--- title: "Vandervort Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/vandervort-architects-pfvwus-pf~377581700 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~377581700.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Vandervort Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/cf53a9b00a95a781_1729-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2000 Fairview Ave E suite 103, Seattle, Washington 98102, United States" latitude: 47.6302 longitude: -122.321 phone: "(206) 784-1614" website: http://www.vandervort.com rating: 5 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 1357 last_updated: 2026-09-01 --- # Vandervort Architects Original Houzz profile: [Vandervort Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/vandervort-architects-pfvwus-pf~377581700) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Seattle, WA - **Serves:** Whidbey Island, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Bellevue, Renton, Kirkland, Redmond, Shoreline, Burien, Bothell, Mercer Island, Bainbridge Island, Kenmore, Cottage Lake, Inglewood-Finn Hill, Mill Creek, Camano Island, White Center, Lake Forest Park, Woodinville, Kingsgate, Newcastle, Gig Harbor, Eastgate, Boulevard Park, Clyde Hill, Medina, Southworth, Beacon Hill, Yarrow Point, Ames Lake, Beaux Arts Village, Hunts Point, Ballard, Fairmount Park, Island County, Lopez Island, North Beacon Hill, Orcas Island, Pierce County, Rainier Valley, Riverview, San Juan County, San Juan Islands - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2012–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves A design oriented firm seeking environmentally responsible solutions to unique projects with a specialty in custom homes, both new and remodel. Our focus is on carefully responding to our clients’ needs, integrating architecture and site, and using appropriate materials and new technology to achieve high-quality construction and optimum use of the earth’s resources. Example Projects: -NEXTHouse: a sustainable demonstration home. -zHome: a net-zero energy townhome community. -Key Peninsula Residence: LEED Gold certified custom residence. -Numerous San Juan Islands residences. ### Services Provided - Building Design - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Universal Design - 3D Home Design - Construction Drawings - Multi-family - Remodeling - Site Assessments ### Areas Served - Whidbey Island - Seattle - Spokane - Tacoma - Bellevue - Renton - Kirkland - Redmond - Shoreline - Burien - Bothell - Mercer Island - Bainbridge Island - Kenmore - Cottage Lake - Inglewood-Finn Hill - Mill Creek - Camano Island - White Center - Lake Forest Park - Woodinville - Kingsgate - Newcastle - Gig Harbor - Eastgate - Boulevard Park - Clyde Hill - Medina - Southworth - Beacon Hill - Yarrow Point - Ames Lake - Beaux Arts Village - Hunts Point - Ballard - Fairmount Park - Island County - Lopez Island - North Beacon Hill - Orcas Island - Pierce County - Rainier Valley - Riverview - San Juan County - San Juan Islands ### Typical Job Cost $350,000 - 4,000,000 We design for all project scopes and all budgets working closely with Contractors and Clients to establish and maintain appropriate limits. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Vandervort Architects | | Address | 2000 Fairview Ave E suite 103, Seattle, Washington 98102, United States | | Phone | (206) 784-1614 | | Website | http://www.vandervort.com | | Followers on Houzz | 1357 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — www.vandervort.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Vandervort Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/vandervort-architects-pfvwus-pf~377581700) - **Website:** http://www.vandervort.com - **Phone:** (206) 784-1614 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - -Selected as a 2015 Dwell Magazine "Dwell Approved Designer" - -Selected as "2009 Firm of the Year" by Northwest Home Magazine - -Key Peninsula Residence - LEED Gold custom residence - ECOHome Merit Award - -Julia Place Apartments - 2013 Built Green Conference Award - Judge's Choice - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2012–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [AIA Seattle](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-seattle-pfvwus-pf~596784090) - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — Blox Construction, Dec. 2016** > We had our first opportunity to work with David Vandervort Architects on a whole house remodel. He had created an amazing update for a choppy 1956 home that had multiple previous renovations. We had a great working relationship throughout the project including regular meetings with the client and responsive adjustments to building challenges. We have since had an opportunity to work on more projects with this firm and look forward to more in the future. **★★★★★ — Erika Price, Dec. 2016** > David Vandervort gave us a beautiful design for our whole house remodel. Our 1956 home was on a beautiful site, but wasn't built to take advantage of the location. The new design provided a beautiful floorplan, amazing views, and a functional design that transitions beautifully from entertaining to everyday family life. The firm was easy to work with and David was a great guide