--- title: "MAKE Design Studio — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/make-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~503526756 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~503526756.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "MAKE Design Studio" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/1423ca19000486ce_1525-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "100 NE Northlake Way, Suite 200, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States" latitude: 47.6633 longitude: -122.3022 phone: "(206) 335-1211" website: http://www.makedesignstudiollc.com rating: 4.7 review_count: 11 followers: 395 last_updated: 2026-08-18 --- # MAKE Design Studio Original Houzz profile: [MAKE Design Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/make-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~503526756) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Seattle, WA - **Serves:** Seattle - **Houzz rating:** 4.7 out of 5 (11 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves MAKE Design Studio is a full service architecture and design firm. We are passionate about homes and creating spaces that improve your life. Whether remodeling an existing house or building a new home, we seek opportunities to create spaces that celebrate how you want to live. We believe good design makes a difference. Green building strategies are at the core of our business and are woven into every project. ### Services Provided - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Project Management - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Laundry Room Design - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - Seattle ### Typical Job Cost $700,000 - 3 million $700,000 - 3 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | MAKE Design Studio | | Address | 100 NE Northlake Way, Suite 200, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States | | Phone | (206) 335-1211 | | Website | http://www.makedesignstudiollc.com | | Followers on Houzz | 395 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/MAKE-Design-Studio-LLC/320619811459330 ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [MAKE Design Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/make-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~503526756) - **Website:** http://www.makedesignstudiollc.com - **Phone:** (206) 335-1211 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIA, LEED AP, SEED **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: 4.7 out of 5 — 11 reviews** ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — tinlil, Aug. 2018** > We have nothing but praise for Nicole and her design process. We worked with her on a full kitchen remodel and couldn't be happier with the finished product. Nicole's clear communication style, attention to detail and efficient use of time resulted in a proposal that we accepted with very little modifications. Nicole's carpentry background proved very helpful both in the design and throughout the build process. Her ability to articulate technical tradeoffs in construction allowed us to make informed decisions to align with our budget. She worked extremely well with our contractor and we always felt she was our advocate when it came to any questions/concerns we had. In addition, we have utilized Nicole's design services on furniture and rug selection, paint colors (interior and exterior) and complete exterior window replacements. We can't wait to work with Nicole again on our next project! **★★★★★ — Barbara Duff, June 2017** > We loved working with Nicole at Make Design Studio. Out of all the architects we interviewed she was the only one who had the gravitas to tell us that our vision of a second story addition and a full first floor remodel was never going to happen with our budget. Everyone else gave us a thumb's up and a smile. In hindsight, we can't even imagine what would have happened if we went in a different direction. We'd probably be destitute, living in a home with 3 walls and no roof! > > Nicole has the unique background of having worked in construction - her rationale being, "How can I design a home if I don't know how to build one myself." That experience really shows when it comes to working with old homes. Our house is small by modern standards, 1,000 square feet, and yet she was able to squeeze every last bit of usable space into our new design because she understands old homes so well. That said, our contractor was very appreciative of her structural knowledge, an attribute that isn't always found in other architects. > > Instead of slapping another 1,000 square feet onto our house, Nicole worked with us to completely reconfigure the existing structure. And when we say she worked with us, she truly worked with us. She listened to our wants and was very realistic about what was and wasn't possible not only for the space but for our budget. In turn, we did our "homework" as requested. She will set you up with timelines for decisions regarding fixtures, paint choices, tile, grout, etc., etc. She also shares her vendor list in case you have no idea where to start when it comes to picking out things like lighting or door pulls. We can guarantee you will love your home more if you play an active part in the decision making process, and Nicole couldn't make it any easier for you. > > Nicole is very talented. She will hold your hand