SEAN HEGSTAD
Founder | LEED AP | Architect
EDUCATION/QULIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Architecture, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI 1997 Washington State – Architecture License 2001 LEED Accredited Professional 2009 NCARB Certificate 2012Lead Architect and founder of Haven Design Workshop
Haven Design Workshop is the culmination of years of inspiration and aspiration for Sean. "Building my own home has allowed me to better understand the way space affects those who live within the design, how important sticking to a budget is, and how smart choices in design directly affect the final cost of construction. "This has also helped me listen better to the client's needs, especially getting all parties to provide feedback on their design,” says Sean. "Good design is about taking the client's desires and creating something that exceeds their dreams — within their budget."![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SeanCloseUpSquare.jpg)
![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Permitting-image-2.webp)
![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SeanSkiStanding.jpg)
BRENDA ZIRKELBACH
Architect
EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS
Masters of Architecture, Montana State University, 2010 Washington State – Architecture License 2022EXPERIENCE
Brenda received her Master's in Architecture from Montana State University in 2010, after which she started a farm to better understand our food systems. Since joining the Haven team in 2014 she has since proved an invaluable member of the team with her attention to detail and thirst for building code.HOBBIES
When not thinking about how design can improve the quality of life for all, she likes biking, yoga, and food. Kristin's trying to get her into mountain biking.![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Brenda_256.jpg)
![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BrendaWorking.jpg)
![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BrendaSnowboarding.jpg)
Kristin Miller-Nelson
Architect
EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Bachelor of Architecture 2020 DIS, Copenhagen, Denmark Architecture and Furniture Design, 2018-19SKILLS
Kristin is passionate about improving sustainability in design and collaborating with our architects, clients and consultants to create drawing sets. She has a background in digital fabrication and a propensity for doing research and representing it with unique graphics.HOBBIES
Kristin enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and rock climbing.![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/KristinSharper256.jpg)
![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/KristinWorking.jpg)
![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/KristinMountainBiking.jpg)
KATHERINE HAYS
Architect, LEED AP BD+C
EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS
- Registered Architect, TX - 2012, WA - 2021, NCARB Certified
- LEED Accredited Professional, BD+C
- Master of Architecture, Rice University
- Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Georgia Institute of Technology
EXPERIENCE
Katherine has worked for a variety of firms in West Virginia, Texas, and Washington state. She has had the opportunity to work on diverse project types, including, educational, municipal, residential, commercial, liturgical, and institutional. She enjoys learning about the unique needs of every client and designing solutions to help them meet their goals.INTERESTS
Katherine enjoys traveling with her family. Having previously lived overseas, she now enjoys exploring the PNW and taking advantage of all the great camping, hiking, and skiing. She also enjoys getting involved in her kids’ activities, including coaching soccer, teaching math club, being a scout den leader, and volunteering with her church.![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Katherine_3585_square_tight_2-LiteGreyBack.jpg)
![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kathy-on-rock.jpg)
![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/KathyWaterfall.jpg)
AMY MATHER
Permit Technician
EDUCATION
Academy of Art University, Interior Architecture & DesignQUALIFICATIONS
Amy joined Haven in early 2014. She has a knack for multi-tasking, something she’s picked up as a mother of 4 spirited boys. Her tenacity for detail and a deep understanding of zoning regulations make her critical to the success of every project.EXPERIENCE
Haven Design Workshop, Permitting Tech, 2014 - Present 250+ Residential, Commercial, Multi-family & Mixed-use permits completed Permitted projects in multiple counties, including Whatcom,Skagit, Snohomish, Cowlitz, and Kitsap Counties Municipal permitted projects in: City of Bellingham City of Lynden City of Ferndale City of Nooksack City of Blaine City of Lake StevensHOBBIES
Amy enjoys drawing, painting, and landscape design![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AmySmall_256.jpg)
![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AmyWorking.jpg)
![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AmyConstNewWeb.jpg)
Keion Xavier
Design Technician
EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS
Bellingham Technical College, Bellingham, WA Keion has designed residential remodels using Sketchup and Layout to create 3D models/renders along with floor plans and various construction documents.SKILLS
3D Modeling, Problem Solving, Bookkeeping, Project ManagementHOBBIES
Keion enjoys biking, drawing realistic scenes he discovers while hiking, and volunteering at his church![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KeonAdjusted500.jpg)
![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Keion_3509_square.jpg)
![](https://haven-dw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HikingPic.jpg)