FINNE Architects

The project I am involved with was, in it's initial phase, a complete remodel a 3,000 square foot residence. It has become structurally new design from top to bottom. Our project has been a challenge from the beginning starting with being required to have a new septic system in an environmentally sensitive area. That issue, as well as drainage, ( in Seattle that is a big issue) Nils and crew helped every step of the way. The project, after 4 years, is finally in its framing stage and is going as well as can be. I don't know that any other company would be as personable and steadfast with a similar project. Of course it's up to the owner to be patient as well. I am so lucky to have had Nils Finne Architects agree to work on it. If you want every detail in your design Nils and Co. will provide! Not only do they figure every angle structurally, they come up with little touches that add up to great design! Will post pics in the future.

My husband and I were fortunate to work with Nils and FINNE Architects on the design of a new home in Port Ludlow, Washington. We were initially drawn to FINNE because of the beauty and craftsmanship of Nils’ designs. He brings a unique ability to meld modern design with warm craftsmanship. Nils and his staff were a pleasure to work with throughout the process. From initial sketches to detailed designs, they gave us a solid understanding of how the home would function and a good sense of how it would feel, including views of the water and forest. They also were flexible with requested changes and came up with thoughtful and creative solutions. The final design was beautiful, elegantly-livable, warm, and inviting.

My wife and I have worked with Nils since January 2018 on a remodel of our Seattle home. The home had a traditional floor plan that we wanted more modern & open. Nils and his team have been incredibly creative through the whole process. After working with us to determine what we need in the space, leveraging every corner of the existing 1906 home, great material & finish selections, and creative design elements, the end result is both beautiful & functional. Thanks Nils!

All the way through the process of building our new home on Bainbridge Island, Nils and his staff were an absolute pleasure to work with - their highly attuned design work, their detailed plans that solved problems before they could start, their availability at nearly any time, their help in finding the right contractor for our project - all of these and more made our experience an exciting one that was completed with our being nearly a thousand miles away throughout most of the planning and construction. Nils is an artistic and intuitive architect of the first order.

My fiancé and I asked Finne Architects to design a modern, somewhat nontraditional chuppah for our wedding and the result was phenomenal! The final piece had to be completed in a very tight timeframe, with significant space and logistical constraints. Nonetheless, Finne Architects designed a unique, sculptural chuppah that wonderfully tied together the different heritages of both halves of the couple. Having served its original purpose, it now resides outdoors at the home of one of the parents of the couple, where it fits beautifully into the tropical landscape.

We had the pleasure of working with Finne Architects on their new office building. They create magnificent buildings and are a great team to work with. As a subcontractor working closely with them we got to see their holistic and detailed approach to building design. They are great communicators and creative thinkers. I would recommend anyone that wants to build something special to talk to Finne architects.

Finne Architects designed our new home (completed this past Spring/2017) from the ground up. Aesthetically speaking, it is nothing short of a work of art. And its function follows its beautiful form: Nils worked with us painstakingly throughout the design process, and everything flows and “works” exactly as we imagined and intended. We have two small children and Nils was able to design a family residence that manages to be both stunning visually as well as eminently livable and practical. It was truly a collaborative process with Nils. The house bears his “stamp” to be sure. But he always remained acutely aware and solicitous of our needs down to the most minute details. Nils’s attention to our project did not end when the permits were pulled. Despite being based in a distant location, he was able to supervise construction expertly. We would not hesitate to recommend Nils even for projects that are thousands of miles away from his Seattle location. He makes it work.

Nils Finne and I worked together on the Deschutes House in Bend Oregon. His design addressed every detail and ultimately created a home that fit naturally on a small urban lot along the Deschutes River. The home exemplifies crafted modernism. The Deschutes House feels warm, natural, and expresses the owners vision. I cannot say enough about the quality of his design and his ability to collaborate. It would be a pleasure to work with Nils Finne again. —Tim Duey | Duey Built

As I writer of books on home design, I discovered the work of architect Nils Finne more than a dozen years ago in a book I was reading on Pacific Northwest coastal retreats. I fell in love with Semiahmoo Retreat, a pavilion-like house perched high above Semiahmoo Bay on the U.S.-Canada border. The house combined the openness and freedom of invention I associate with modern design and the attention to craft and natural materials I associate with traditional construction. And it perfectly captured the spirit of the Northwest. Since moving to Seattle nine years ago, I’ve had the good fortune to get to know Nils and to experience a number of his designs up close. Just one small example—a two-panel door that cleverly hinges to form a corner in Nils’ own kitchen—says as much, in its way, as the large house on Semiahmoo Bay. I am now even more enamored of Nils’ signature idea of Crafted Modernism and always eager to see what he’ll design next.

