Carlson

Carlson Architects has remained about the same size over the last year. There are currently 22 people on staff, and four new people were hired this year. The big jump, according to owner Don Carlson, was in 1998 when the firm doubled in size. In 1999 construction volume was $16 million, and in 2000 the volume will be $25 million.

“Business is good,” said Carlson. “It actually feels comfortable in the office — which in the past has been a source of concern — but is a feeling that we need to learn to enjoy.”

Many projects are now in construction. “There are a few great new projects starting up, and we have developed master plans for projects a few years away,” said Carlson.

The firm's projects include facilities for higher education, civic facilities, libraries, city planning and urban design, private schools, commercial and technology office projects. The most active market currently is private schools and higher education facilities, and the largest project is the intercollegiate athletics indoor practice facility at the University of Washington. The firm recently completed the UW School of Social Work building addition.

“The current stock market swoon is affecting our private school funding donors,” he said. “But I think it's a short term condition. I remain very confident. Education at all levels is a huge opportunity — both public and private. Our challenge is erasing the perception that we are a small specialized firm,” said Carlson.

“We are fortunate here in Seattle. Since we are a very young city, we don't have a great wealth of old buildings,” said Carlson. “With the leading-edge technologies and wealth that has been created, we have the opportunity to build the city. There are whole districts around downtown that have been backwaters and are turning into real neighborhoods. Another trend is flex-tech buildings that house the new technologies. They are the modern version of the old loft building, very flexible and not conventional.”