as much or as little as you like always paying close attention to budget. Her transparency and realism were so appreciated. She is also a delight to work with - incredibly kind, accessible, and super funny! > > At the end of the day, we still can't believe that this is our house. And we have Nicole's talent, vision, kindness, sense of humor, and ability to keep our project on track to thank for it. **★★★★★ — kntj95a, June 2015** > My husband and I heartily recommend Nicole of MAKE Design Studio. > Our project involved extending and reconfiguring our interior entry, the exterior approach to the house, and several decks in conjunction with regrading and landscaping our front yard and garden. > Nicole was asked to design and obtain the required permits for the entryway extension, new decks and a new walkway to our house. We appreciated being able to see proposed designs, and changes to them, in 3D in Nicole's computer program. The 3D aspect was unique in our experience; one could feel if a corner was too tight, or if an area was too dark by seeing a cross section, or a view from inside or from a specific angle. And by using this program, Nicole was able to render both designs and changes quickly and efficiently, which reduced her time and travel charges. > Nicole closely listened to our list of goals for the renovation, asked excellent questions and observed our budgetary constraints before and while she prepared the drawings. She provided all of the services specified in our contract with her, and her charges were within the framework of the contract as well. > The city of Seattle, unbeknownst to us, had designated our area as both steep slope and slide-prone, which had great potential to disrupt our planned remodel. Nicole proved to be very familiar with city regulations and processes and was able to obtain our permit amazingly quickly despite these complications. > Our landscaper, our deck builder and our contractor, all accustomed to working with architects and not always positive about the experience, frequently commented that Nicole was extremely competent, had great ideas and was easy to deal with, and each of them has recommended and/or chosen her for the design and permit phases of subsequent projects which required architectural input. > After the exterior phase of the remodel was complete, Nicole proved to be of great help in providing sources and ideas for interior features and is still willing to serve as a sounding board and wise counselor with respect to some of our decorating "ideas". > In addition to providing excellent professional services, Nicole is a joy to work with--down to earth, with a wry sense of humor and a congenial personality, and our association, which quickly grew beyond architectural considerations, has proven to be a lasting one. She's just easy to like. **★★★★★ — allenemilyh, March 2015** > We love our remodel/addition! Nicole of MAKE Design Studio did an amazing job fulfilling every single requirement we put in front of her within a very constrained space. Awesome talents in the technical problem-solving, aesthetic, and project/communication arenas. MAKE made what could be a very difficult and stressful process actually an enjoyable one. Thrilled with our builder too, one of the several suggested by Nicole, and with the input/oversight provided in the construction phase. All in all things went shockingly smoothly. We love our house and are always appreciating the thoughtful detail work that went into it. Yay for MAKE :) **★★★★★ — jcazier8, March 2015** > We worked with Make design studio on a complete remodel of our kitchen and redesign of our main floor. From beginning to end it was a positive experience. Nicole was able to listen to our ideas and put them into perspective, matching our budget to our "dreams." Our meetings were fun and collaborative. We came in on budget and on time! One of the reasons we chose to work with Make Design Studio was because Nicole had experience working on the construction site along side a master carpenter. She had hands on experience and was there for able to communicate well with the contractor as well as express to us what we could expect. I can not recommend Make Design Studio more highly! **★★★★★ — dzaret, March 2015** > We worked with Nicole on a whole-house remodel which took over a year. We had a strict budget and timeline, and Nicole was 100% professional and upfront throughout the process. Nicole and MAKE are very easy to work with, and go out of their way to make the entire design, bid, and construction process painless and transparent.We ended up under budget and our house has all of the features we wanted. Nicole puts a cap on her contract so it is literally impossible to go over her bid for architecture services, and she has worked in construction so has a very good understanding of the build process and how to save money there without compromising quality. She was spot on for bids and helpful in negotiating the bid process. She knows quality local vendors and contractors and works well with people. She is graceful under pressure, funny, smart, and a general pleasure. I recommend MAKE without reservation! **★★★★★ — mwierusz, March 2015** > MAKE worked with us to do a major remodel/lift of a 1918 craftsman. We hired Nicole for her attention to detail, collaborative work ethic, and communication skills. Without question, she delivered on all those key