Here you’ll find articles with helpful resources, tips on handy household projects, and the latest happenings at Haven. Feel free to comment on the posts. We’d love to hear from you.
The New Life of Industrial Architecture in Cities: 20 Renovations
In the same way that societies transform, times change, and cities evolve, industrial architecture is modernized. The article titled The New Life of Industrial Architecture in Cities: 20 Renovations and Conversions of Old Factories and Warehouses | ArchDaily highlights 20 successful renovations and conversions of old factories and warehouses, showcasing how these structures have been […]
READ MOREHow to Choose a Contractor: First Questions
When it comes to creating quality architecture, finding the right contractor is crucial. The builder you choose can significantly impact the execution of your design vision. In this post, we’ll highlight key criteria for making an informed decision. Experience in Delivering Projects with an Architect Look for contractors who have successfully collaborated with architects on […]
READ MOREMass Timber Products Are Key to Green Design
Interest in mass timber is surging, and cross-laminated timber (CLT) is at the forefront of this movement. CLT, a type of engineered wood product, is strong enough to compete with concrete and steel. It’s arguably the first major structural innovation since the invention of reinforced concrete more than 150 years ago. While CLT has been […]
READ MOREBellingham GIS Tools
I wanted to share this amazing tool with you. It is a web application that shows the current and planned construction projects in Bellingham. You can access it here: COB Development Dashboard (arcgis.com) This tool is useful to the public because it allows you to see what kind of development is happening in various parts […]
READ MORENotable Vancouver, BC Architecture – AI Generated
I asked AI to provide me a list of notable published Vancouver, BC architecture projects. I also asked it to provide links to some of the articles. Here are some of the results I found: The Butterfly. The Butterfly is a residential skyscraper designed by Revery Architecture that features a curved form and a semi-enclosed […]
READ MORETechnology in Architecture
Technology is transforming the way we design and build structures. From smart materials to digital tools, architects and engineers are using technology to create architecture that is more sustainable, efficient and responsive to the needs and preferences of the users. In this post, we will explore some of the latest trends and innovations in technology […]
READ MOREMissing Middle Housing
The housing shortage in the Pacific Northwest remains an issue. With that in mind, the state of Washington has enacted new policies and regulations that support the development of Missing Middle housing. The specifics of this can be discussed in another post, this will focus more on defining Missing Middle housing and what some of […]
READ MOREAdaptive Reuse Precendents
As we continue our work on a significant adaptive reuse project at the Bellingham waterfront, we look to other excellent projects that repurpose old buildings. Today, conserving resources and taking sustainable approaches is essential to the practice of architecture. When done in a creative way, it can both revitalize urban spaces and celebrate the heritage […]
READ MOREYoung Architects Guide- New Years Resolutions
Throughout my design career, I have always looked at the start of the new year as a chance to refresh and practice intentionality in my work and in my interactions. I take a moment to consider how I can improve my skills so that I can advance my career and expand my network. If you […]
READ MOREModular Construction Learning
We have recently been discussing modular construction at our meetings about new projects. As an office, we need to understand the technology that is emerging so that we can find ways to make the best buildings possible. In recent years, there have been major advancements in construction that are changing the way we think about […]
READ MOREWhy ADU’s are a Great Option for Retirement
As the year comes to a close, many are looking toward the future and what the best viable path is. If you are planning to retire soon, you may be wondering where to live and how to make the most of your savings. One option that is becoming increasingly popular is to build an accessory […]
READ MOREBoardMill Block – Park Building
This year, we are excited to move forward with the largest project Haven Design Workshop has been involved with! In late 2022, our team along with a small group of local stakeholders submitted a proposal for redevelopment of the historic Board Mill Building on Laurel Avenue. By Spring of last year, we were awarded the […]
READ MOREBiophilia – Part II
Biophilia is the innate human attraction to nature and natural processes. It is a concept that has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in the field of workplace design. Biophilic design is the practice of incorporating elements of nature into the built environment, such as plants, natural light, water features, natural materials, and views […]
READ MOREGiving Tuesday – 2023 Recap
In this season, it isn’t hard to remember the good fortune I have had in life. I am lucky to be able to do this work, have people who love and care for me, and to have comfort and stability in my life. When things weren’t so simple for me, a little help went a long […]
READ MOREBest of The Northwest!
We wanted to thank everyone who voted for our company in this years Bellingham Alive, Best of the Northwest! For the first time, we have received a Gold award from the regional magazine! It feels great to be recognized for our work because it means that we have built healthy, long lasting relationships with our […]
READ MORE2023 Summer Internship – Part II
This June, we had the pleasure of hosting Josiah, a talented and enthusiastic intern who joined our team at Haven Design Workshop. Josiah impressed us with his skills, creativity, and personality. In this blog post, we want to share some of the highlights of his internship and how he contributed to our projects and culture. […]
READ MOREWhat is Biophilia?
