--- title: "jARCHITECTS: Jim Rymsza, RA — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/jarchitects-jim-rymsza-ra-pfvwus-pf~755042433 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~755042433.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "jARCHITECTS: Jim Rymsza, RA" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/25a3cf750ea31cbd_2573-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "6823 30th Ave NE, Seattle, Washington 98115, United States" latitude: 47.6849 longitude: -122.2968 phone: "(206) 778-4182" website: http://www.jarchitect.net rating: 4.9 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 146 last_updated: 2026-09-24 --- # jARCHITECTS: Jim Rymsza, RA Original Houzz profile: [jARCHITECTS: Jim Rymsza, RA](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/jarchitects-jim-rymsza-ra-pfvwus-pf~755042433) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Seattle, WA - **Serves:** Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Shoreline, Mercer Island, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Beacon Hill, Woodway - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2015–2025), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves jARCHITECTS RA (registered architect) is a single proprietorship design office located in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Thanks for checking out my Houzz site! I am most inspired by residential architecture and neighborhood scaled commercial projects. My past projects range from residential remodels to multi-family housing. I find my favorite projects are those where the client stayed informed and involved through out the design process. Also, it is essential that a strong relationship between owner, architect and contractor is established early on. Everyone, this way, is vested towards a common, collaborative goal. I believe a project should be developed with a strong respect for the client's aesthetic, budgetary, and scheduling needs. The project should strive to be sustainable and energy conscious. I believe projects should be well designed and detailed and adaptable to the client's present and future needs. Services that jARCHITECTS offers are: Architectural Design and Planning, Tenant Improvement, Feasibility Studies for Residential and Commercial projects, Permit and Code Assistance. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Architectural Drawings - Sustainable Design ### Areas Served - Seattle - Bellevue - Kirkland - Shoreline - Mercer Island - Kenmore - Lake Forest Park - Beacon Hill - Woodway ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | jARCHITECTS: Jim Rymsza, RA | | Address | 6823 30th Ave NE, Seattle, Washington 98115, United States | | Phone | (206) 778-4182 | | Website | http://www.jarchitect.net | | License Number | WA State \#5955 | | Followers on Houzz | 146 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — www.jarchitect.net ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [jARCHITECTS: Jim Rymsza, RA](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/jarchitects-jim-rymsza-ra-pfvwus-pf~755042433) - **Website:** http://www.jarchitect.net - **Phone:** (206) 778-4182 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2015–2025), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 13 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Robert Kotchenruther, June 2024** > Jim was an easy architect to work with. His design perfectly captured what we were after and he gave us some excellent advice early on that saved us a lot of money. The construction company was easily able to use the plans that Jim developed, and we are very happy with the finished product. **Comment from jARCHITECTS: Jim Rymsza, RA:** > Thanks Bob for the kudos! The project turned out well and I hope you both get to enjoy it for years to come. -Jim **★★★★★ — Scott Snetsinger, Nov. 2020** > Jim was very helpful from the start. He listened to our needs and wants. He came up with a great floor plan and presented us our dream home. In the end he designed us a home that will create lasting memories. **Comment from jARCHITECTS: Jim Rymsza, RA:** > Thanks Scott. The home looks great! It was a pleasure working with you both. -Jim **★★★★★ — Mari Matsumoto, Nov. 2019** > Jim’s plans worked beautifully for our basement remodel, transforming unfinished space into two bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry and family room, all with an eye toward making the area light and welcoming. He also did the permitting process for us, which saved time and hassle. **Comment from jARCHITECTS: Jim Rymsza, RA:** > Thanks Mari. It was very easy to work with you. I'm really happy that the design worked well for you. I certainly attribute this in large part to your clear directions. -Jim **★★★★★ — Beth Reite, Oct. 2019** > Jim provided us with an incredible design to remodel our home and add a second story. We wanted to keep the feeling and style of our Craftsman home but needed more room for our family. He was able to integrate this and our home now has ability to be our forever home. Jim was really great at helping early on to explain the process as well as provide consultation during the actual construction when the contractor was getting off track. Many of our neighbors have complimented the house as it feels like it was always built this way. **Comment from jARCHITECTS: Jim Rymsza, RA:** > Thanks Beth for the kudos! You and James were great to work with. I hope you continue to enjoy your remodeled home for many years to come. -Jim **★★★★ — paul\_mcgarry57, Jan. 2016** > Jim has some great ideas of how to lay out a house floor plan, how to open up the house potential for space, natural light and practical livability, yet making it appealing. Jim also makes the house blend with the neighborhood yet making it unique. Jim also puts together a very professional package which in our case got through the city planning department without any issues. Jim also has good contacts as far structural engineers and contractors which really helped us get a feel for what complete work statement of the renovation would take in cost and time. **★★★★★ — Olen Ronning, Feb. 2015** > Jim helped us with a particularly tricky remodel/addition