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.

Hits from our Self-Guided Tour of Seattle

A couple of weeks ago we all took a day out of the office for a self guided architectural fieldtrip of Seattle. We had just submitted a number of projects at the end of the code cycle and we needed to recharge. We left Bellingham in the morning and made great effort to give ourselves […]

READ MORE

Revisiting Josiah’s Internship, 2023

This June, we had the pleasure of hosting Josiah Redburg, 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 […]

READ MORE

The New Life of Industrial Architecture

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 MORE

Young 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 MORE

Giving 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 MORE

Best 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 MORE

WHA 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 MORE

A Conversation with Josh from True Bearing Built

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Josh, a seasoned professional with 23 years of experience in the construction industry in Washington State. Josh is the driving force behind True Bearing Built, a company that has made its mark as a mid to high-end general contractor in the region. The Mission and Core […]

READ MORE

Elevator Lifts as Design Elements

As an architect, there is a core need to provide inclusive design. While any elevator is a costly proposition, how it is integrated into a space can greatly impact the character of a room. This article from Architecture Now highlights a crucial shift in perspective that needs to be embraced within the industry: platform or […]

READ MORE

How we use Rendering Software for Visualization

Architectural Visualization Simplified: A Client’s Guide As a client navigating the world of architecture, understanding visualization techniques is essential. These visual tools help you envision your dream spaces before they become reality. Let’s explore two main approaches: hand-drawn renderings and photorealistic renderings, demystifying their purpose and benefits. 1. Hand-Drawn Renderings: The Artistic Prelude What Are […]

READ MORE

Bellingham 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 MORE

Notable 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 MORE

Technology 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 MORE

Missing 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 MORE

Young 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 MORE

2023 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 MORE

WHA 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 MORE

2023 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 MORE

Right 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 MORE

6 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 MORE

Levels: 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

READ MORE

Hits from our Self-Guided Tour of Seattle

A couple of weeks ago we all took a day out of the office for a self guided architectural fieldtrip of Seattle. We had just submitted a number of projects at the end of the code cycle and we needed to recharge. We left Bellingham in the morning and made great effort to give ourselves […]

READ MORE

Elevator Lifts as Design Elements

As an architect, there is a core need to provide inclusive design. While any elevator is a costly proposition, how it is integrated into a space can greatly impact the character of a room. This article from Architecture Now highlights a crucial shift in perspective that needs to be embraced within the industry: platform or […]

READ MORE

Considering: The Rise of 3D-Printed Prefabricated Homes

The construction industry is on the cusp of a revolution with the rise of 3D-printed prefabricated homes. As highlighted in a recent article on ArchDaily[1], this innovative approach to building promises to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by the sector today, including material cost hikes, labor shortages, and environmental concerns. One of […]

READ MORE

Middle Housing Amenities

Middle housing provides a means to fill the gap between single family/detached/suburban-style housing and high-density multifamily building types. It is seen as crucial component in addressing our housing needs while we experience rapid population growth and urbanization. In the Pacific Northwest it is becoming more common to see duplexes, triplexes, and row houses. These are […]

READ MORE

Site Design

Preconstruction site work is an essential and often underappreciated phase in the development of any architectural project. It’s the unsung heroes of this stage—the surveyors, engineers, and environmental consultants—who ensure that the foundation of our structures is solid, both literally and figuratively. They meticulously assess the permeability of the soil, which is crucial for managing […]

READ MORE

How we use Rendering Software for Visualization

Architectural Visualization Simplified: A Client’s Guide As a client navigating the world of architecture, understanding visualization techniques is essential. These visual tools help you envision your dream spaces before they become reality. Let’s explore two main approaches: hand-drawn renderings and photorealistic renderings, demystifying their purpose and benefits. 1. Hand-Drawn Renderings: The Artistic Prelude What Are […]

READ MORE

The New Life of Industrial Architecture

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 MORE

How 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 MORE

Mass 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 MORE

Missing 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 MORE

Adaptive 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 MORE

BoardMill 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 MORE

Giving 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 MORE

Best 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 MORE

Where 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 MORE

Whatcom 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 MORE

Haven 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 MORE

Reaction – Stockholm Wood City

lifecycle benchmarks for the future of construction but for me the most eye-opening aspect is that it is attainable.

