--- title: "Ripple Design Studio, Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ripple-design-studio-inc-pfvwus-pf~1736537504 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1736537504.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Ripple Design Studio, Inc." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/7fc3dfe00b70bff4_9338-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "4303 Stone Way North, Seattle, Washington 98103, United States" latitude: 47.6734 longitude: -122.3426 phone: "(206) 913-2333" website: http://www.rippledesignstudio.com rating: 4.6 review_count: 12 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 238 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Ripple Design Studio, Inc. Original Houzz profile: [Ripple Design Studio, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ripple-design-studio-inc-pfvwus-pf~1736537504) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Seattle, WA - **Serves:** Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Shoreline, Bothell, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mercer Island, Bainbridge Island, Kenmore, Inglewood-Finn Hill, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Woodinville, Kingsgate, Newcastle, Brier, Manchester, Eastgate, Esperance, Suquamish, Indianola, Clyde Hill, Medina, Kingston, Beacon Hill, Yarrow Point, Woodway, Beaux Arts Village, Hunts Point, Ballard, Fairmount Park, Gatewood, North Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, Riverview - **Houzz rating:** 4.6 out of 5 (12 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2014–2018), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves Great design starts with great conversations. Communication guides everything we do at Ripple Design Studio. Getting to know our clients—their dreams, passions and goals—is where it all begins. Just like our homes, we build our relationships with great thought, care, respect and a sense of fun. And while every design is unique, they share the same qualities: elegant yet approachable, lovely yet livable, innovative yet timeless. ### Services Provided - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - Seattle - Bellevue - Kirkland - Shoreline - Bothell - Edmonds - Lynnwood - Mercer Island - Bainbridge Island - Kenmore - Inglewood-Finn Hill - Mountlake Terrace - Lake Forest Park - Woodinville - Kingsgate - Newcastle - Brier - Manchester - Eastgate - Esperance - Suquamish - Indianola - Clyde Hill - Medina - Kingston - Beacon Hill - Yarrow Point - Woodway - Beaux Arts Village - Hunts Point - Ballard - Fairmount Park - Gatewood - North Beacon Hill - Rainier Valley - Riverview ### Typical Job Cost $1 Million - $20 Million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Ripple Design Studio, Inc. | | Address | 4303 Stone Way North, Seattle, Washington 98103, United States | | Phone | (206) 913-2333 | | Website | http://www.rippledesignstudio.com | | Followers on Houzz | 238 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/rippledesignstudio - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/ripple-design-studio/ - Blog — http://www.rippledesignstudio.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Ripple Design Studio, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ripple-design-studio-inc-pfvwus-pf~1736537504) - **Website:** http://www.rippledesignstudio.com - **Phone:** (206) 913-2333 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Register Architects - LEED-accredited Professionals - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2014–2018), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [AIA Seattle](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-seattle-pfvwus-pf~596784090) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 — 12 reviews** ### All 12 reviews **★ — P Elliott, March 2020** > We hired Ripple Design to work on our remodel in Greenlake after meeting Jim Dearth. He showed a lot of interest and excitement in our project and was available to start immediately and had a GC he recommended who was available for our project. We toured some of his projects at the time, which were more transitional/traditional, and he assured us that he could help us accomplish the more contemporary look we were going for. In retrospect, we wish we'd waited for some of the architects we'd met who had bit of a wait. > Our experience with Ripple Design was less than satisfactory for the following reasons: > Attention to detail was lacking. When you hire an architect you want them to spend time in your home and pay attention to light, house direction etc. I don’t believe any of this was considered or brought up. I had to bring up things like the low clearance on the stairway, which was something Jim didn't even notice. Our laundry room sink could not have the tap installed because his plans didn't have correct counter depth. Once our budget crept up because we decided to finish our basement, he wanted to charge us an additional fee for our project, but not for any additional work on his part. (The basement was already in the plans per our original contract). We politely declined and he and his team failed to manage our project beyond that point even for the 2 main floors which was in the original plans. The one person on his team we enjoyed working with was Kelly, but she went to part time when our project was underway so we had a difficult time getting a hold of her. Jim came out to our house less than a handful of times and did not oversee our project for to completion. The initial interest in our project was short-lived and we were pretty disappointed with the overall service. > Since I wrote this review Jim has come by our house in an attempt to help resolve things but we are still fixing everything on our own after doing a brand new remodel. He never came to the house while the project was underway. Ripple design has taken zero responsibility for their failure in this project. Instead, Jim said these are all construction related issues. He is the