to the back second story of our home in Ravenna/Bryant. It was especially tricky due to the limited height of the existing roofline and underlying structural support of a 1920's craftsman home. > > Along with a complete second story interior remodel, we wanted to add space and had originally explored adding a dormer to the front of the house with a different architect. We weren't pleased with the resulting design, cost, and ultimately minimal additional space added by the effort. So, we connected with Jim who proposed a solution that was cost effective and could better integrate into the structure of home, while minimizing visual impact from the front. Although not the perfectly ideal solution (from the rear it is fairly clear that it is an addition), from the street the effect is the appearance of two original-style dormers on the north and south sides of the house (although underneath they are a completely separate and new structure). The resulting interior space added much needed ceiling height and additional square footage to accommodate a full master bathroom. > > Although the interior remodel was of our design, Jim provided many useful recommendations and suggestions (such as providers, feedback on our choices, etc.) and included some structural touchpoints that had a great impact on the interior space - in particular the exposed collar tie beams in the non-replaced section of the second story. As a visual designer, I appreciated that Jim was open to collaborating/iterating on some of the interior layouts (such as the bathroom layout). Jim's fees for his services were reasonable as well. > > Jim was very professional and yet personable and easy to talk to. He was very accommodating with our many questions and issues and even when it became difficult to locate a contractor with availability, Jim was able to help out there as well. > > Jim also kept up regular communication which was appreciated, and of course a bonus is that he happened to be a nearby neighbor so on-site visits were easy and relatively frequent. **★★★★★ — landiscs, Nov. 2014** > Jim helped us with an addition on our single family home. We pretty much knew what we wanted initially. He drew up the plans and consulted an an engineer. We quickly found out that the scope of the work was beyond what we were willing to take on. An alternate plan was put together and Jim quickly drafted another set of plans and we ultimately moved forward. We are happy with the result ! **★★★★★ — sesam, Nov. 2014** > Our 1955 home was in dire need of a complete remodel and we were cautious and nervous about undertaking a huge project. Jim listened to our concerns and wishes and patiently described each step of the process with us. I wanted a semi-open kitchen and Jim's idea of a pass-through provided the privacy I wanted while cooking, but open enough to have dining room conversations. We wanted to have our 3 small bedrooms made into 2 large bedrooms. Jim designed spacious bedrooms and gave the master a walk-in closet and a bump out with a built-in bench for quiet gazing into our garden. > > Jim kept the general footprint of the house, but his design provided better use of space. We love everything about our house now. Jim was easy to work with, calm when I was panicked and always available when we called him with questions. He was open to our ideas and honest when he felt some things were not possible. He offered great advice about choosing contractors who were great (CB construction). Jim is knowledgeable, honest and we had complete confidence in his ability. We recommend him highly and would not hesitate to use him again. **★★★★★ — S2 Builders, Dec. 2013** > As a residential builder and remodeling contractor, we firmly believe that a collaborative approach to design and construction provides greater value to homeowners and results in better project outcomes. > > We have worked with Jim on several projects and look forward to many more opportunities to work together. His open communication and early involvement of team members allows for the exchange of ideas that helps identify creative building solutions, problem-solve unforeseen obstacles, avoid delays, and minimize cost for homeowners. Definitely all of the ingredients for a successful project! > > We would gladly recommend Jim to any homeowner looking for a custom home or remodel design. **★★★★★ — bartokbun, Aug. 2013** > My husband and I knew we wanted to fix up our 1927 home but we didn’t know where to start. The house needed new wiring and plumbing throughout and the bathrooms needed complete over haul. We consulted with Jim because we had seen and admired the design and work he did in an older home like ours on our street. We asked Jim if he would do a walk through of our house and give us some ideas about where to begin and, at a minimum, to draw up plans for our master bath. Jim was an immense help to us (we are novices in construction and design). He listened to what our goals were and looked at the structure of the house (and even brought in a structural engineer for confirmation) to advise us what could be done without expensive structural changes. Realizing that we didn’t have clear ideas of what we wanted, he advised us to visit bathroom/kitchen display stores and he generously shared his own architectural design magazines so we could better formulate what we liked. After a few weeks of research we asked Jim to draw up plans for the master bath that would include a larger shower area and that would use the existing bathroom space and some attic area. Additionally, we asked him to look at creating a closet area out of some of the attic area without changing the roofline. Jim was very conscious of our budget and he kept in mind that any design should be suitable for a 1927 house. In a short time Jim presented us with a creative architectural drawing that turned our existing long, narrow bathroom space into a master closet that included a linen closet, and used attic space for a bathroom that included a larger shower, toilet, and double vanity. We were delighted with Jim’s plans. Jim then arranged meetings with several contractors and did a walk through with them and us. After we accepted a contractor’s bid, Jim stepped