READ MORE

Why 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 MORE

Norman 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 MORE

Glacier 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 MORE

Our 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 MORE

A 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 MORE

Modular 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 MORE

BoardMill 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 MORE

Bringing 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 MORE

Birch 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 MORE

Using 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 MORE

Considering: The Rise of 3D-Printed Prefabricated Homes

The construction industry is on the cusp of a revolution with the rise of 3D-printed prefabricated homes. As highlighted in a recent article on ArchDaily[1], this innovative approach to building promises to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by the sector today, including material cost hikes, labor shortages, and environmental concerns. One of […]

READ MORE

Notable 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 MORE

Modular 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 MORE

Biophilia – 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 MORE

What 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 MORE

Levels: 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

READ MORE

Middle Housing Amenities

Middle housing provides a means to fill the gap between single family/detached/suburban-style housing and high-density multifamily building types. It is seen as crucial component in addressing our housing needs while we experience rapid population growth and urbanization. In the Pacific Northwest it is becoming more common to see duplexes, triplexes, and row houses. These are […]

READ MORE

Site Design

Preconstruction site work is an essential and often underappreciated phase in the development of any architectural project. It’s the unsung heroes of this stage—the surveyors, engineers, and environmental consultants—who ensure that the foundation of our structures is solid, both literally and figuratively. They meticulously assess the permeability of the soil, which is crucial for managing […]

READ MORE

Bellingham 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 MORE

Technology 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 MORE

Why 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 MORE

6 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 MORE

Project 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 MORE

7 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 MORE

A Conversation with Josh from True Bearing Built

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Josh, a seasoned professional with 23 years of experience in the construction industry in Washington State. Josh is the driving force behind True Bearing Built, a company that has made its mark as a mid to high-end general contractor in the region. The Mission and Core […]

READ MORE

Hits from our Self-Guided Tour of Seattle

A couple of weeks ago we all took a day out of the office for a self guided architectural fieldtrip of Seattle. We had just submitted a number of projects at the end of the code cycle and we needed to recharge. We left Bellingham in the morning and made great effort to give ourselves […]

READ MORE

Elevator Lifts as Design Elements

As an architect, there is a core need to provide inclusive design. While any elevator is a costly proposition, how it is integrated into a space can greatly impact the character of a room. This article from Architecture Now highlights a crucial shift in perspective that needs to be embraced within the industry: platform or […]

READ MORE

Considering: The Rise of 3D-Printed Prefabricated Homes

The construction industry is on the cusp of a revolution with the rise of 3D-printed prefabricated homes. As highlighted in a recent article on ArchDaily[1], this innovative approach to building promises to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by the sector today, including material cost hikes, labor shortages, and environmental concerns. One of […]

READ MORE

Revisiting Josiah’s Internship, 2023

This June, we had the pleasure of hosting Josiah Redburg, 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 […]

READ MORE

Middle Housing Amenities

Middle housing provides a means to fill the gap between single family/detached/suburban-style housing and high-density multifamily building types. It is seen as crucial component in addressing our housing needs while we experience rapid population growth and urbanization. In the Pacific Northwest it is becoming more common to see duplexes, triplexes, and row houses. These are […]

READ MORE

Site Design

Preconstruction site work is an essential and often underappreciated phase in the development of any architectural project. It’s the unsung heroes of this stage—the surveyors, engineers, and environmental consultants—who ensure that the foundation of our structures is solid, both literally and figuratively. They meticulously assess the permeability of the soil, which is crucial for managing […]

READ MORE

How we use Rendering Software for Visualization

Architectural Visualization Simplified: A Client’s Guide As a client navigating the world of architecture, understanding visualization techniques is essential. These visual tools help you envision your dream spaces before they become reality. Let’s explore two main approaches: hand-drawn renderings and photorealistic renderings, demystifying their purpose and benefits. 1. Hand-Drawn Renderings: The Artistic Prelude What Are […]

READ MORE

The New Life of Industrial Architecture

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 MORE

How 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 MORE

Mass 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 MORE

Bellingham 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 MORE

Notable 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 MORE

Technology 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 MORE

Missing 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 MORE

Adaptive 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 MORE

Young 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 MORE

Modular 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 MORE

Why 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 MORE

BoardMill 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 MORE

Biophilia – 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 MORE

Giving 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 MORE

Best 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 MORE

2023 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 MORE

What 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 MORE

Where 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 MORE

WHA 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 MORE

2023 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 MORE

Whatcom 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 MORE

Haven 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 MORE

Reaction – Stockholm Wood City

lifecycle benchmarks for the future of construction but for me the most eye-opening aspect is that it is attainable.

READ MORE

Why 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 MORE

Norman 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 MORE

Right 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 MORE

Bringing 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 MORE

Birch 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 MORE

6 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 MORE

Using 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 […]

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Glacier 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 […]

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Project 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    

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7 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.

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Our 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 […]

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A 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 […]

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Levels: 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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