We had a recent wonderful experience working for Nils Finne and the entire Finne Architect team, building his new office building in Seattle, Washington that Finne Architects designed and developed. I am the President of MRJ Constructors and we were the general contractor on his project. This project was unique, in that its not so often when your client (building owner) and the architect are the same person. Our experience working with Nils and the entire team at Finne Architects was absolutely fantastic! As an architect, his creative design sense was amazing. He is attention to design detail and experience working with contractors was a definite asset throughout the entire project. He is a problem solver and has the ability to "focus in on the detail", then step back and "look at the big picture". To me, having that ability is key to a great architect. His quality standards are very high, as they should be. Nils always has a positive attitude and knows when to "roll up his sleeve" and solve any issues that arise. He was extremely fair when any conflicts came up (which there always are) and handled them in a professional and mutually fair manner. We were fortunate to work with Nils as both the owner and architect and I would not hesitate to work with him and Finne Architects in the future! The project was a success for all!

We hired Finne Architects to design our new home in Venice, CA. From the initial concept through the design and construction phases down to most minute finish details, Nils and his team worked collaboratively with us to execute our collective vision -- from aesthetics to functionality – inspiringly and perfectly. This focus and attention to detail extended far beyond design to include the rigorous ongoing review of the budget/expenditures and project management more generally. And their ethos is client service; Nils made himself available 7 days a week to address any issues or questions we have – always reachable And of course – the work is just breathtakingly beautiful.

Really enjoyed working with Nils on bathroom accessories for our new home. Great product design, fabrication and service! Highly recommended!

It was a delight to work with Nils Finne on our kitchen remodel. I've lived with the results now for 9 years and have been immensely pleased. It is beautiful, serene, entirely functional, the kitchen of my dreams. Virtually everyone who comes into my home says it is the best kitchen they have ever seen. I quite agree. I recommend the Finne firm without any hesitation.

In 2008 Nils designed our beautiful retirement home on the Hood Canal in Washington State. The towering walls of glass, large 8 foot sliding doors and clerestory bring the beauty of the Paciic Northwest directly into the home. We continue to receive compliments from all who see it and it has been featured in several publications including the Seattle Times. In 2014 Nils designed the accompanying detached garage, wood shop and guest room. Concerned that a two story structure would overpower the small site, and working with a limited construction budget, Nils skillfully designed a one story structure that perfectly replicates the shed roof, distinctive metal siding, and clerestory of the primary residence. The floor plan design creatively meets all of our needs for flexible use. We are absolutely thrilled with how the new garage fits pefrectly on the property and adds tremendous function. We have had a nine year working relationship with Nils and we are continually impressed with his creativity and flexibility.

My husband and I consulted with Nils Finne of FINNE Architects on a future potential project.. His firm first came to our attention when we came across one of his residence projects in Semiahmoo, WA. We were not only impressed at the overall design of the home; but also the attention to detail, artistry and how the home was such an integral part of its environment. Our meeting with Nills Finne met all of our expectations. He took the time to listen to our needs, explain his process and offer suggestions. We hope to work with FINNE Architects when we go forward with our future project. In the meantime, we continue to follow his work on Facebook and Houzz and are pleased and amazed with all of their accomplishments. Highly recommend this firm if you are looking for a redesign of your interior or looking to build a custom home.

We hired Nils to design our new house in Bend, OR. Finne Architects brought artistry, attention to detail, passion, enthusiasm, and creativity to our project. Our lot posed some challenges - narrow (50 ft), setback requirements on the river, extensive planning review, bad neighbors, and a huge rock. He worked closely with us to overcome the challenges and create a house filled with light and beauty. Creating a beautiful house that is easy to live in requires commitment and contributions from many people - the architect, owner, contractor, subcontractors, and craftsmen. It truly has to be a team effort. Finne was a great team member, finding flexibility when it was needed, always listening, yet holding firm when necessary, We have no reservations about recommending Finne Architects for your project.

I've owned several homes over the years and never truly appreciated the creative abilities of an architect until I experienced, and bought my current home in Semiahmoo, which was designed by Nils Finne in 2000. It is a work of art. Every detail of the home was carefully thought out and brilliantly crafted. It is a truly stunning achievement. Our home, and many other projects, can be viewed on Nils' website www.FINNE.com. We look forward to having Nils design and build our next masterpiece in the mountains.

My company has worked with Nils and his team on several projects over the years and have always had very good experiences. The pieces we help create are all very unique - very Nils, and the positive and professional attitude remains a constant, even as the inescapable challenges of custom work reveal themselves.