aside but was readily available for consultation if we or the contractor had questions. > > We will definitely work with Jim when we are ready to remodel our kitchen. **★★★★★ — lizsteig, July 2013** > My husband and I hired Jim to design a home to be built on our lot in Seattle. He took our rather vague ideas and came up with a floor-plan that absolutely worked for us. Jim also knew the materials, details and finish work that would make the house special while keeping it within our budget. The set of plans he provided are flawless and completely ready for our contractor and Jim has made himself available to help whenever needed during the building process. We couldn't be more pleased. **★★★★★ — fatmenu, June 2013** > We hired Jim a few years ago to design the remodel and expansion of our 1942 bungalow in Seattle’s Hawthorne Hills neighborhood. The work involved a whole new kitchen, living room, master bed & bath, and a guest room. > > Our ask of Jim: design the space in a way that opens up the house, fits our culinary & social lifestyle, and still presents a 1942 "face" to the street (no McMansion!). > > I'd heard that architects can be a prickly sort to work with, especially if you don't fully embrace their designs (really, who likes their baby to be called ugly?). > > Fortunately, that wasn't the case with Jim. As the project went along, there were a few changes that we asked for, and he was deftly able to adjust the design. Jim really believes in what he says above about the value of collaboration in his work. We wouldn't have ended up with such a fine result if our architect (and his recommend builder, S2) hadn't been such great team players. ## Selected projects - [Ravenna Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ravenna-craftsman-pj-vj~21043) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 11 - Description: Second Story addition and New Porch, with a complete First Floor gut turned this understated Seattle Bungalow into an award winning, energy conscious home. - [Greenlake Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenlake-farmhouse-pj-vj~6434779) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 4 - Description: A new farmhouse home for a Seattle couple with three growing children : This Greenlake neighborhood home has a contemporary open floor plan, generous kitchen and a bonus room above the garage (an unusual amenity for an in-city home.) We think the home fits nicely in this older Seattle neighborhood. - [Ballard Second Story Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ballard-second-story-addition-pj-vj~5924026) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 7 - Description: A Seattle couple desired more space for their growing family. A second story addition that honored the appeal of the existing 1907 Ballard farmhouse was suggested. New finishes throughout were provided, including kitchen, bath and a new family room in the real yard. - [West Seattle DADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-seattle-dadu-pj-vj~7200270) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: A West Seattle couple asked me to design a new backyard DADU, taking into account Seattle's liberalized Zoning code for accessory dwellings. The home is a full 1,000 plus garage. - [Seattle Bungalow - Northwest Contemporary Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seattle-bungalow-northwest-contemporary-addition-pj-vj~21042) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 13 - Description: A 1940's Seattle Bungalow was extensively remodeled to include a new Master BR/Bath, Dining Area, Great Room and Professional Kitchen. Energy Conscious decisions were made to provide Green solutions through-out. - [Wallingford DADU/Yoga Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wallingford-dadu-yoga-studio-pj-vj~7468865) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: A Seattle couple asked for an addition with some flexibility. They needed to have the potential for using it currently as a yoga studio and later as a residence. The solution was a backyard DADU that combined an open floor plan for the studio with the space for an apartment down the road. The lower floor holds a garage and a workshop for the husband. In the back is a Zen garden patio for hanging out and enjoying the outdoors. - [Ravenna Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ravenna-studio-pj-vj~7669815) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 7 - Description: A Seattle couple with a child and newborn needed some privacy during work hours. This detached Studio is shared by them both. Craftsman/Arts and Craft detailing make this little jewelbox a nice showpiece. Contractor: https://adamsresidential.com - [Seattle Garage Conversion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seattle-garage-conversion-pj-vj~5925465) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: This Seattle couple hoped to upgrade from their small bedroom to a Master BR / Master Bath combo, but lacked the area in their main home. Going above the existing garage seemed like the best idea. We had to structurally upgrade the foundation, interior beams and shear walls to accommodate the new loads. All things considered, the design worked out well, keeping true to the original shingle style home. A new 5 piece bath as well as new views now compliment the new second story. - [Ravenna/Bryant Contemporary Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ravenna-bryant-contemporary-remodel-pj-vj~6668329) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 14 - Description: A Seattle couple with three children purchased a 1960's Mid-Century rambler with good bones but limited curbside appeal. Their need for additional space and a general aesthetic upgrading prompted a second story addition as well as a new open main floor plan. A lovely front yard patio creates a sense of enclosure and privacy, yet is informal enough for the kids to hang out with friends. - [Queen Ann Dormer / Seattle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/queen-ann-dormer-seattle-pj-vj~31882) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 3 - Description: This Queen Ann Tudor enjoys a remarkable view to the East over Lake