--- title: "First Lamp — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/first-lamp-pfvwus-pf~2080391617 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2080391617.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "First Lamp" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0f33827c0f47aa9d_9683-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "5840 Airport Way S. #216, Seattle, Washington 98108, United States" latitude: 47.5413 longitude: -122.3129 phone: "(206) 330-7867" website: http://www.firstlamp.net rating: 4.9 review_count: 14 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 544 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # First Lamp Original Houzz profile: [First Lamp](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/first-lamp-pfvwus-pf~2080391617) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Seattle, WA - **Serves:** Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Kirkland, Redmond, Burien, West Lake Sammamish, Des Moines, SeaTac, East Hill-Meridian, Mercer Island, Bainbridge Island, Tukwila, Bryn Mawr-Skyway, White Center, Newcastle, East Renton Highlands, Vashon, Klahanie, Normandy Park, Riverton, Eastgate, Boulevard Park, Clyde Hill, Medina, Southworth, Beacon Hill, Yarrow Point, Beaux Arts Village, Hunts Point, Ballard, Fairmount Park, Gatewood, North Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, Riverview - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (14 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2013–2023), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - 11 years in business Our journey through life produces a story that can manifest itself in the way we build our surroundings. Our stories are spoken through the details, materials, and volumes of the buildings in which we live, learn, and play. These elements, when arranged in a meaningful way with their context, are what help buildings enrich the lives of their inhabitants. First Lamp is in search of your story. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Universal Design - Drafting - Structural Engineering - Basement Remodeling - Basement Design - Deck Design - Construction Drawings - Custom Home - Passive House Consulting ### Areas Served - Seattle - Bellevue - Renton - Kirkland - Redmond - Burien - West Lake Sammamish - Des Moines - SeaTac - East Hill-Meridian - Mercer Island - Bainbridge Island - Tukwila - Bryn Mawr-Skyway - White Center - Newcastle - East Renton Highlands - Vashon - Klahanie - Normandy Park - Riverton - Eastgate - Boulevard Park - Clyde Hill - Medina - Southworth - Beacon Hill - Yarrow Point - Beaux Arts Village - Hunts Point - Ballard - Fairmount Park - Gatewood - North Beacon Hill - Rainier Valley - Riverview ### Typical Job Cost $50,0000 - 10 million This range covers everything from small remodels to rural homesteads and large estates. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | First Lamp | | Address | 5840 Airport Way S. \#216, Seattle, Washington 98108, United States | | Phone | (206) 330-7867 | | Website | http://www.firstlamp.net | | Followers on Houzz | 544 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/first-lamp/156169556706 - X (Twitter) — http://twitter.com/\#!/first\_lamp - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/first-lamp?trk=ppro\_cprof - Blog — http://www.firstlamp.net/blog/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [First Lamp](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/first-lamp-pfvwus-pf~2080391617) - **Website:** http://www.firstlamp.net - **Phone:** (206) 330-7867 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Premier Builder Magazine published in December 2014. - The Orchid Studio published in the Summer 2013 Issue of Atomic Ranch. - AIA Home of Destination for Herron Island Cabin- 2017 - Badger Mountain House Published in Seattle Magazine - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2013–2023), 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) - [Northwest Green Home Tour](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/northwest-green-home-tour-pfvwus-pf~1293373169) - [Master Builders Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/master-builders-association-pfvwus-pf~26869611) - [U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/u-s-green-building-council-usgbc-pfvwus-pf~1797160658) - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 14 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — The Williams Company, May 2019** > Kevin and Taylor have a bright, energetic young team at First Lamp. They were an outstanding partner on our project together and we look forward to working with them on more projects in the future. First Lamp is knowledgeable, professional, and enjoyable to work with. **★★★★★ — User, Jan. 2019** > We hired First Lamp to both design and build our house, which was focused on incorporating passive house elements (but not seeking full certification). > > After interviewing numerous architects and builders, we collectively determined that First Lamp offered not only the required services at a reasonable price, but also with the level of service and trust that we as first time home builders needed. First Lamp earned our trust, kept us updated with honest and frequent communication, followed through on everything in a timely fashion, and addressed issues promptly and thoroughly (even post-construction). > > We could not be happier with the design and build of our house and that is due to the skill and integrity of Kevin Witt and the rest of the First Lamp team. You won’t find more competent, trustworthy or nicer folks in the industry. **★★★★★ — B Kennon, Sept. 2018** > Very knowledgeable and creative. They will also