Photo courtesy Swift & Company The plaza viewpoint at Harborview, called “The Throne Room,” is a collaborative project between Swift and artist Ellen Sollod.

Swift & Co. has found that challenging times can bring out the best in clients.

“The issues and opportunities associated with sustainability are growing in number, along with the degree of sophistication of our partners,” said Principal Barbara Swift. “This extends beyond LEED and reflects an increased understanding of larger systems.”

The economics, security concerns and political environment make civic projects challenging, she added. The staffing level at Swift & Co. has remained stable at seven.

Projects:

• Grand Teton National Park Visitor Center, with Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is being designed for the National Parks Service and Grand Teton National Park Foundation.

• Maple Valley Legacy Project, for the city of Maple Valley, is a master plan for 54 acres, designed with Hewitt Architects.

• Richland City Civic Campus is being designed with ARC Architects.

• The Mukilteo Multimodal Ferry Terminal, with Parsons Brinkerhoff, includes loading, unloading and parking areas.

• Grays Harbor College, with Schacht /Aslani Architects, is a master plan for a campus quadrangle growing out of an expansion to the library buildings.

• The Seattle Civic Center, designed with Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is now finishing construction.

• Harborview View Park is a pedestrian plaza and heliport over the new garage at Harborview Medical Center. The plaza, designed with raised planters and seating, is a collaboration with artist Ellen Sollod.