Union. The working couple wanted to capture it from their master bedroom by enlarging their usable space via a generous dormer, French doors and a wrought iron 'Juliet' balcony. The addition was seamlessly integrated so that it seems as though it were always there. - [Seattle Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seattle-addition-pj-vj~759343) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: A Seattle couple (and dog, Steamer) wanted their addition to include a kitchen upgrade, new guest bath and lots of storage. (and a dog door for Steamer) A blend of traditional and contemporary detailing provides a response that has both function and whimsy. - [Wedgwood Rambler](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wedgwood-rambler-pj-vj~7208729) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 12 - Description: The existing home was a typical post war rambler in this Seattle neighborhood. The couple wanted to renew the home's appeal, both inside and out. A new Master Bedroom Suite, remade Kitchen and dining area and exterior upgrades fill out the scope of work. Interior Shots are forthcoming. - [Maple Leaf Second Story Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maple-leaf-second-story-addition-pj-vj~1698424) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Leschi Second Story Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leschi-second-story-addition-pj-vj~6102526) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: A derelict rambler with a view finds a new life with a contemporary second story addition - [Rear yard addition in Ravenna/Bryant: Seattle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rear-yard-addition-in-ravenna-bryant-seattle-pj-vj~6042727) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 2 - [Seattle Kitchen Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seattle-kitchen-addition-pj-vj~30679) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 4 - Description: Located in Seattle, this 1940's 'warbox' bungalow's kitchen addition adds drama and contemporary finishes. - [Seattle Rambler Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seattle-rambler-addition-pj-vj~91958) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 3 - Description: A Seattle couple with family growing pains needed to remodel their kitchen and add a Master BR/Bath. Contemporary touches to this Mid-Century project helped unify the overall composition. In all 600 SF was to this1940's Seattle Rambler. A strong inside/outside relationship was achieved by wrapping the two building additions around an exterior deck. Built by Cory Benson, Summit Development. www.summitdev.net - [Seattle DADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seattle-dadu-pj-vj~5514519) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: A contemporary backyard office provides some much needed privacy for a Seattle graphics designer. - [Greenlake Second Story](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenlake-second-story-pj-vj~2667710) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 2 - Description: A new Second Floor addition for a young Seattle Couple and their newborn. - [Ravenna/Bryant Second Story Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ravenna-bryant-second-story-addition-pj-vj~809070) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: A Seattle Couple with one child and one on the way needed to add on to their 1920's Craftsman. While their budget didn't allow for a complete tear off and new addition, a partial second story housing a Master BR, Bath and renovated spaces fit the bill. Low ceilings and an out of date interior have been replaced with vaulted, light filled spaces. From the street, the house looks untouched. Built by: Adam's Residential Construction, Seattle, WA [See all 31 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/jarchitects-jim-rymsza-ra-pfvwus-pf~755042433) ## Community Q&A **Q: Roof info, please!** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the roof manufacturer, product line and color on this house? Very nice! A: I'm sorry, but the house was completed a while ago and I don't have that info currently. -Jim **Q: Would you tell me the color of paint used on this house?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: First off, the addition was done in 2006, the market was tanking, however Seattle remained in a bubble...with the impact not so great as in other locales. That said, we are an expensive market, even more so today. I acted as architect and general contractor, organizing subs and doing most of the finish work myself. Landscaping was done by my wife. I took several months off my design business to complete the project. Even so, the construction costs came to over $250,00.00. This was a full gut and full second story addition. Today, costs would be higher. Not sure where you are located, but chances are if you are not in an expensive market, then your costs would be less. If you are in SF, the costs would be more. Its all relative. We sold it immediately (good design sells!) and made a small profit. Most of the impetus to do it in the first place was to avoid having it scraped by a developer and impact our home. We live next door. -Jim **Q: What is the wall paint color in the kitchen?** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the wall paint color in the kitchen? A: It's Behr Ultra (home depot) Dusty Olive \#1950-5 -Jim **Q: Would love to know color of exterior** *(in Photo Questions)* Thks A: Finally tracked it down: Here we go... All HGTV Home by Sherman Williams Exterior walls: green - "Retreat" (SW 6207) yellow - "Blonde" (SW 6128) Trim: dark brown - "Van Dyke Brown" (SW7041) white - "Dover White" (SW6385) **Q: what type of beams are those? solid wood or did you clad a beam?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: IMHO means "in my honest opinion" **Q: Paint colors** *(in Photo Questions)* Do you know the colors of the paint? Thank you! A: The exterior is the pre-painted JamesHardie brand planking ("Artisan Lap Siding") and the color is "Heathered Moss" for the light green below and "Mountain Sage" for the dark green "tab shingles" above. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-24.*