In the past year, staff size has grown from 38 to over 50 at CNA Architecture in Bellevue, and the 20-year-old firm has delivered design for more than 4.2 million square feet of buildings with a construction value of over $388 million.

Founded in 1979, the Bellevue architecture and interior design firm specializes in feasibility analysis, master planning and interior design services in three distinct marketplaces: commercial and industrial, healthcare and biotech. Clients include Paul Allen's Vulcan Northwest, Intracorp, Schnitzer Northwest, Opus, Wenatchee Valley Clinic System, Virginia Mason, Overlake Hospital Medical Center, Northwest Hospital, Microsoft and the Grays Harbor Development Authority at Satsop.

"Most recently, we are seeing a significant development push inward toward the business centers. As the permitting process in the Puget Sound area becomes increasingly burdensome and traffic concerns increase, redevelopment of close-in real estate is increasing also," said principal Mark Woerman.

"Transportation issues are forcing each area to become its own self-sufficient community. With this phenomena comes an increasingly independent attitude that is somewhat new to our region."

"Despite the volume of business that has built up over the past year, we may be seeing signs of a slight slow down in activity," said Woerman. "At CNA, we have received a significant increase in business development inquiries over the past 90 days. More firms within our network are actively looking for work now than any time in the previous two years. Our consensus is that while things are still hot, the flame is not as intense."