--- title: "Don Larkin, Architect, AIA, PLLC — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/don-larkin-architect-aia-pllc-pfvwus-pf~436304118 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~436304118.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Don Larkin, Architect, AIA, PLLC" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/15d3b8a901ad040a_3137-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "6947 Coal Creek Parkway SE, #245, Newcastle, Washington 98059, United States" latitude: 47.5058 longitude: -122.1157 phone: "(425) 466-4097" website: http://donlarkinarchitect.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 18 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 97 last_updated: 2026-10-01 --- # Don Larkin, Architect, AIA, PLLC Original Houzz profile: [Don Larkin, Architect, AIA, PLLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/don-larkin-architect-aia-pllc-pfvwus-pf~436304118) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Newcastle, WA - **Serves:** Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, Burien, Issaquah, West Lake Sammamish, Des Moines, SeaTac, East Hill-Meridian, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Tukwila, Covington, Fairwood, Bryn Mawr-Skyway, Newcastle, East Renton Highlands, Hobart, Normandy Park, Riverton, Eastgate, Boulevard Park, Mirrormont, Maple Heights-Lake Desire, Clyde Hill, Medina, Carnation, Beacon Hill, Yarrow Point, Ames Lake, Beaux Arts Village, Hunts Point, Eastern Washington, North Beacon Hill, Preston, Rainier Valley, San Juan Islands, Throughout Pacific Northwest, Washington State - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (18 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2016–2025), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning - High-end I am a licensed architect specializing in elegant residential design, including custom homes, remodels and additions. Each project is carefully designed in collaboration with the client, resulting in spaces of exceptional quality while meeting the functional requirements of the budget and site. I am conveniently located on the Eastside near Newcastle, WA. Throughout the process, I strive to integrate your goals, site, and lifestyle into a delightful and unique design that fits your personality and budget. For a project to be successful, I emphasize a team approach to design by encouraging your input and ideas. Listening is a top priority in the design process. I also believe in designing for quality and not quantity, and how you will actually live in your new home. I work with clients throughout the Pacific Northwest, designing projects to fit various climates and site conditions. Please email me and we can set up a time for us to meet and discuss your project. Also, be sure to visit my website to see additional information regarding projects and the design process. Website: https://donlarkinarchitect.com Email: don@donlarkinarchitect.com ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - 3D Home Design - Custom Home ### Areas Served - Seattle - Tacoma - Bellevue - Kent - Renton - Kirkland - Redmond - Sammamish - Burien - Issaquah - West Lake Sammamish - Des Moines - SeaTac - East Hill-Meridian - Maple Valley - Mercer Island - Tukwila - Covington - Fairwood - Bryn Mawr-Skyway - Newcastle - East Renton Highlands - Hobart - Normandy Park - Riverton - Eastgate - Boulevard Park - Mirrormont - Maple Heights-Lake Desire - Clyde Hill - Medina - Carnation - Beacon Hill - Yarrow Point - Ames Lake - Beaux Arts Village - Hunts Point - Eastern Washington - North Beacon Hill - Preston - Rainier Valley - San Juan Islands - Throughout Pacific Northwest - Washington State ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Don Larkin, Architect, AIA, PLLC | | Address | 6947 Coal Creek Parkway SE, \#245, Newcastle, Washington 98059, United States | | Phone | (425) 466-4097 | | Website | http://donlarkinarchitect.com | | Followers on Houzz | 97 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Don Larkin, Architect, AIA, PLLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/don-larkin-architect-aia-pllc-pfvwus-pf~436304118) - **Website:** http://donlarkinarchitect.com - **Phone:** (425) 466-4097 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Licensed Architect, Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), REX Award Winner. - Projects published in Seattle Street of Dreams Magazine, 425 Magazine, North End Metro Magazine, Harbors Magazine. - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2016–2025), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 18 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Brad Faulkes, Sept. 2024** > Don Larkin designed our house from the ground up and worked with us till the home was completed. This was not a simple project. We to tear down the old house and build a new three story home on Lake Washington. We truly believe if Don was not on our team the house would have never been built. Don is one of the Great listener and takes all your idea's into consideration. Don was always looking out for our best interest. If your are looking for a great Architect to help you bring your dream home Don is your guy! **Comment from Don Larkin, Architect, AIA, PLLC:** > Thank you Brad. It was a pleasure working with you and Kathy throughout the design and construction of your home. Your involvement created the teamwork necessary to make your home a success. **★★★★★ — William Getchell, Sept. 2021** > We worked with Don for the last two years in the conceptual, design, planning, and construction of a major addition to our Redmond home. The project is now complete and we have moved back in. From the beginning, Don was a great partner. He listened to our ideas, brought back sketches, modified and adapted them to our constant mind changing, and finally got us to