go the extra mile when it is necessary to solve a problem with the city, engineers or other third parties. They provide an easy relaxed no frills office to work and meet in. They are also flexible when it comes to changing direction when a good idea presents itself later in design. **★★★★★ — HU-143031384, Sept. 2018** > My wife and I had a magnificent life-changing experience with First Lamp architects. > Beginning with our first meeting with Taylor Callaway from First Lamp, It was clear that they were attentive toward designing a home that fit our desires. And boy oh boy did they nail it. In alignment with our construction company, RW Anderson, Taylor and Brent Huntley were outstanding in their receptiveness, imagination and communication between us and the builders. > I intend to work with them again, with great enthusiasm! > Dan Downey MD **★★★★★ — Dawn Lum, Sept. 2018** > We had a lovely 5 \*\*\*\*\* Built Green Home designed by Taylor & his team at First Lamp. > A year plus living in it, we are delighted with the details, comfort and performance! > Thank you, First Lamp Team! **★★★★★ — RW Anderson Homes, Feb. 2017** > First lamp are EXCEPTIONAL architects! We partner with them on most of our projects and cannot say enough great things about their company! There are several ways they set themselves apart: > > \*\*They Listen: They begin every project by listening to customers. What do they like, what are they most excited about, what are their inspirations, reasons for remodeling/building? They always seek to understand every customer as a means to design around where their excitement abounds! > > \*\*They Study: Every job is different! Different location, different customer, and different needs. First Lamp always spends time studying the project looking for things to capitalize and bring to the forefront of the design. They complete solar studies, sound analysis, even looking to historic inspirations for traditional and craftsman designs. Before the pencil hits the paper, they already KNOW the framework of the customer's future home. > > \*\*They Imagine: They take information gleaned from Listening and studying to allow them to imagine the best out of the circumstances and constraints around each project. They always try to maximize the design to get the most out of every project as possible. > > \*\*They Draw: From early design sketches to state of the art 3d modeling. First Lamp delivers an amazing range of beautiful graphics to aid customers in visualizing what their home will look like. They draw at a level that allows customers to feel what it will be like as well. > > \*\*They Manage: First Lamp is a trusted partner and we rely on their design expertise throughout the build. Homeowners appreciate the fact that the design is always being shepherded and the strong partnership between an architect and builder! > > You cannot find a better architect in the Seattle area!!! **★★★★★ — nbell64, May 2015** > We built a large 5-star Built Green home in Pierce County. First Lamp is first class! Taylor and Kevin are both extremely creative, talented, and knowledgeable, but also down-to-earth, practical, and good natured. Taylor was the primary architect on our project with Kevin also offering extensive consultation, particularly early on in the project. We highly recommend Taylor and Kevin, especially if you are interested in building a home that incorporates eco-friendly building design features. **★★★★ — johnsheller, May 2015** > My wife and I are very pleased with the design work and customer service First Lamp provided to help us substantially remodel our older home. I was intrigued by their design build background, as older homes are quirky and ours included some real challenges. Taylor was able to achieve the overall look and use of space we wanted, while factoring in improvements to structural deficiencies. **★★★★★ — taradecor, May 2015** > We are happy to share our experience with First Lamp as it was a very positive experience. We live in old neighborhood in Seattle & were very conscious our new home (we tore down the existing cape cod & built a grand tudor) would compliment the wonderfully old architectural qualities that make up the neighborhood. Taylor at First Lamp very creative & took into consideration our wants/needs while making sure our home was full of character & period details (outside & in). It was most definitely a collaborative process & he brought new ideas we hadn't even considered - the project exceeded our expectations! We regularly get compliments from neighbors & passers-by how our new home feels "old" - to me the perfect compliment. Taylor was very easy to work with & pushed pack in all the right ways. I highly recommend First Lamp. > > Laurelhurst residents - Seattle, WA **★★★★★ — Ha Dang, June 2014** > We just finished building our first house. What an exhausting process! This experience gave us an opportunity to meet an array of the good, the bad, and the ugly in this complicated industry. We got warnings from friends and family who had built houses about this painful process. They were so right. > > While we had to deal with multiple crooked people, we had a chance to meet some very good ones. Taylor and Kevin stand out in this good crowd. In fact, they are the best of all. Their professionalism, expertise, and innovative ideas had helped us so much in achieving our first dream home. Their fee was very reasonable. They are very responsive, honest, and ethical from the beginning to the end. They take pride in what they do and the product they delivered shows just that. > > We later found out Kevin and Taylor are also general contractors. We wish we would have known this. The more pain we had to endure with the bad and the ugly, the more appreciation we have for our good architects. