Schacht Aslani

Practice: Architecture and urban design

Founded: 1997

Leadership: Walter Schacht and Cima Malek-Aslani, principals

Primary areas of practice are public buildings, including academic facilities, museums, libraries and places of worship. The firm also designs a small number of single-family residences.

Despite the economic downturn, gross fees remain stable at about $1 million annually, according to principal Walter Schacht. Staff size remains constant at nine. The five-year plan calls for gradual expansion, at a rate of one person per year. We are busy with a range of projects for public agencies, from community colleges to Seattle Public Library. We have a balance of work in schematic design and projects that are in or just completing construction.

The firm has intentionally limited growth in order to ensure the principals are involved in all phases of the work, said Schacht.

"The cumulative effect of the current economic downturn is hitting home as we reach the end of 2002. Significant changes are required to create an environment for economic development. Our regional infrastructure in transportation, education and housing must renewed if we are going to remain competitive. As an electorate we have been unwilling to fund much of this work…The specter of a dangerous, costly and divisive foreign war, which would further turn the attention of government away from domestic issues, looms ahead. Our most important work, as a professional community, will be in addressing these broad issues."

Recently completed work includes the ecumenical chapel and multi-faith prayer room at Seattle University; Port Townsend Marine Science Center, renovation of a historic warehouse and ordinance structures at Fort Worden to provide space for the center's aquarium and natural history exhibits; and an art gallery and teaching lab at Tacoma Community College. Currently on the boards is the Spellman Library expansion at Grays Harbor College; expansion of the Douglass-Truth Library in Seattle's Central Area; and renovation of the Science Building at Shoreline Community College.