characteristics and more. Like the others who have also rated MAKE with top marks on yelp, we would highly recommend her services. If we ever found ourselves in another remodel situation, she would be the one we call. **★★★★★ — ctrafford, March 2015** > We recently fished a two year phased full home remodel with addition. What a pleasure it was to work with Nicole. From the start, Nicole was sensitive to our needs as a family and how we would live in our home. Her design sense was spot on and she had an innate talent in visualizing space. From start to finish she took care of us. She gave us every resource from expert contractors to sources for hardware. She had contractors come in on the planning discussion long before work started. Consequently, this not only streamlined the timeline, but also in the end saved us quite a bit of money. With both phases of the remodel we actually finished the job significantly under bid. In the end, we have a beautiful home that is wonderful to live in and reflects who we are. On top of it from an architectural sense our 1941 house looks as though it was initially built that way. I would highly recommend her for your project! **★★★★★ — Amy H, March 2015** > Make Design Studio holds a very high standard for quality of work, green design, and communication. I worked closely with Nicole on several projects and was completely blown away by her fierce commitment to her craft and to running an honest business. **★★ — rbroesler, March 2015** > We worked with Nicole this past summer to design a 2nd bathroom for our new home. If you have an unlimited budget, we would suggest Nicole. She has wonderful ideas, is enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Given that we were on a budget - and very straightforward about that - we did not have as positive of an experience as we would have liked. Despite our stipulations about money and cost from the beginning, Nicole designed a project that 2/3 GCs bid a full 2x higher than we had initially wanted to spend. The third GC bid ~ 30-40% over our initial budget, and we ended up working with her. We had to ask Nicole multiple times throughout the process where we were in scope and cost and began cutting corners to stay on budget. In the end, we spent 50% more than we had anticipated on the project and we requested that Nicole stop working on our bid set due to her cost over-runs. We ended up pulling permits and had to re-design a doorway ourselves so that our room would meet code requirements. When we approached her about exceeding costs, she was not particularly flexible nor understanding. Further, she often refused to accept responsibility, instead pointing the finger at us. In summary, Nicole has good ideas but in our experience, failed to stay within scope and budget. **Comment from MAKE Design Studio:** > As an architect, I feel it is my responsibility to provide expert navigation of the scope/budget/design process for my clients, and I am passionate about success on all those counts. There are two sides to every story. These clients were shown a design that was simple and met their budget but they rejected that option in favor of a more extravagant, more expensive design. We priced the design early in the design process. They knew the cost well before construction started. They had an alternate, less expensive design option but they decided to build the more expensive option anyway. I offered to submit for the building permit but shared they could save three (3) hours of my billable time by pulling the building permit themselves. I prepared everything they needed and they seamlessly obtained the building permit in a timely fashion without any additional work or corrections required by the building department. My billed fee was below my contract estimate. Four months after the new bathroom was completed, they posted this review. The design process is always a collaborative effort, and the many successful relationships I enjoy with past clients and the builders and tradespeople who have constructed their projects are testament to how often this process can be a rewarding experience. **★★★★★ — Blue Sound Construction, Inc., Feb. 2013** > We (at Blue Sound Construction) have worked with Nicole (of MAKE Design) on multiple projects over the years and could not recommend her highly enough. She has a classic design sense that is equally suited to traditional and modern design. All of our mutual clients have been very pleased with their finished homes. She is fastidious with her drawings (a plus for the builder), highly creative, and a master of small spaces (my employees began calling her "shoehorn Nicole"). Architects are notorious for drawing plans that clients cannot afford, but Nicole is impressively accurate in projecting costs and guiding clients toward a manageable budget/project plan from the outset. This is a tremendous value to clients, saving both time and money. Last, she is an all around affable, fun person, which makes project coordination a joy for both client and builder. In other words, if you're looking for a good guide into the morass of construction and are hoping to build something with an enduring design sensibility, MAKE Design is a great bet. > > -Ben & Courtenay Gebhardt > Co-owners, Blue Sound Construction, Inc. > Seattle, WA ## Selected projects - [Capitol Hill Modern