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank them for their great work and help potential clients to find the truly good people because they are far and few in between. Keep on the great work!!! > > P. S. You can come back to take pictures of your work anytime **★★★★★ — paulafheck, June 2013** > First Lamp designed and built our lake home, after first tearing down the original structure, and then building from the original foundation. They used low maintenance, green materials and came in under bid and with a fantastic result! They were great to work with. **★★★★★ — perezfam, May 2013** > Taylor and Kevin were great! Very professional and knowledgeable. They worked with us, listened to our vision and made our ideas better. This was phase one of a two part remodel - kitchen, two bathrooms, lighting and floor upgrades throughout. First Lamp did architectural drawings for the final project which has not yet been completed. We are looking forward to working with Taylor and Kevin again in a few years when we are ready to undertake phase two. ## Selected projects - [Greenlake Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenlake-residence-pj-vj~54842) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 22 - Description: This Greenlake area home is the result of an extensive collaboration with the owners to recapture the architectural character of the 1920’s and 30’s era craftsman homes built in the neighborhood. Deep overhangs, notched rafter tails, and timber brackets are among the architectural elements that communicate this goal. Given its modest 2800 sf size, the home sits comfortably on its corner lot and leaves enough room for an ample back patio and yard. An open floor plan on the main level and a centra… - [Ballard Aperture](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ballard-aperture-pj-vj~204342) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 29 - [Meet the Team - Kevin Witt](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/meet-the-team-kevin-witt-pj-vj~4446008) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Meet the Team - Taylor Callaway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/meet-the-team-taylor-callaway-pj-vj~4446063) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Kirkland Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kirkland-residence-pj-vj~54855) - Location: Kirkland, WA - Photos: 25 - Description: This 4,500 square foot house faces eastward across Lake Washington from Kirkland toward the Seattle skyline. The clients have an appreciation for the Foursquare style found in many of the historic homes in the area, and designing a home that fit this vocabulary while also conforming to the zoning height limits was the primary challenge. The plan includes a music room, study, craft room, breakfast nook, and 5 bedrooms, all of which pinwheel off of a centrally located stair. Skylights in the cente… - [Richland House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/richland-house-pj-vj~2896229) - Location: Richland, WA - Photos: 19 - [Stacked House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stacked-house-pj-vj~2896173) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 20 - [Home of Distinction: A Light-Filled Case Inlet Cabin by First Lamp Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-of-distinction-a-light-filled-case-inlet-cabin-by-first-lamp-architecture-pj-vj~2372639) - Location: Lakebay, WA - Photos: 2 - Description: This modern Northwest cabin on Herron Island establishes a connection to its natural surrounds with expansive windows, wraparound glass doors, plus a hidden sunken tub that gives the illusion of soaking among the trees - [The Orchid House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-orchid-house-pj-vj~2351037) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 8 - Description: This backyard cottage is part greenhouse and part guesthouse. Read more about this wonderful midcentury retro-futuristic design in Seattle Magazine. (http://www.seattlemag.com/article/orchid-studio-tiny-backyard-getaway) Photography by Alex Crook (http://www.alexcrook.com) for Seattle Magazine (http://www.seattlemag.com) - [Mid Century Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-remodel-pj-vj~2248654) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 13 - [520 House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/520-house-pj-vj~2170688) - Location: Bellevue, WA - Photos: 10 - [Capitol Hill Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/capitol-hill-home-pj-vj~2107780) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 11 - Description: Exterior View from street - [Herron Island Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/herron-island-cabin-pj-vj~1946465) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 24 - [Big Blue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/big-blue-pj-vj~1205960) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 16 - [Madison Park House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/madison-park-house-pj-vj~618790) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 23 - Description: The Madison Park house is the latest custom-spec house to be designed and built by First Lamp. Situated on an existing steep slope lot in the Madison Park neighborhood of Seattle the house grows out of the hillside and allows the main living space to float out amongst the trees. This 3,200 sf, 5 Bedroom house will be an energy star certified residence and is targeted to be 4-star built green. Daunting and stubborn while also inspiring, the site was our true client . A handful of landslides