Publications

Fifteen Houzz Tours

Fifteen Houzz Tours is an ongoing project to curate various featured articles written about Designs Northwest Architects by Houzz contributing writers.

Introduction To This Project by Becky Harris, Houzz Contributor:

 

It was an eye-catching fire pole in a home that first made me take note of Designs Northwest Architects. But after interviewing Dan Nelson for the first time, I realized there was so much more going on beyond this playful element.

Principles of the firm such as careful site placement that works with the landscape and the elements, a commitment to sustainable design and thoughtful attention to creating low-maintenance and resilient architecture were crucial components of every project. They create beautiful homes that use the sun and the wind for energy, homes that can stand up to major events like wildfires, mudslides and tsunamis and homes that are full of multi-functioning spaces, that take advantage of all the views and the light and even provide outdoor

gathering spaces protected from strong daily winds.

And it’s not only about all of these environmental and structural considerations. The firm has designed everything from a garage that matches the historic charm of a Sears kit house to remodel that transformed the ugliest beach house on the island into a stunning modern showplace, from a charming farmhouse that looks like it’s been evolving in a meadow for over a century to a float house inspired by the industrial history of its surroundings. Looked at together it’s hard to believe the work all came out of one firm, and it’s been a pleasure to learn from every Designs Northwest home I’ve had the pleasure of touring.

 
 

Books

Designing for Disaster: Domestic Architecture in the Era of Climate Change

Schiffer Publishing, 2019
Featuring: Tsunami House, Saratoga Hill House

Floating Houses: Living over the wateR

Instituto Monsa de ediciones, 2018
Featuring: Lake Union Float Home

Waterside Homes

Ilus Books Illustrated, 2014
Featuring: Tsunami House

The Cedar Book volume 7: “AT ONE WITH NATURE”

Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, 2014
Featuring: Tsunami House

150 BEST SUSTAINABLE HOUSE IDEAS

Harper Design and Loft Publications, 2013
Featuring: Thomas Eco House

ECO Living

Braun Publishing AG, 2013
Featuring: Thomas Eco House

1000 TIPS by 100 ECO ARCHITECTS

Loft Publications, 2012
Featuring: Thomas Eco House, Lake Union Float Home

THE FOREVER HOME

Schiffer Publishing, 2023
Featuring: Woodbluff Lane and Mazama Meadow House

Video

Awards & Recognition

AIA-Seattle_Committee-Name-Graphics_NWWA12.png
 

Honor Award - Base Camp 49
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2023

Citation Award - Shoreline Drive Residence
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2023

Merit Award – Little Colt Lane Residence
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2021

Citation Award – Woodbluff Lane Residence
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2021

Merit Award - Plaza Mixed Use
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2020

Merit Award - Mazama Meadow Guest House
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2020

Honor Award - Designs Northwest Building
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2019

Honor Award - Beach Drive Studio
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2019

Merit Award - Mazama Meadow House
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2019

Citation Award - Twin Lakes Landing
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2019

Merit Award - Cope Gillet Theatre
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2016

Citation Award – Camano Island Library
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2016

Citation Award – Kirtley Cole
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2016

Citation Award – Twin Lakes Landing
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2016

Merit Award – Brammer Chapel, Trinity Lutheran College
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2014

Merit Award – Saratoga Hill House
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2014

Merit Award – Possession Sound Remodel
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2014

Honor Award – Tsunami House
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2013

Citation Award – Ten Broeck Farm
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2013

Citation Award - Lincoln Hill Village
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2011

Honorable Mention – Samish Island Residence
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2010

Citation Award – Lake Union Float Home
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2009

Merit Award – Everpark
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2004

Merit Award – Nonsuch Cottage
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2002

Citation Award – Camano Gateway
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2000

Citation Award – Anderson Residence
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 2000

Merit Award – Beach Drive Residence
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 1999

Merit Award – Monroe Residence
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 1998

Citation Award – Stanwood Riverfront Park
American Institute of Architects,
Northwest Washington Chapter, 1996