a design we loved. The drawings phase went quick, and he helped us sort through options for builders/contractors. Every step of the way, Don was respectful, but honest. His ideas were excellent, his plans turned out perfect, as the home remodel was designed to integrate with the remainder of the home. We felt that Don was able to preserve the character of the original house, yet incorporate our entire wish list in a sound design. It has been a pleasure to work with Don, we consider him our friend, and we have already reserved his time next year for a garage update. **★★★★ — Karen, Jan. 2021** > We found Don via a recommendation from a trusted contractor, and were thrilled with the choices he made and how he incorporated our specific ideas into his design. This was a whole house remodel with the addition of a second story on a sloped site. The result is a home that looks and functions beautifully both inside and out. He is very detail oriented and had a great working relationship with our contractor over the life of the project. His design took advantage of the views of Puget Sound and brought in the Frank Lloyd Wright prairie style elements we were aiming for. While not the fastest, he cared a great deal about getting it right and we could not be happier with the end result. I would definitely recommend Don. **★★★★★ — Hauke Strasdat, Dec. 2020** > Don - is awesome! We had a initall call for a potential future project. We talk through it at great detail and came to the conclusion that this is likely better served by a local design/build company (I had no I idea this is a thing) - though he said he is more than happy to help if I won't be able to find local contractors/designer. Hence I got a free 30min consultation from Don. Thanks! **★★★★ — Gary Hansen, Dec. 2020** > Don did an excellent job designing, what we like to call, our 1963 split level transformation project. We now have a house that’s the talk of the neighborhood and a place we can easily see ourselves enjoying now and well into our retirement years. > > Don worked with us every step of the way. From design details, to helping us push back on our contractors when they did not build to the architectural or engineering plans. **★★★★★ — Brian Reistad, Nov. 2020** > Don did a great job on the remodel of our home. He worked with us to establish our goals and then came up with a number of different options. And he adapted well when we revised our goals resulting in a final project that met most goals and stayed within budget. > > It was quite a big project as we moved exterior walls in three directions and added over 1000 sq. ft. as well as a covered patio and attached greenhouse. Don was very thorough in drawing up the plans, working with the engineer on load calculations and even bringing in an expert on moisture for the greenhouse portion. The final design blends seamlessly with the existing portion is also fresh and modern. **★★★★★ — Jill Crisafulli, Dec. 2018** > We worked with Don to design and execute a complex covered parking area connecting to two separate buildings, with steel supports and 3 levels of roof. He did a great job creating a harmonious structure that appears as if it has always been a part of our home. He worked closely with us throughout, incorporating our input and ensuring the contractors followed the design. **★★★★★ — Alex Barclay, Dec. 2018** > We hired Don in 2017 for our remodel project that has just finished up this December (2018). We chose Don originally because he was not only the most creative architect that we interviewed but he also listened the most intently to our goals for the project. Our project was a 500 sq-ft addition to the rear of our Seattle house that allowed for a new expanded kitchen and a rooftop deck. > > During the consultation Don was very thorough and captured our goals for the project very well. He produced two concepts, both of which were excellent, but one had less of an issue with a large existing tree in our garden. As we started to firm up the plans Don did a good job of interpreting the Seattle zoning requirements and this demonstrated by that being one of the first departments to sign off on our plans after submittal. He continued to assist us through the permitting process, especially where the city determined that they wanted a whole-house seismic retrofit. He also helped us retain a firm of structural engineers for the production of the plans. > > During construction the quality of the plans were evident because we had very few questions that we needed to go back to Don with, and the carpenter working on the project commented frequently the plans were some of the most accurate that he had worked with. > > The project has been slow since the plans were approved, mostly due to the nature of the Seattle construction market in 2018 but I believe that Don was extremely successful in both meeting our goals for the remodel and maintaining the character of our older (1928) home. **★★★★★ — Bruce Dankberg, Dec. 2018** > We worked with Don on the design of our home on Hood Canal. We've worked with Don before on the crawlspace conversion to a full basement we did for our main home several years ago, and knew we were working with an Architect that could capture all our thoughts and ideas and incorporate them into the design. And that is exactly what we got...Don was able to capture our ideas, descriptions styles, and yes...Houzz photos into exactly the home we wanted for our weekend waterfront home here on Hood Canal. > > I am still amazed at the finished product and how all those elements from our rough sketches and photos are in the design. In short, this home is exactly how we envisioned it. > > The design itself is only half the story as the project management role Don played in developing the spec for materials, finishes, etc...as well as helping select the