone: "(206) 545-9100" website: http://www.sortun-vos.com rating: 5 review_count: 7 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 223 last_updated: 2026-11-13 --- # Sortun-Vos Architects, P.S. Original Houzz profile: [Sortun-Vos Architects, P.S.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sortun-vos-architects-p-s-pfvwus-pf~1577210360) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Seattle, WA - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (7 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2013–2017), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves After 40+ years of architectural service, Sortun-Vos has retired. Long time owner Tom Nychay started a new firm, Gant Nychay Architecture, with partner Laroy Gant. You can find them here ( https://www.houzz.com/pro/webuser\_8915101). If you have any questions, or are searching down old drawings from Sortun-Vos, contact Julie Caliri: julie@gantnychay.com ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Sortun-Vos Architects, P.S. | | Address | 1105 N 38th St, Seattle, Washington 98103, United States | | Phone | (206) 545-9100 | | Website | http://www.sortun-vos.com | | Followers on Houzz | 223 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/sortun-vos-architects-ps/127461637329759 ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Sortun-Vos Architects, P.S.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sortun-vos-architects-p-s-pfvwus-pf~1577210360) - **Website:** http://www.sortun-vos.com - **Phone:** (206) 545-9100 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - July 2012: Remodeling Excellence (REX) Award from the Building Industry Association of Washington for Residential Addition over $150,00 - AIA Home of the Year (1994) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2013–2017), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 7 reviews** ### All 7 reviews **★★★★★ — Beth Colombo, Sept. 2013** > Sortun-Vos was amazing to work with when remodeling our 1924 craftsman style home in Madrona, WA. Charlie Vos and Tom Nychay are so friendly, experienced, and easy to work with. We loved the multiple solutions they provided based on our needs. It was important that we maintained the 1920's period architecture and features of the home while updating it with all of the current amenities. Their design renderings made it easy to visualize the final product. When comparing their renderings to our final product it looked like the drawings were completed after the remodel. They made a difficult process look easy by navigating the permitting, codes, and plans behind the scenes. We would highly recommend Sortun-Voss for your next project. **★★★★★ — alanglie, Sept. 2013** > I have used Sortun-Vos for multiple projects over a number of years. I have always found their people and the quality of their work to be exceptional. Further, their design is always classic, functional and inspired. > > Sortun-Vos does an excellent job of listening to what it is you want, and working through those items to create an outstanding project. > > In an industry where many tend to try and force their ideas on you, Sortun-Vos takes your desires and brings them to reality, often refining and enhancing them beyond your initial thought. > > I trust them implicitly and have recommended them to countless numbers of friends. **★★★★★ — duffyclarke, Nov. 2012** > I hired Sortune-Vos to design and oversee the complete remodel of a condominium unit I purchased in 2011. I worked very closely with both Principals Charlie Vos and Tom Nychay during the entire design and remodel process and found them both to be extremely professional, knowledgable, experienced, dedicated, and delightful to work with. Open communication and accessibility was a highlight of my experience with both Tom Nychay and Charlie Vos, as well as the entire Sortun-Vos staff. > > Sortun-vos provided the following services for my remodel project: 1) Schematic Design work, 2) Design Development, 3) drafting of Contract Documents, 4) facilitating of Bidding & Negotiating, and 5) Construction Observation. In providing these services, both principals and other staff worked extremely well with me and with my contractor. > > Occasionally during my project there would be a descrepency between the cost of work billed by my contractor and the original negotiated bid. When this would occur, Sortun-Vos would always research the issue and insure it was resolved correctly. > > My project turned out beautifully and I am extremely happy with it. I feel my project benefited from the strong structural design expertise Charlie Vos provided and the fine finishing/interior design expertise Tom Nychay provided -- I got the best of both worlds working with both principals. I cannot say enough about my very positive, pleasant and satisfactory experiece with Sortun-Vos. **★★★★★ — sanderson444, Nov. 2012** > We interviewed, then eventually hired Sortun-Vos Architects and couldn't be happier. They had an incredible ability to work within our budget and our desires, likes/dislikes, while at the same time using their professional knowledge to guide the planning on our significant remodel project. In the end our project even won an award for home remodels within a certain price range. Additionally, their billing was clear and accurate. **★★★★★ — sheilaandjim, Oct. 2012** > We have used the services of Sortun-Vos at least 4 times over the past 30+ years. > Every