throughout the process on everything from contractor selection to sustainable materials. **★★★★★ — michael a, May 2016** > Vandervort handled the plans, permitting process, and oversight of our interior build out of our coffee house. They provided exceptional expertise and professionalism throughout the process. Very satisfied all around. **★★★★★ — Lindal Cedar Homes, March 2016** > David Vandervort Architects has been designing houses in the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years. Their most recent project for Lindal is a 2,700 square foot home, 1,600 feet up a mountain in the San Juan Islands. The design is innovative, with steel posts and wood beams, black-steel cladding on the exterior walls and roof, and wood accents throughout. The home is on schedule to be completed this year. DVA partners with quality suppliers, contractors and companies to build beautiful modern homes. We have been delighted by our collaboration with them and look forward to many more successful ventures in the future. **★★★★★ — jparrill, July 2014** > This company eye for detail is something that is very apparent in there work. I love the way the homes seem to flow and the feeling of intimacy that I see. **★★★★★ — mangotwango, Feb. 2014** > David and his team did some remodel design explorations for our midcentury home in Edmonds. His approach is extremely thoughtful, thorough, imaginative, conscientious, and authentic. His range of styles of ability to blend between them is very impressive. We really appreciated how well he listens and cares about designing an appropriate home around our lifestyle and programmatic needs. His ability to articulate options and rationale was excellent. We really had the sense he cared as much about our home as we did and would highly recommend anyone to speak with him when considering a custom build or remodel. **★★★★★ — musana, Jan. 2014** > My Family friends told us these contractors were really good at what they do and really nice and considerate. The Pay for the job and how long it toke didnt take to long and they said the pay seemed reasonable. **★★★★★ — sawarren, June 2013** > I hired David Vandervort Architects to supervise the building of my home and then four years later the tenant improvement for my neighborhood primary care medical clinic. On both occasions Mike Butrim was the project lead. The home was custom, the clinic was subject to high-level healthcare safety regulation, and I am a fussy person. None of that fazed David, Mike, and team. They went out of their way to create space that reflects the personality and purpose of their client. They are patient and took extra time to confirm that all parties involved remained on the same wavelength. On both occasions, the project cost did not exceed their original prediction. From what I have heard that is rare in their field. They are realists, but know how to maximize creativity and style within a budget. Sam Warren **★★★★★ — marneypage, June 2013** > Having interviewed 5 architect firms, we decided on Vandevort Architects to design our home. We specifically worked with Mike Butrim. > Our experience with this firm was one of complete satisfaction. They listened to our needs and desires and expertly transformed our vision into the house that we are now living in. > The drawings were delivered on time with no added surprises. It was a pleasure doing business with them. **★★★★★ — wandara, June 2012** > After a having a bad experience with another architecture firm, we hired Mark Wierenga at Vandervort Architects to remodel our house. Vandervort appealed to us because all of the architects have a team approach to projects, which allows for input from various perspectives. The project involved a remodel of the kitchen/dining room, addition of a bay window, and an upstairs addition of a bedroom and bathroom. Mark was great to work with--he had very creative ideas, took time to explain things, guided us through all of the processes, oversaw the contractors, and kept us on task and on budget! We have been happy with our remodel and all of the design elements every single day! He has continued to serve as a resource for us even eight years after completion of the project. I can't recommend Mark and Vandervort more highly! ## Selected projects - [San Juan Islands Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-juan-islands-residence-pj-vj~7610526) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: This residence is located on a small Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. The site is a spectacular rocky, wooded peninsula jutting into the Harbor. An existing house occupied the site and the new house was located within its footprint in order to minimize site disruption and take advantage of the views available there. The primary design goal was to engage with all these various views of the water on three sides and the upland areas of the property in a way the original house did… - [Flowing Lake Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/flowing-lake-residence-pj-vj~5922) - Location: Snohomish, WA - Photos: 14 - Description: The small and narrow lot extends dramatically down a steep slope to beautiful Flowing Lake in Snohomish County. Giant fir trees occupy the western half. The