--- title: "Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sundberg-kennedy-ly-au-young-architects-pfvwus-pf~1669989654 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1669989654.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/22a30e2b02d97983_3392-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "240 Second Ave South, Suite 450, Seattle, Washington 98104, United States" latitude: 47.6036 longitude: -122.3256 phone: "(206) 322-1130" website: http://sklarchitects.com rating: 5 review_count: 5 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 156 last_updated: 2026-09-08 --- # Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects Original Houzz profile: [Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sundberg-kennedy-ly-au-young-architects-pfvwus-pf~1669989654) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Seattle, WA - **Serves:** Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Kirkland, Redmond, Shoreline, Burien, SeaTac, Mercer Island, Bainbridge Island, Inglewood-Finn Hill, Tukwila, Bryn Mawr-Skyway, White Center, Kingsgate, Newcastle, East Renton Highlands, Normandy Park, Riverton, Eastgate, Boulevard Park, Indianola, Clyde Hill, Medina, Southworth, Beacon Hill, Yarrow Point, Ames Lake, Beaux Arts Village, Hunts Point, Ballard, Fairmount Park, Gatewood, North Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, Rive, Riverview, South Colby - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (5 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2021), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves We are committed to working closely with our clients to craft spaces that are beautiful, functional, and timeless. We engage all the senses–optical, auditory, touch–with the belief that the combination of the sensory and the intellect create an architecture for humankind. The use of materials and scale are balanced with light, sound and touch to create a harmonious whole. Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects is an 10-person design firm located in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle with a branch office in the Twin Cities. Our firm is a tightly-knit, highly collaborative group of artists, designers and professionals who bring a wide spectrum of skills and expertise to each project. We believe in social responsibility, and view civic engagement and sustainability as critical subsets of this core value. We look forward to talking to you about your design project. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Green Building - 3D Home Design - Adaptive Reuse - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Seattle - Bellevue - Renton - Kirkland - Redmond - Shoreline - Burien - SeaTac - Mercer Island - Bainbridge Island - Inglewood-Finn Hill - Tukwila - Bryn Mawr-Skyway - White Center - Kingsgate - Newcastle - East Renton Highlands - Normandy Park - Riverton - Eastgate - Boulevard Park - Indianola - Clyde Hill - Medina - Southworth - Beacon Hill - Yarrow Point - Ames Lake - Beaux Arts Village - Hunts Point - Ballard - Fairmount Park - Gatewood - North Beacon Hill - Rainier Valley - Rive - Riverview - South Colby ### Typical Job Cost $350,000 - 3 million These prices are reflective of overall construction costs. Please call our office for more information about your project. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects | | Address | 240 Second Ave South, Suite 450, Seattle, Washington 98104, United States | | Phone | (206) 322-1130 | | Website | http://sklarchitects.com | | Followers on Houzz | 156 | **Social profiles:** - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/sklarchitects - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/sundberg-kennedy-ly-au-young-architects - Blog — http://sklarchitects.com/blog/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sundberg-kennedy-ly-au-young-architects-pfvwus-pf~1669989654) - **Website:** http://sklarchitects.com - **Phone:** (206) 322-1130 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2013 AIA Seattle Medal of Honor - Rick Sundberg - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2021), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [AIA Seattle](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-seattle-pfvwus-pf~596784090) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 5 reviews** ### All 5 reviews **★★★★★ — nwoodruff, May 2015** > You will get years and years of experience and fresh new perspectives and ideas from the diverse team at SKL. They have the capacity to solve seemingly intractable structural or technical challenges without compromising the design, vision or budget. Quick to respond to questions or concerns and open, honest communication. Their reputation can be intimidating but they are willing to work with clients of all size, scope and budgets. **★★★★★ — amshouzz11, April 2015** > Richard Sundberg and his firm designed our magnificent home and also monitored its construction in tandem with the builder. Sundberg's work exemplified excellence at every stage of the design and build process, including sharp attention to detail, an elegant and sophisticated design sensibility, an understanding and respect for his client's goals, and an ability to work collaboratively with the builder. In addition, his relationship with superior, talented artists and craftsman facilitated the interior design process. The end result is seamless and stunning. We highly recommend Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects. **★★★★★ — Quantum Windows & Doors, April 2015** > What to say about this architectural power house other than just that? In our opinion SKL is a SuperGroup of architects drawing from years of experience between all three principles. Individually Quantum has worked with each principle when associated at various firms around Seattle. Now that Rick, John and Gladys have combined their talents, they will be a firm to watch for. We are proud to be associated with the SKL name! **★★★★★ — cbernstein, April 2015** > Remodeling a \>100 year old house was full of unexpected challenges and unpleasant surprises. Rick and Mika were fantastic to work with and the best part of the entire process. They are consummate professionals and supervised the entire project from start to finish; their attention to detail and quality were very reassuring to me. They are also extremely kind and have (this goes without saying) an amazing aesthetic. **★★★★★ — Weld and Glue, May 2014** > I have worked on 3 separate projects for/with Sundberg Kennedy Ly Au Young Architects including 3 pieces in Brook Bay (a sculpture stand and a steel side table), and 2 piece in the Madrona Remodel (table with an inset lazy susan and a modern porch swing and dining room chairs)) as well as the rolling desks and casework(?) for the University of Washington Law Library. > > The furniture pieces I completed for SKL’s clients were custom designed for each project. I really appreciate working with their designers because they are knowledgeable about the fabrication process. They have a clear understanding of how the materials fit together, which saves time and money for the client. When I encountered an issue or suggested an easier assembly that achieves the same result, the designers are open to my advice and working through the process with me to create a stunning piece of furniture. In addition, because of their fabrication knowledge, they can design pieces that are truly unique. > > Ultimately I look forward to working with Sundberg Kennedy Ly Au Young Architects because the pieces they design are beautiful and will be placed into beautiful spaces. ## Selected projects - [Casa Marana](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/casa-marana-pj-vj~5735108) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [Haller House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/haller-house-pj-vj~2160530) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: Contemporary second floor addition to a traditional craftsman home in the greater Seattle Area. The second floor contains 2 children's rooms and the master suite arranged around a double height space dining room. - [Texas Art House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/texas-art-house-pj-vj~429192) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: Renderings of a house we are designing in Texas, currently under construction. The Art House was designed around the clients' extensive collection of art. A central spine serves to connect each of the expansive living and gallery spaces. Through close communication with the clients, each room was thoughtfully designed and detailed. - [Washington Hills House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/washington-hills-house-pj-vj~2160375) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Contemporary Mercer Island House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-mercer-island-house-pj-vj~1551626) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Living In Light House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/living-in-light-house-pj-vj~1551850) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Urban Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-apartment-pj-vj~1359987) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Traditional to Modern Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-to-modern-remodel-pj-vj~579914) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: A remodel of a home built in 1905. The client wanted to retain the traditional exterior but create a modern, light filled interior with an open floor plan. The main focus of the remodel was the main level kitchen/ living space and the master suite. The challenge was to create openings for more light to enter without giving up privacy. We eliminated many interior walls to create an open floor plan, added skylights and expanded existing window openings. The interior aesthetic is very minimal makin… - [West Mercer Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-mercer-residence-pj-vj~609286) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - Description: Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects collaborated closely with the clients, our consultants, and local craftspeople to design a custom 5,500 square foot, three-story home of native cedar, blackened steel, glass, rock, and cement. Approached with a modern sensibility and appreciation of context, the home nestles into its hillside location, sitting comfortably among its neighbors. It maximizes lakefront views, and it accommodates—with details large and small—the needs, lifestyle, desires, budge… - [Belltown Aerie](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/belltown-aerie-pj-vj~515273) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 15 - Description: Located on the top two floors of a luxury condominium, this penthouse was extensively renovated to take advantage of the 270-degree views of the