time we needed something built or remodeled we called on Charlie Vos, and each time he provided the highest quality services.Charlie is a great architect, but equally important, for us, was that he oversaw every phase of the work, including getting the necessary permits, hiring the contractor, checking in on progress, and evaluating the finished product. And he listened to our wishes and concerns and modified his plans accordingly. We wouldn't go anywhere else! > Here is a brief summary of some of his work for us. In the late 1980's our beach house burned down. Charlie designed a new one which both met our specifications and fit our extremely limited budget. We loved it! In the 1990's, when our finances allowed, we asked him to design a second story for the house, including 2 bedrooms, a bathroom. a laundry room and a family room. From 2000 to the present he helped us redesign our condo in Seattle to improve access, get rid of some 1970's design flaws, and generally update the space, which is now truly elegant and very functional. We could not be happier to recommend Sortun-Vos services in any construction or reconstruction project. **★★★★★ — Janna Hamaker, Sept. 2012** > We've worked with Charlie Vos and the folks at Sortun-Vos for 2 major projects: > > 1\) remodeled kitchen, living, and dining areas > 2\) remodeled master bedroom/bathroom/laundry > > This has been such a successful partnership that we're about to start a third project with Sortun-Vos: a complete basement remodel. > > Working with Charlie has been wonderful. He 'gets' our style and his suggestions are always spot-on. In addition, he creatively solves design problems such that at the end of the project, you'd never know there was an awkward situation. > > Charlie is also great at working with my "creative" ways to save money in order to splurge in other areas. > > I highly recommend Charlie Vos and Sortun-Vos Architects. **★★★★★ — johnzarek, Sept. 2012** > The architect took time to understand the scope of the desired remodel. Our remodel was a complete re-do of our main living space deck. He listened to our needs and expectations that the remodel fit in with the existing motif of our home. When we reviewed the initial work, there was opportunity for dialogue and listening to our wishes. The plans were developed and fully met our expectations. ## Selected projects - [West Seattle Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-seattle-craftsman-pj-vj~89266) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 38 - Description: West Seattle Craftsman got a major renovation - [Seattle Waterfront](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seattle-waterfront-pj-vj~89142) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 37 - Description: Originally built in the 1970's, the house had fallen into disrepair. The new owners, excited by its waterfront location and expansive single level footprint are updating and upgrading all aspects of the house. Foundations have been repaired, walls super-insulated, and high efficiency windows and doors installed. Although architecturally nondescript originally, the mansard roof was kept and used to embellish the character toward a Châteauesque style. Elegant, vertical proportions and terra cotta… - [Ballard Athletic Club](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ballard-athletic-club-pj-vj~86478) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 11 - Description: While the owner's of this North Ballard home were considering ways to improve their entry they brought up the discussion of what to do with their large, south side yard beside just mowing the grass. For years they were under the impression that there was enough property to subdivide their lot. After more careful zoning investigations they learned a separate new residence was not possible but an accessory structure was. Interested in health and fitness and tired of the commute and inconvenience o… - [Magnolia Tudor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/magnolia-tudor-pj-vj~137312) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 9 - Description: A complete renovation that included many updates, repairs, and a few discreet additions for needed functionality. We altered the scale and character of some of the spaces—the living room was enhanced by a 9 foot tall bay that opens sweeping views of Elliot Bay and the Sound. The kitchen was re-made with finely detailed cabinets and well designed lighting. Featured in the Spring 2013 magazine Arts & Crafts Homes - [West Seattle Waterfront](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-seattle-waterfront-pj-vj~617063) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: Sortun•Vos prepared a plan for a new home that conforms fully to shoreline and other zoning requirements. The plan makes use of the limited dry-land space for outdoor rooms and maximize daylight and views. Special features include a custom curved library to house their extensive collection and a car elevator. - [Greenlake Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenlake-remodel-pj-vj~115105) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Leschi Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leschi-remodel-pj-vj~108066) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 10 - Description: This Seattle craftsman's old kitchen got a 400 sq. ft addition - a chef's delight! The upstairs was reconfigured and a master bath was