right builder, were all key to this project turning out the way it has. > > In short, we are thrilled with the end result. Friends, neighbors and even other local tradespeople have all commented on how amazing the house turned out. We would have no reservation strongly recommending Don to anyone considering a project like this. **★★★★★ — Tom & Jana Brandli, Dec. 2017** > We hired Don Larkin to design a home for our Puget Sound waterfront lot. We wanted a house that would look like one found at the beach. Don not only designed the most beautiful shingle style house on the exterior but also addressed our desire for an open floor plan with traditional accents. Every day we are amazed at how much we enjoy the design. We receive very positive comments on the house daily from people who see it for the first time. Don's designs and his attention to detail are second to none. We were so lucky to have had the privilege of having him as our architect. **★★★★★ — Ed and Elise Hoit, Dec. 2016** > We are absolutely thrilled with our lakefront house designed by Don Larkin. We have had many visitors and we love to see their reaction as they walk in the door. Don really knows how to take advantage of a view. The combined great room, dining room, and kitchen is cleverly divided by cabinetry and ceilings of different heights. The exterior's unique charm can be attributed to a curving roofline and adherence to a beach cottage style vernacular. People really gush over the details. Don Larkin created an amazing design while working under time and site constraints. We are the proud owners of a truly beautiful and oh-so-livable house. We love it! **★★★★★ — Habib Rahbar, Sept. 2016** > We hired Don to help with designing our small addition and major remodel of our lakefront home. This was one of the best decisions we could have made! Don has exceptional ideas, a great sense of design and aesthetics, and fabulous communication skills. He was quickly able to pinpoint our style and create a plan that matched our vision. He is open, honest, and a relentless advocate for his clients. His ability to problem solve and come up with unique solutions to problems in a short time frame is excellent. We now consider him a trusted friend, and recommend him highly to anyone seeking a skilled architect for a remodel and/or addition. ## Selected projects - [Seattle Shingle Style Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seattle-shingle-style-custom-home-pj-vj~5544271) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 17 - Description: This shingle style home was designed on a Puget Sound waterfront site to take advantage of the sweeping views and beautiful landscaping. The wrap around front porch shelters the occupants from rain and sun. This style of porch is reminiscent of the original shingle style homes seen on the east coast. - [Carriage House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carriage-house-pj-vj~1316199) - Location: Leavenworth, WA - Photos: 7 - [Island Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/island-cottage-pj-vj~466949) - Location: Lopez Island, WA - Photos: 9 - Description: A northwest cottage style home on the waterfront. - [Carnation Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carnation-custom-home-pj-vj~1316163) - Location: Carnation, WA - Photos: 18 - [Island Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/island-retreat-pj-vj~467065) - Location: Lopez Island, WA - Photos: 8 - Description: Island Retreat - [Port Orchard Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/port-orchard-custom-home-pj-vj~76109) - Location: Port Orchard, WA - Photos: 11 - Description: This Custom Home combines new technology within a modernized craftsman style home. The owners themselves worked to provide all of the beautiful landscaping and gardens that you see which compliments their home. A beautiful home is created when both the inside and outside are designed to blend together in harmony. The home uses hydronic radiant floor Heat supplied by a Geothermal heat system, energy effecient windows and high insulation, and a rain garden to collect and disperse rain water from t… - [South Seattle Lake Front](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-seattle-lake-front-pj-vj~6039973) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: A craftsman cottage on the lake. The home is designed for a retired couple, using aging in place design features. All of the main spaces including the master suite and small deck are located on the main floor. The home is built on a site that remained vacant for a long time due to the small size and difficult waterfront site restrictions . It required creative planing using every square foot allowed by code to achieve a home of this size. - [Bellevue Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bellevue-custom-home-pj-vj~467122) - Location: Bellevue, WA - Photos: 16 - Description: A traditional country home designed with timeless details throughout. - [Kitchen and Sunroom Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-and-sunroom-addition-pj-vj~1555853) - Location: Artondale, WA - Photos: 8 - [Hood Canal Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hood-canal-cabin-pj-vj~6039945) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: A contemporary vacation home located on the waterfront of the Hood Canal. It features a large detached garage with a bonus room above, and an upper floor bridge connecting to the main cabin. - [Kirkland Waterfront](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kirkland-waterfront-pj-vj~6443100) - Location: Kirkland, WA - Photos: 21 - Description: A whole-house remodel addition of an existing older home. [See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/don-larkin-architect-aia-pllc-pfvwus-pf~436304118) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-10-01.*