eastern half marred by the previous removal of a fire damaged cabin. Our challenge was to create a home for an active, young couple which preserved the trees and the remaining native landscape while extending toward and maximizing views of the lake. The solution was to create a path to the water alongside which a house was then placed. The p… - [Key Peninsula Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/key-peninsula-residence-pj-vj~2557) - Location: Gig Harbor, WA - Photos: 9 - Description: This Key Peninsula residence sits on a 7 ½ acre medium-bank waterfront site. An existing small cabin had occupied the site for years and held many fond memories for the homeowners. David Vandervort Architects worked carefully with the owners to create a new 3,200 sf house which carries on the small scale, informal, cottage legacy of that original structure. Four gabled pavilions connected and defined by circulation corridors and exterior space compose the building form as if it had been construc… - [Sunset Drive Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunset-drive-residence-pj-vj~169139) - Location: San Juan Island, WA - Photos: 10 - Description: Sunset Point Residence – San Juan Island, Washington Perched on a San Juan Island shoreline, this 2,365 sqft home looks northwest over Sunset Bay. The home was designed with two mirroring curved glass walls that frame views, and let maximum light into the home. The architecture is composed of two pavilions arranged to embrace the site and the natural forces acting upon it. Designed for a couple seeking comfort and security, the exterior materials allude to island appropriate but substantial desi… - [Crystal Lake Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crystal-lake-residence-pj-vj~2216894) - Location: Woodinville, WA - Photos: 11 - Description: This three bedroom house on Crystal Lake comprises 2,600 sf plus a 300 sf guest suite over the detached garage. The skewed plan allows the house to relate well to the street while orienting for the best views of the lake. The light filled interior opens up to the protected entry court and the lakeside patio in keeping with the informal, friendly nature of the community. - [Lake Wenatchee Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-wenatchee-residence-pj-vj~7114823) - Location: Leavenworth, WA - Photos: 11 - Description: This residence for a young Seattle couple was designed as a weekend getaway retreat to hang out with friends and family as well as a home for them and their young son. Located on the transitional slope of a majestic cliff face and overlooking the expansive Lake Wenatchee Valley and the Cascade Range beyond this home was designed to take in views from all directions. The open plan encourages an informality appropriate to the owners’ lifestyle while more intimate spaces like the loft, screened por… - [Foster Point Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/foster-point-residence-pj-vj~7114838) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: This residence occupies an iconic San Juan Islands site on Orcas Island. It sits high on a rocky peninsula jutting out into the Salish Sea and replaces an existing house that failed to take advantage of nor honor the character of this special site. At 2,000 sf the home includes a Master Suite and a Guest suite. The guest suite is a repurposing of an existing guest house on the property and is seamlessly integrated into the new design. Responding to the steep slope of the site as it moves from th… - [Orcas Island Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/orcas-island-cabin-pj-vj~2559) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Magnolia Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/magnolia-remodel-pj-vj~1194932) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 8 - Description: This remodel transformed a standard 1950’s daylight basement house into a dramatic view focused residence for a couple including an Accessory Dwelling Unit and Art Studio. The 3,800 sf home is located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle and has a sweeping 270 degree view of the city, mountains and bay. One inhabitant utilizes a wheelchair making accessibility an overriding concern necessitating the inclusion of an elevator. Limited by budget and regulation to the existing foundation the hous… - [Bainbridge Island Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bainbridge-island-residence-pj-vj~1307) - Location: Bainbridge Island, WA - Photos: 9 - [Lopez Island Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lopez-island-residence-pj-vj~2556) - Location: Lopez Island, WA - Photos: 8 - Description: This 1800 sf home is located on a heavily wooded, medium-bank waterfront property on Lopez Island, Washington. The house is carefully sited amidst the existing trees and the existing land form which slopes up to the bank and view. Connections to the outdoors and other features of the property informed the arrangement of space and form. The angle of the living wing corresponds to the bank and creates an embraced outdoor deck area. The house reaches out to the southeast path to the beach, to the g… - [NEXTHouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nexthouse-pj-vj~1319) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 