completely renovated. - [Seattle Sunroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seattle-sunroom-pj-vj~108091) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 7 - Description: A complete rebuild of the existing sunroom and adjacent outdoor living space - [Kitchen & Bath Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-and-bath-remodel-pj-vj~108083) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 8 - Description: Mid century home gets modern remodel. - [Whidbey Island Home & Guest House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whidbey-island-home-and-guest-house-pj-vj~89167) - Location: Whidbey Island, WA - Photos: 37 - Description: This waterfront property on Whidbey Island in the San Juans of Washington State holds a Main House and Guest House connected by a trellised patio. - [Finished Basement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/finished-basement-pj-vj~89286) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 6 - Description: A Wallingford bungalow with a need for expansion... Sortun·Vos worked with the owners of this previously remodeled craftsman era home to return original charm and to expand living area in the existing, but unfinished basement. Improvements include a family media room, updated laundry and mechanical system, and added bathroom and guest room. Features such as built ins, a bookcase-door, and re-finished stair balusters were added to create a warm inviting atmosphere. - [Bellevue Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bellevue-remodel-pj-vj~89214) - Location: Bellevue, WA - Photos: 6 - [Bellevue Waterfront](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bellevue-waterfront-pj-vj~86498) - Location: Bellevue, WA - Photos: 12 - Description: Interior spaces are separated by thick passages, usually with an arched top to create a traditional and substantial feeling. Passages are aligned in an attempt to create intrigue for what is beyond. Ceilings are nine to ten feet, and the entry stair is open two stories to a bridge separating the master suite from the other second floor rooms. - [BIAW Winner](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/biaw-winner-pj-vj~89176) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 11 - Description: Referred by one of our previous clients, the owners wanted to expand their upper half story to include 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Sortun·Vos formulated a plan that gave each bedroom something special--built in window seats, dressers, a small south-facing balcony, and an inviting fireplace shared between the M. Bedroom and M. Bath. As a team, we were able to limit impact to the existing main floor rooms while installing major seismic and structural upgrades. Specially made roof trusses allowed f… - [Kitchens!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchens-pj-vj~89270) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exteriors-pj-vj~89275) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmhouse-pj-vj~89234) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Wine Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wine-room-pj-vj~89206) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Palm Springs Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palm-springs-ranch-pj-vj~89154) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: The client sought to gain a sense of informality and ultimately to convert this austere house into a comfortable ranch home. As a winter home, to be used during Palm Springs' "cool" season, the client requested that there be a seamless relationship between the indoors and outdoors. The home was completely reorganized in order to gain larger, more casual spaces. With careful treatment of materials, the scale of the new rooms was brought to a comfortable level. Along with the interior, the landsca… - [Japanese Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/japanese-bath-pj-vj~86525) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sortun-vos-architects-p-s-pfvwus-pf~1577210360) ## Community Q&A **Q: Did you apply a semi transparent stain to the pre stained shingles?** *(in Photo Questions)* I bought this home last year. The shingles on the West and South wall are losing their stain. I am trying to find the original stain that was used or something that will match. Were the shingles stained or is this how they came? I they were stained to you know if the product was Benjamin Moore? Thank you!! (I love my home by the way!) A: email me! julie@sortun-vos.com and hopefully we can help you out. (Sorry it took me so long to reply, I didn't see the question before!) **Q: Window manufacturer please? Are they Casement? Thanks you.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: cedar! **Q: Could you please tell me what type of wood and stain was used? Thx.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It's a bleached oak. **Q: love the light fixtures** *(in Photo Questions)* Where can the light fixtures be purchased? Thanks! A: The owner purchased the fixtures so we have no records, sorry! **Q: Sofa** *(in Photo Questions)* Is the sofa part of a sectional? A: While I don't have any records of the sofa, I'm fairly certain it isn't. **Q: Where did the barstools come from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: I'm sorry, but we don't have any records of where the furniture was purchased from. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-13.*