I asked an AI about biophilia. Take a moment to read my interview about one of the emerging concepts in architecture and design. If you spend time perusing architectural blogs or periodicals such as ArchDaily, Dezeen, or Dwell Magazine you will soon come across a term that might be new to you, BIOPHILIA. Biophilia is […]
READ MOREWhere to find HDW at Housing Week 2023
There is still time to register for next weeks housing discussions Bellingham! Here is a link! Voting has also opened for the ADU competition! You can vote for the people choice here. As an office, Haven Design Workshop is looking forward to getting out to Whatcom Housing Week 2023. As I mentioned previously, us along […]
READ MOREWHA Housing Week Primer
Home ownership has always been a part of the American dream. It is a badge of pride of a symbol of success. However, when we all watched the prices in our local housing market skyrocket to the point that a typical family can no longer get into the market, it became obvious that something is […]
READ MORE2023 Summer Internship – Part I
This June 2023, Haven Design Workshop brought in Josiah Redburg from St. Andrews College in Michigan for a summer internship. He is going into his 5th year of study where upon completion he will attain his Master’s degree. We took some time recently to sit down and discuss his experiences at Haven Design Workshop, living […]
READ MOREWhatcom Housing Alliance – ADU Competition
The Whatcom Housing Alliance recently opened a public competition to source ideas for the design of accessory dwelling units. The purpose is to increase awareness of the ADUs. They believe hosting a competition with foster ideas about what an ADU can be and to give anyone a platform to share their insights. I think we […]
READ MOREHaven Plays Pickleball
Hey All! Consider this an informal invitation to come play pickleball with your favorite Bellingham architects this summer. Last week the office took the court for some competitive (and at times sloppy) pickleball. A few people came prepared, playing warm up matches over the last few weeks. Most of us, however, haven’t played a paddle […]
READ MOREReaction – Stockholm Wood City
lifecycle benchmarks for the future of construction but for me the most eye-opening aspect is that it is attainable.
READ MOREWhy We Draw by Hand
AKA the benefits of slow design. Spend any time at a modern architecture firm, and you’ll quickly realize just how integral computer aided design (CAD) systems are to the process of creating and documenting any new project. From the earliest days of their integration, digital creation tools have elevated the efficiency and precision of the […]
READ MORENorman Foster on Sustainability
At this point, just about everybody in the building industry is on board with the idea that sustainable practices are critical to ensuring a better future for our world. However, achieving a built environment that is good for both the environment, the inhabitants, and the greater field of design can be a tricky thing to […]
READ MORERight to Repair, Volume 1
This will be the first in a series of thoughts on the state of serviceability and repair in the products we consume. If it feels like the thing you bought last week is appreciably worse than the same product was 10 years ago, you’re probably right. Whether it’s toasters, washing machines, or cars, the quality […]
READ MOREBringing the outdoors in
Bringing the outdoors in Our client wanted a modern home in a forested property that would allow an open view of the outdoors with a large patio for entertaining.
READ MOREBirch Bay Modern
Birch Bay Modern Having waterfront property can be an ideal place to live. It can also provide some challenges in the building process, which was the case for this home. With required setbacks from the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM), steep slope, property lines, and septic system directly influenced the shape of the home’s footprint. […]
READ MORE6 Steps to Consider for Project Planning
Step One: Budget No matter the size of the project, an appropriate budget should be the first thing you establish, for all projects you can do this yourself. During this preliminary stage, through careful research you can establish an initial project budget, then once the project design gets moving along you can contact a local […]
READ MOREUsing the Sun’s Energy
Sean & Jaimi Hegstad’s new home The 33-panel system installed on Sean & Jaimi’s house will create an average of 25 kWh every day. With electric appliances and heat, it’s not clear how much energy the Hegstad family will use annually. But with rebates currently available, the Hegstads will receive an annual check from PSE […]
READ MOREGlacier Retreat
A place to work and play We had our annual retreat at a “cottage” in Glacier, Washington. As you can see, the word cottage doesn’t seem appropriate. The retreat wasn’t all fun and games though… although we did have a lot of good food and fun… we discussed goals, employee needs, and how we might […]
READ MOREProject Planning Packet
The Project Planning Packet is an interactive tool that will help you define your needs and prepare both yourselves and your architect for our first exploratory meeting. Download your Project Planning Packet
READ MORE7 Reasons for using an architect
Ever wonder why people hire architects? Here are 7 reasons why you should consider using a licensed architect for your next project.
READ MOREOur new front desk
I don’t even know where this desk concept started. The idea existed before I started here more then a year ago. Like many designs the execution resembled a game of telephone where the result only loosely resembled the original idea. I think Sean started the concept, then it went to Amy, then they dropped […]
READ MOREA Very Dinosaur Staff Retreat
Oh, I can’t believe it’s been a whole year and I haven’t blogged since the last staff retreat! My first year I wrote often and then this year came and I was…I guess good at my job doing billable work that paid us money?? Lots of apologies about that. Good news is we have a […]
READ MORELevels: Bubble or Digital?
Standard digital levels have an accuracy of 0.1 degrees. But according to Johnson Level, bubble levels (also called “spirit” or “vial” levels) actually have better accuracy of .029. That means careful use of a bubble level will result in
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