16 - [Orcas Island Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/orcas-island-residence-pj-vj~2560) - Location: Orcas, WA - Photos: 8 - Description: Both rustic and refined, this island appropriate residence is located on 5 acres of southwest facing waterfront land on Orcas Island. The house is intended to blend with its natural setting and has been designed to live out to the favored places of the site and down to the waters edge. Approached from the east, a winding path brings the visitor through a natural setting culminating at an entry patio made of Montana slate. Once inside this 2,900 square foot home, a two story entry bridges the pub… - [Leschi Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leschi-remodel-pj-vj~180466) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 8 - Description: The owners came to us with an original, but outdated, house on a small lot in Leschi. They loved the interiors and views from the house, but required more space for their growing family as well as exterior finish upgrades. By purchasing the lot next door, they were able to expand the original house, adding two new bedrooms, bathrooms, office, utility room, gym, a below-grade media room and exterior view decks. The addition hinges at the original circular stair, opening up to the south for sunlig… - [San Juan Island Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-juan-island-cabin-pj-vj~1345) - Location: Friday Harbor, WA - Photos: 7 - [San Juan Island Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-juan-island-residence-pj-vj~1346) - Location: Friday Harbor, WA - Photos: 8 - [West Seattle Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-seattle-residence-pj-vj~1347) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 7 - [Seward Park Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seward-park-remodel-pj-vj~1194983) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 10 - Description: The goal of this 2,300 sf remodel was to open the house up to light and the view. The existing split level arrangement of the house was maintained with the addition of a new story and new office/entry wing. A modern, dramatic simplicity was achieved on a limited budget. - [Compact Green](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/compact-green-pj-vj~1309) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 8 - [Hood Canal Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hood-canal-residence-pj-vj~1310) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 [See all 26 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/vandervort-architects-pfvwus-pf~377581700) ## Community Q&A **Q: What wood was used for this deck?** *(in Photo Questions)* What wood is this, and what finish was applied to it? Has it held up? A: In this case the client really wanted to use 2x4 cedar decking. A clear finish was applied, but the exact product was sourced by the builder. You might consider a heat treated wood like Lunawood or Kebony for enhanced longevity. **Q: what state and town is this in?** *(in Photo Questions)* This is my dream home and I’d love to know. A: This home is near Snohomish, Washington. **Q: Love the picture, could we share it ?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thank you again for sharing with us your project photo for use on our social media. We are currently in the process of completely revamping our website and will be including an extensive project portfolio image library. Each project will have a dedicated page where all the necessary credits will be giving (designer, architect, photographer, etc). We would love to be able to include your project it that section. We would also link the credits to your website. Let us know if that would be possible. If so, please email Maëlle Bail, Marketing Coordinator, at m.bail@wetstyle.ca. For your information, our website is visited every week by thousands of wealthy consumers renovating or building a new house, providing great exposure for your firm. Having a link to your website from ours will also benefit your search engine optimization (SEO). A: Hello. As long as our images are credited we don't mind them being used. Thanks for asking! You can contact me at mikeb@vandervort.com if you need anything. **Q: beautiful work!** *(in Photo Questions)* Where are the handrails from? A: Hello. The interior railings are a custom fabrication of welded steel bars and stainless steel cables. **Q: Countertops** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi can you tell me what the countertops are please? Color/type. Thx A: Hello. You might try posing this question to Robin Chell Design. She was the interior designer for this project and might know the answer. Here is her Houzz listing: https://www.houzz.com/pro/robinchelldesign/robin-chell-design **Q: Love the colours! What is the coulor of the metal cladding?** *(in Photo Questions)* I would love to know the greyish color of the metal cladding. looking to accomplish something similar in my future Aussie build. Thanks! A: Hello, this metal is a finish called Zactique II available from AEPSpan (www.aepspan.com). Other companies have a similar metallic finish. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-01.*