Mahlum

While the size of the typical project at Mahlum Architects has grown over the last year, the staff size has remained even at around 80 people, split between the firm's Seattle and Portland offices. Gross fees will also remain about the same as last year, at $15.4 million.

Mahlum is an architectural, interiors and planning firm specializing in the planning and design of health care, educational, commercial and housing projects. This year, the firm acquired Michael & Kuhn’s of Portland, which is active in the commercial and housing markets.

Recent and current projects include Coe Elementary School for the Seattle School District, a restoration of a 1916 school on Queen Anne; West Salem High School for Salem-Keizer Public Schools; Radiation Oncology Center for The Evergreen Hospital Medical Center; a new 151,000-square-foot academic building for The Evergreen State College; Alameda Orchids, a new urban, high-end retail space; and a five-building student housing complex for 230 students at Linfield College.

The major goal of the firm is expanding the leadership, said senior associate Bill Strong. Two new principals and eight new associates were announced in mid-2000. In the meantime, it is still a challenge to find quality staff to complete the work the firm has. “We see continued growth in the Northwest,” he said.”The ever-expanding young generation mixed with the aging of our educational facilities means continued work in our schools and universities. Also, rapidly changing technology, the demand of the public for comfortable environments, and the growth of the aged population means continued work in health care.”