We have worked with Finne Architects for many years. Nils' creativity, vision, attention to detail and high standards are at the top of his profession. We always appreciate being included as a member on his talented team to help create beautifully designed and constructed homes.

We worked with Finne architects with the design and choosing a builder for our lake front property. There were certain challenges to the terrain that they were able to work with and create a design that seamlessly fit in with the house surroundings. Finne architects are very creative, but also are very attentive to input from the owners. From site visits to availability, it was a pleasure working with Finne Architects. Nils Finne personally delivered a scale model of our project to us in London en route to another job and this is the kind of personal service received while working with Finne architects.

I had the great pleasure to work with Nils Finne, not once but twice. He created a dream from necessities and wishes. He is extremely attentive, very thorough and takes the time and creative energy to design whatever the client desires. Nils meticulously designed my house and then six years later was hired to design a art/gym studio which could not be more perfect. His professionalism and his passion is clearly seen through the genius of his architectural buildings.

My wife & I engaged Nls Finne and his select team to design and create a lodge-style mountain home in the North Cascade range. We could not be happier with the outcome and with the excellent, high-touch, and extremely personalized care given us by Finne along the way. We love service providers who are deeply passionate in their work, extreme in their attention to detail & quality, willing to hold their client's hand and guide them through the process, and who can provide something unique & one-of-a-kind to make it special....that is Finne Architects!! And the ultimate referral: Yes, we'd definitely hire Finne again!!

I really like Nils' philosophy of building smaller, well-crafted houses that will stand the test of time. Modern design is not a "look"; it's a way of living, and I think Nils really gets that. He is really concerned with how a house will function and be maintained over the long term.

Nils Finne and his team provided us with the highest level of expertise and service. From beginning to end they problem solved with such a positive attitude and from such a wealth of experience that problems truly became opportunities. Nils Finne integrated a variety of natural materials into a harmonious whole and our completed building exceeded our expectations. His attention to detail also resulted in our project being constructed to exacting standards. Nils Finne incorporated his artwork into the project, including his custom furniture, and the results are stunning. I would highly recommend this firm.

Nils Finne is an artist in the truest sense of the word. Extending beyond building design into the mediums of stone, steel, wood, and glass, Nils has the ability to craft from even the coldest of materials shapes that appear organic and natural.

Nils Finne is a brilliant designer and especially innovative in space planning. He is very easy to work with, listens carefully and brings back more than you would expect in creative detailing and exquisite material recommendations. Our beautiful house addition was featured in a citywide tour of kitchens and bathrooms. We were told repeatedly that our home was by far the most comfortable, welcoming, attractive and coveted. We had a hard time getting people to leave. I attribute that to Nil's talent. PR (Seattle, WA)

I have had the opportunity to work with Finne Architects on both a personal residence and several of our commercial and multi-family projects. Nils and his team are great listeners who take in the objective goals and return with solutions that bring delight to the architecture. My experience is that Nils is both pragmatic and original. He seeks a balance through design in which the needs of budget and quality are met with exceptional results. In my first career I was a budding architect, sitting next to Nils. It wa clear then as it is now he is an exceptionally dedicated and gifted architect. Respectfully, JT / Seatle, WA

I hired Nils Finne to remodel my kitchen in May of 2008. He did a wonderful job and found innovative ways to create more counter space in tight quarters as well as preserving the breakfast nook that I really loved. His attention to detail is excellent and he is very creative. I had picked out one color of tile for the back splash. Nils built on that color and added several others and then created a pattern which he showed me using samples of the tiles. It made a much more interesting design. He thought about cabinet pulls, appliance finishes, fabric for seat cushions etc. He worked with an amazing cabinet maker who custom built my cabinets. Nils thought of things like a spice drawer and a knife drawer. He talks with you about the plans and listens to your views. I would highly recommend working with Nils.

As a general contractor I have worked on six Finne Architects projects in the Seattle area and enjoyed his collaborative approach to the construction process. I would highly recommend this architect to any homeowner looking for a modern unique custom home or remodel. His innovative, detailed designs create beautiful spaces for people to enjoy and live in. It has been a pleasure to work with Nils and his talented team on these succesful homes. Yours, Jeffrey W T McCracken

We hired Nils as a result of attending his class on"How to choose an architect". In addition to advice, he had models of projects which helped to visualize in 3-D each project. He also provide us with a questionaire to focus our combined thoughts on what we wanted in a new home. We hired him to design and supervise construction of a 5800 sq. ft. home. And we started with a scaled model to assess how it would utilize the features of a slightly sloping water- view lot. We worked together as a team and he guided us through decisions we had to make and provided excellent choices for us. We were cognizant of costs and changes we made during the entire process and were completely happy with the finished product. And our home has been featured in many of the leading journals. Nils is very conscientious and hard working and kept the project moving along smoothly.