one who vetted the contractor and recommended we go with him. We didn’t even have this contractor on our radar until Jim recommended him. At the time we really trusted that Ripple design cared about our project and trusted their recommendations. When we expressed concerns about the project while it was underway, one of the architects (Kelly) assured us everything looked the way it should. Now that same thing (the siding of the house) is literally falling apart. They also failed us on the design and interior of the house. They never finished the design work on the house because Kelly went down to part time and Jim didn’t assign anyone else to our project. The lack of attention to detail in the design of the house and the overall way they managed our project is the reason we would not recommend Ripple design to anyone. **Comment from Ripple Design Studio, Inc.:** > It should be noted that our office has made every effort to reconcile Mrs. Elliott's frustrations with her project. While she has elected to leave her review in place, we firmly believe that her criticism is inaccurate, misdirected, and inappropriate. We are disappointed that we couldn't resolve her issues and wish her and her family the very best. **★★★★★ — Lizzy Moxey, March 2016** > Ripple Design are hands down amazing! > > I purchased a craftsman house in Green Lake and they designed a complete re-model of all 3 levels of the house. They helped me every step of the way from finding a general contractor (who was also excellent) to applying for the building permits to bringing out a structural engineer to lighting and hardware design ideas. > > My house is now complete and is amazing in everyday. I am very happy to be living in such a great space. Ripple Design had the vision and made it happen! **★★★★★ — suzannebredy, March 2016** > My husband and I worked with Jim and Kelly of Ripple Design Studio in the last few years (completion of our home was around June 2015) as we tore down our house (besides the basement), and went up two stories. We are absolutely thrilled with how our house turned out! It is beautiful! I will be posting photos as soon as I finish the stained glass cabinets. Jim and Kelly were fabulous to work with! They are both wonderful people, but more importantly, they are excellent architects and very patient during the very stressful process of a build and the financial and other strains that happen along that process. Jim and especially Kelly also helped me with some of my interior design decisions and they both have impeccable taste and insight! I would recommend them 100%! **★★★★★ — nicoscrivner, March 2016** > Dream Team...Jim and Kelly at Ripple Design Studio were fantastic to work with. They have fresh, creative ideas that enabled us to build a beautiful house. They have their own points of view which I appreciate, but they also really listened to our needs. Our house had lower ceiling (8ft), it felt confined. The house was completely stripped down to the studs and emerged worthy to be featured in Houzz. The ceiling height no longer bothers me. The change in window height made a huge difference. Opening of the walls, connecting the garage to the main house and appropriate expansion made the flow so fantastic. They were both the architectural firm and the design house. All the finishes were selected by Ripple Design Studio. If you are interested in a creative partner that values their clients needs and delivers amazing results, you should meet with Jim & Kelly. **★★★★ — nyapet, Feb. 2016** > Ripple Design did a great job drawing up some plans for an ADU project I had in mind, as well as a deck and front porch. They were professional, kind and speedy. They also took my budget into consideration. **★★★★★ — kathielynn, Nov. 2014** > Jim Dearth, Architect of Ripple Design Studio created a beautiful plan for the addition of great room for our home. The quality of his design work is excellent. The new room continues the Cape Cod style of our home with new distinction. The ceiling design is so beautiful I just love looking up at it. The second floor above the great room is now a "sleeping porch" for grand children - with built in trundle beds and surrounding windows to enhance our lake view. Jim introduced us to our contractor and was involved with the project until completion. His Design Studio Team was wonderful to work with and made my life through the construction process much easier. **★★★★★ — Marianne Simon Design, May 2014** > As an Interior Designer, I have had the honor of working with Ripple Design Studio on several projects. They bring a fresh approach to each project and have an impeccable eye for details. The entire team at Ripple Design Studio is professional, knowledgeable and an absolute pleasure to work with. I simply cannot recommend them enough to anyone looking to hire an architect. **★★★★★ — Metropolitan Remodel LLC, Jan. 2014** > As a General Contractor in the Seattle area we have had the opportunity to work with Ripple Design Studio on several projects. They have continually been great to work with. They are not only knowledgeable and professional but are also responsive and helpful. We would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone needing an architect! **★★★★★ — Tek-line Construction Inc., May 2013** > As a GC, I have been working side by side with Ripple Design for over 5 yrs on multiple projects. They are a brilliant team that can take whatever you are in-visioning and bring it to life. It is well worth taking time to talk to them. **★★★★★ — pdhanson, April 2013** > We hired Ripple Design Studio to design a new custom home for us, and are so happy that we did! We interviewed several architects and decided to go with Ripple based on their beautiful portfolio and fun, team environment. They made us feel like we were included in every step of the process and really listened to our ideas. The team has been wonderful to work with. They are creative, thorough, efficient and best of all we are thrilled with