had o… - [Badger Mountain House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/badger-mountain-house-pj-vj~241352) - Location: Richland, WA - Photos: 28 - Description: Set on the foot of Badger Mountain in Richland Washington, this house draws its design influence from both the natural landscape and the clean lines of traditional Japanese architecture. While the project's primary goal is to answer the growing family's need for additional space, efforts to capture the sweeping views of the Columbia River and connect to the surrounding landscape give this home its shape and orientation. The major spaces are aligned in a simple plan that is arranged perpendicular… - [Richland Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/richland-remodel-pj-vj~243785) - Location: Richland, WA - Photos: 5 - Description: Located in Richland Washington this project is designed to be completed in two phases. The first being a kitchen remodel that was completed in 2012 and the second being a master bedroom and entry hall addition to be completed in the futrue. The owners requested a more modern approach to the design while keeping some of the character of their 70's home and fitting in with the landscape. By keeping the existing pitch and mimicking the shed roofs on the old house with the master and entry addition… - [Mason Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mason-lake-house-pj-vj~54777) - Location: Shelton, WA - Photos: 4 - Description: The genesis of this project is rooted in the cabin’s connection with the site and the views of the lake. The large expanse of glass creates a sense of the water and nature coming into the main living space. The exterior forms speak to a traditional notion of shelter while paying homage to its surroundings by using natural materials and colors that blend into the environment. The design moves are simple with a small metal box serving the adjacent gabled volume much how a rural out-building suppor… - [Lever Homes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lever-homes-pj-vj~54772) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 40 - Description: "Give me a place to stand and I shall move the Earth with a lever." - Archimedes This 5-Star Built-Green project is a three story, two-unit townhome sited on a vacant lot near the corner of 26th Ave S. and S. Judkins Street in Seattle. Due to the slender proportion of the lot, the units are arranged in a front-to-back configuration relative to the street. The street-facing, 1bedroom unit is 840sf and the east-facing, 3 bedroom unit is 1440sf. Some key features are ductless mini-split heating and… - [Orchid Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/orchid-studio-pj-vj~54795) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 16 - Description: Outbuilding in the Ballard Neighborhood of Seattle. Designed as a studio for raising and keeping Orchids, Listening to music and additional guest quarters. [See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/first-lamp-pfvwus-pf~2080391617) ## Community Q&A **Q: I love the paint color, this is exactly what I've been looking for.** *(in Photo Questions)* I would love to know the paint color. That's exactly what I'm looking for in my east facing great room. I hope you find the time to answer. Thank You in Advance. A: Hi, the walls and ceiling are Sherwin Williams 7002 Downy with a flat sheen. Best of luck with your project! -Kevin **Q: Question about this gorgeous tiled bathroom.** *(in Photo Questions)* Would love to know the tile source/dimensions here on the wall tile. Is it ceramic? I have been on quite a search and you've executed this perfectly. A: Thank you! We love a sympathetic eye for detail. This is indeed ceramic tile, if memory serves me (let's just say my memory is perfect for now) we bought this from Statements Tile in Seattle. Ceramic is tough because runs come and go pretty quickly. I could look up the line but it probably wouldn't do you much good since it was so long ago (relatively speaking). **Q: What is the wood on the fireplace?** *(in Photo Questions)* It’s not a problem using wood? A: Hi! The wood is charred western red cedar, and with this type of fireplace it is not a problem. It is a gas-burning "zero clearance" fireplace that allows combustible materials very close to the outside of the unit. **Q: Metal wall panel brand?** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the exterior metal wall panels, can you share what these are? Did you use the same material for the fireplace surround? Also what did you use for the exterior black accents? A: The metal on the wall is 12-guage hot-rolled plate steel. It isn't a branded product like Corten. This project is on a saltwater beachfront so it rusted quickly. The chimney top is plate steel too, but it is powder coated to prevent rust streaks from staining the block below. Hope this helps, good luck with your project. **Q: dining room light fixture** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you please share the name of the light fixture? Thank you! A: This is a West Elm fixture, but I cannot remember the exact name. Time has a way of making some details a little fuzzy. I hope this helps and best of luck on your project! **Q: Tub / shower** *(in Photo Questions)* Where is this tub / shower from? Looking for something similar that can be covered like this one is. A: Hi! The tub basin and grates were both custom fabricated. The tub geometry was framed and waterproofed like a recessed shower pan (although much deeper), and the grates were custom made using leftover ipe from the exterior decking. I hope this helps, good luck with your project! -kw --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*