Niles Finne is consulting our family for creating a family estate in East Texas. His processes focus on discovery. His designs are both elegant and integrative to the environment. He calls his style 'craftsman modern' which to us is a balance of high touch, warm and workable humanism coupled with essence of design. The trick of it all is making it all work together and like all true artists do maks it look simple.

Thank you for the opportunity to express my appreciation and satisfaction with the working relationship Finne Architects and I have established while working on several successful projects. Nils takes tremendous pride in his creative work, and his hands-on involvement benefits the home owner, contractor and associated trades. Nils brings a fresh approach to the craft, with his unique designs and sharp eye for detail, making for a contemporary design that is very comfortable to live in. From the home owner's perspective, Nils continually looks for value and design/material solutions, without deviating from your stated goals and life style. He has an ability to communicate with all the team players, at all levels, and has a wonderful sense of humor, all making for an enjoyable and rewarding experience. I look forward to our continued relationship and am very comfortable recommending Finne Architects.

I have had the pleasure of consulting with Nils Finne on several editorial projects, including a feature piece on the renovation of his own kitchen for Surface & Panel magazine. What I find compelling about Mr. Finne as an architect is that he is endlessly curious about materials and technology. This means he is willing to experiment, rather than simply drawing from the same palette of familiar finishes. I believe it is the duty of a designer or architect to continually hone his or her craft by staying ahead of the advances not just in fashion, but in technique and material. Customers rely on professionals to translate that information for appropriate applications that meet the design objectives of a project. And in my experience as an observer, Mr. Finne is passionate about the creative, and continually evolving process.

Finne Architectst designed a remodel of the master bath and kitchen in an older farmhouse. Finne worked closely with us throughout the design phase to develop a very unique and custom upgrade of the older house. All of our concerns and issues were listened to and addressed in the design and during construction. The final remodel incorporated our vision and wishes integrated with Finnes design, use of materials, and colors. Finne assisted through the construction and included selection of paints and fabrics. The project was completed on time and on budget and was a result of input from us, the builder, and Finne. I would highly recommend Finne.

As a home construction and remodeling contractor, we have had the good fortune to collaborate with Finne Architects on a number of successful projects over many years. While Nils brings a thoughtful and unique design to each project, tailored to the wishes of his clients, each design possess a wonderfully warm and tactile quality. Nils is highly imaginative and innovative, and is unparalleled in his attention to details. Beautiful work aside, Nils’ clients benefit greatly from his personal involvement and his hands-on approach at every step from design through construction. He is their constant advocate, continually bringing creative solutions, options, and resources to provide maximum value. And through it all, his passion, sense of humor, and the team environment he fosters makes the whole building experience positive, rewarding and yes, even fun! We welcome future opportunities to work with Finne Architects, and highly recommend you consider them too. Paul Vassallo, Schultz Miller Inc.

From the builder's perspective Finne Architects do a very good job of providing comprehensive details for both construction and budgeting success. They are attentive to requests for information and communicate very well in their drawings, e-mail, social media, and the like. Their designs are always unique and exciting to be a part of, as well as the process they manage with the client.

Nils Finne designed a house for us that so thoroughly and thoughtfully incorporated everything we could have hoped for as a home for our family ... but with a style and level of detail we couldn't have ever imagined. His work is warm and contemporary and beautiful all at once. Our house, and the other houses we've seen that Nils has designed, are the kinds of homes you can walk around for hours or days and marvel at all the meticulous and ingenious touches he has thought of. And yet you don't just look at them -- you very comfortably live with them and enjoy them while you are marveling all the while. But the best part about working with Nils is ... well ... working with Nils. He is kind and thoughtful and cares deeply about his clients and his work. Nils has extremely high standards but is far from rigid -- he's always open to exploring new materials and methods, and always put our very best interest above all else. We would hire Nils and FINNE Architects again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly!

Nils is a master. He brings tremdous design ability and ideas to the table, as well as a responsiveness to client needs and attention to detail. Nils Finne has worked on three different projects for us. JForman

Nils Finne has a deep knowledge of design, a modern appreciation for craft and detail, and an uncanny ability to design homes with a fresh spirit and vitality. We've worked with Finne Architects on an extenstion renovation and a new build in a remote location, and in both projects we were impressed with Nils' ability to carefully listen to and translate our needs and values into the homes we love today. He's a consumate professional: on budget, on time, incredibly responsive, and always a pleasure to work with.