Olympics, Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle. Nearly 6,000 sf of interior space and 2,000 sf of exterior decks, rooms were reconfigured to allow for generous gathering spaces that seamlessly transition to the outdoors. With the client’s desire for clean lines and modern spaces, materials such as straight-grained, amber-colored afromosia for casework and p… - [Brook Bay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brook-bay-pj-vj~425792) - Location: Mercer Island, WA - Photos: 18 - Description: Nestled into a Mercer Island hillside, this intimate two-story residence emphasizes craft, materiality and the connection to the outdoors. A clear demarcation of public and private spaces is reflected both in the design and choice of materials, with the entertaining spaces clad, inside and out, in copper panels, blackened steel, and concrete, while the private master suite—with its exterior wood siding and interior wood floors, lower ceiling height and light-colored walls—exudes a more intimate… - [Maury Island Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maury-island-residence-pj-vj~425828) - Location: Vashon Island, WA - Photos: 18 - Description: A home for the Northwest, with ample use of glass flooding the home with daylight and creating a seamless flow of inside and outside space. The home is oriented to views of the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, and designed around a prized collection of art by Northwest masters. Maury Island Residence is designed to evoke the purest experience of a Pacific Northwest home. Building materials are representational of the region, and the history of residential architecture in this area of the country.… - [Alder Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alder-residence-pj-vj~425743) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 6 - Description: Rick Sundberg’s Seattle residence highlights the architect’s explorations into materiality and the creation of highly sophisticated, yet functional, spaces. The expanded and remodeled home serves as both research laboratory and workshop in which he explores the kinds of details that infuse his award-winning professional projects: the deft use of daylight, the uninterrupted transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, and ability to anchor a home seamlessly into its site. - [Chilmark Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chilmark-residence-pj-vj~514546) - Location: Martha's Vineyard, MA - Photos: 9 - Description: Designed for a large and active family, this vacation home nestles into the natural landscape of Martha’s Vineyard. Demanding privacy yet wanting to embrace views of Chilmark Pond and the Atlantic Ocean beyond, the home presents a relatively solid front, marked by long, linear expanses of cedar siding and shingles interrupted by brief bursts of copper and steel sunscreens, providing shade for the windows below. Turning the corner, the envelope dissolves into large expanses of floor-to-ceiling gl… - [The Handmade House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-handmade-house-pj-vj~425767) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 8 - Description: The Handmade House in Houston, Texas, fully embraces its connection with nature. The entry sequence was carefully composed to connect visitors to the outdoors from the moment they enter the house. With an immediate view to the outdoors, the dramatic 70-foot long entryway leads visitors to the social spaces of the home. The ground-floor social spaces then wrap around generous patio space to face a 50-foot wall of giant timber bamboo, and the roof plane of the garage becomes an elevated pergola to… [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sundberg-kennedy-ly-au-young-architects-pfvwus-pf~1669989654) ## Ideabooks - [Case Study Before and After: Traditional to Modern Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55932403/list/case-study-before-and-after-traditional-to-modern-remodel) — 14 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/sklarchitects) ## Community Q&A **Q: Wall and Ceiling** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful home! What color is the paint? A: @aliciaG Thanks for your comments. Unfortunately we don't have the final drawn downs to tell you what the final shade of white was. **Q: countertops/backsplash** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the countertops/backsplash here, Beautiful! A: Hi, thanks for asking. I believe this is a pental quartz material, maybe coastal gray. Unfortunately, we don't have the specs for this project anymore, so thats my best guess **Q: Rally like the fireplace design. Can you tell me who fab'd it?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am working on a project that requires a blackened steel fireplace surround and would like to reach out to the sub you used for my project A: The construction was done by Mercer Builders **Q: Stunning! What is the siding product / color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The siding is cedar, the finish was sitka product with a custom color **Q: Where did you get this handle?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love this handle - can u tell me how much it was and where I can get it? thank you! A: The handle was custom made **Q: Great black hardware. Where are the cabinet pulls from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The are actually just very simple wire pulls --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*