our house! **★★★★★ — J Schaefer, April 2013** > Jim Dearth and his associate Kelly McShane are both great "listeners" and "guides". They have great style and are flexible (two traits that are hard to find together). **★★★★★ — chriselda1, March 2013** > We hired Ripple Design for our second story addition to our 102 year old Craftsman home. He listened to our ideas on how we wanted the space to feel then came back with designs that incorporated our ideas with plans that exceeded our expectation. Their knowledge on design, structure and functionaility made the new addition great. > > i would recommend Ripple Desgin to anyone. ## Selected projects - [Enatai Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/enatai-cottage-pj-vj~7737782) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - [Bellevue Coastal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bellevue-coastal-pj-vj~7737785) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 31 - [Bellevue Mediterranean-Style Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bellevue-mediterranean-style-home-pj-vj~7737769) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - [Queen Anne Shingle-Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/queen-anne-shingle-style-pj-vj~7737778) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [PNW Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pnw-cottage-pj-vj~7737790) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 25 - [Pike Place Kitchen and Market Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pike-place-kitchen-and-market-remodel-pj-vj~7737794) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [West Seattle Mediterranean Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-seattle-mediterranean-home-pj-vj~200810) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - [Mercer Island Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mercer-island-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~246244) - Location: Mercer Island, WA - Photos: 7 - Description: Elegance, warmth and functionality - those were the design goals of this French Country Kitchen, located on Mercer Island, Washington. The custom high end cabinets, large furniture style kitchen island, farm sink, beautiful millwork, built-in window bench seat with storage below, new windows, and dark wood flooring help set the scene for a gracious dining room and kitchen. Modern appliances mixed with a warm French country feel in the cabinets showcase the design and make entertaining all the mo… - [Charming French Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charming-french-home-pj-vj~246263) - Location: Pacific Northwest, WA - Photos: 2 - [Classic Mediterranean Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-mediterranean-home-pj-vj~246253) - Location: Pacific Northwest, WA - Photos: 3 - [Cosmopolitan French Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cosmopolitan-french-home-pj-vj~26125) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 4 - [Mediterranean Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mediterranean-custom-home-pj-vj~246233) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Contemporary Mediterranean Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-mediterranean-home-pj-vj~26124) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Traditional French Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-french-home-pj-vj~26126) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Traditional Tuscan Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-tuscan-home-pj-vj~27801) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Kirkland Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kirkland-home-remodel-pj-vj~1276057) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [3 Tree Point Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/3-tree-point-beach-house-pj-vj~1004170) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [Medina Cape Cod Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/medina-cape-cod-home-pj-vj~1004030) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 25 - [Medina Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/medina-beach-house-pj-vj~1681335) - Location: Medina, WA - Photos: 9 [See all 19 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ripple-design-studio-inc-pfvwus-pf~1736537504) ## Community Q&A **Q: Can you please tell me who makes the windows?** *(in Photo Questions)* Who makes these windows please? A: Hi! The windows are by Marvin. **Q: Countertop** *(in Photo Questions)* Is that quartz and what color? A: Hi and thanks for your question. The island is a white marble. The perimeter and peninsula is a Pental Quartz - color and spec not available. Good luck with your project! **Q: Please let me know the brand of paint anth paint colors. Thank you.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi and thanks for your question. This home has a custom stucco and plaster color. The tint is part of the material itself and is not painted. Thank you! **Q: Who makes the planters for the patio trees?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello and thank you for your question. These were provided by a local (out of Seattle) fabricator and installed by the project Landscape Architect. We are unable to provide the name/style of the planter. **Q: mirror** *(in Photo Questions)* mirror source please A: Hi, this mirror was provided by our client and her interior designer. When you search for a mirror, similar styles can be found by using the search words "french, gilt, mirror." Good luck in your search to find your perfect mirror. **Q: Gray countertops** *(in Photo Questions)* Please send the name, type, brand, style, color, etc. of the gray countertops on the outer perimeter, not the island. A: The countertop at the sink, range, and peninsula is 3cm Caesarstone "Pebble Shiny", with an edge profile "Stepped Ogee". The island is 3cm Brazilian Arabescato Honed with the same edge profile. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*