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.
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 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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