Hideaway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/capitol-hill-modern-hideaway-pj-vj~2613036) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 14 - Description: This 1905 Capitol Hill home received a whole house modern remodel. - [Phinney Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/phinney-remodel-pj-vj~2763345) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 5 - [Madrona Modern Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/madrona-modern-remodel-pj-vj~2763331) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 5 - [Ravenna Whole House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ravenna-whole-house-remodel-pj-vj~3147533) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 15 - [Leschi Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leschi-residence-pj-vj~2539611) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 9 - [Madrona Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/madrona-residence-pj-vj~574719) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 6 - [Capitol Hill Whole House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/capitol-hill-whole-house-remodel-pj-vj~1029003) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 7 - Description: This Whole House Remodel in Seattle uses modern design strategies to respond to the client's lifestyle and aesthetic while paying homage to the home's turn of the century roots. The existing red oak floors were reused and restained with a water based espresso finish. The lowered ceilings were removed adding 14" of height to each room. Water based low and no VOC finishes were used on the oak and paint grade cabinets, walls and ceilings. The original 1906 interior doors and original hardware were… - [Wallingford Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wallingford-kitchen-pj-vj~609619) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 6 - [Central District Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/central-district-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~91656) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 5 - [Maple Leaf Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maple-leaf-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~70796) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 6 - Description: New linear circulation makes the rooms feel larger and accommodates more people. The new kitchen layout dramatically increases the counter space, storage and overall functionality. Open shelves and punched metal doors keep the upper cabinets feeling lightweight and increase the openness of the room. A nook next to the refrigerator creates a small home office. A “perch” creates an ideal place for friends to gather and help in the kitchen. - [Magnolia Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/magnolia-remodel-pj-vj~7824841) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 13 - Description: This whole house remodel made this mid century modern home live expansively inside and connect to the gorgeous backyard outside. 2 new bathrooms, a new kitchen, custom cabinetry and finish updates to the bedroom, entry, dining room and living room provide an elegant, modern backdrop for this family to thrive. - [West Greenlake Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-greenlake-remodel-pj-vj~7824763) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 13 - Description: The main floor on this Seattle Craftsman home was a mere 828sf. We added a 115 sf addition along the north side to expand the living room, dining room and kitchen for this family of 4. This whole house remodel included a complete gut of the main floor with modern updates for this vintage Seattle Craftsman home. Reconfiguring spaces with a modern eye while preserving this old house was the goal of the remodel. We tucked in a full bath, powder bath, primary bedroom, living room, dining room, new k… [See all 12 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/make-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~503526756) ## Community Q&A **Q: Are the cabinetry and desk custom made or from a manufacturer?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Those beautiful walnut cabinets are custom designed and built! **Q: counter tops** *(in Photo Questions)* This kitchen is appealing in it's simplicity! May I ask what stone the counter top is made from? A: Hi Nancy! That countertop is one of my favorites. It is 3cm Carrera Marble, honed with an eased edge. Good luck with your project. **Q: Can you please tell me the name of the chandelier? Thank you kindly** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for your email. The client had that fixture prior to the remodel. We reused it and I am not sure where they found it. **Q: doors and windows** *(in Photo Questions)* love the doors a d windows. can you let me know where you bought them? thanks, Tamara A: Hello! Thanks for the inquiry. They are Marvin Integrity Windows and exterior door. **Q: Where is the coffee table from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Alison, It is an older piece and I don't have that information. **Q: Love the light fixtures. Where are they from? Also, the cabinet color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks! You can obtain all the sizing information at School House Electric: http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/lighting/pendant-fixtures/satellite-1-4.html --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-18.*