LSW Architects

🌸🌿 Connection to nature shaped the design of McLoughlin Middle School & Marshall Elementary School, with mass timber playing a central role. 🌲🪵 The extensive use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) not only reduces the project’s carbon footprint but also brings warmth and natural beauty into learning spaces.

By using wood as a primary structural material and integrating natural finishes throughout, the schools offer students a daily connection to the natural environment. This design approach supports both well-being and environmental responsibility, creating a calm, inspiring place to learn.

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

As we reflect on Black History Month, we recognize the vital contributions Black architects have made—and continue to make—in shaping our built environment. In a field historically dominated by white voices, Black architects have brought forward community-centered design approaches that empower underserved communities and champion a more inclusive vision for the future.

We invite our community to watch "𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 | 𝗔 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻," a compelling conversation presented by the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) and AIA Seattle Diversity Roundtable. This video brings together three generations of Black architects in the Pacific Northwest to share their experiences, inspirations, and hopes for the future of our profession.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀:
• How architecture balances beauty, function, and community impact.
• The importance of representation and mentorship in shaping a more inclusive future.
• What it means to design with—not just for—communities.

𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
✨ Renée Cheng, University of Washington College of Built Environments (moderator)
✨ Donald King, Donald King Architecture
✨ Whitney Lewis, GGLO
✨ Meredith Everist, Baylis Architects

We encourage everyone to watch and reflect on this conversation—and to consider how we, as a profession, can continue to break down barriers and create more equitable pathways into architecture.

🎥 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0_sve3YELM

Designing With Intention: Three Generations of Black Architects In the historically white–dominated field of architecture, Black architects have created some of Seattle’s most important landmarks and continue to change th...

🌟 Celebrating 10 Years of Stefani Randall, AIA at LSW! 🌟

Now that January has come to a close, we recognize a decade of dedication, leadership, and impact from Stefani Randall, Principal at LSW Architects. Over the past 10 years, Stefani has played a key role in shaping our projects, mentoring teams, and pushing the boundaries of thoughtful design.

Her passion for architecture and commitment to our community continue to inspire us all. Stefani, thank you for everything you bring to LSW—we can’t wait to see what the next 10 years hold!

Join us in celebrating Stefani in the comments!

🎉

Ogden Elementary School is designed as an open and versatile space, enabling students to learn anywhere. Classrooms seamlessly connect to larger collaborative spaces and are linked to the outdoors through operable doorways, fostering a fluid indoor-outdoor learning environment. Natural light floods the interiors through floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere with views of the surrounding forest. Unique features like a makerspace, art room, dance studio, and performance stage enhance creative exploration, while outdoor patios, a garden courtyard, and forested play areas encourage hands-on discovery and spontaneous outdoor learning. The school’s thoughtful design blurs the boundaries between nature and learning spaces, inspiring curiosity and connection.

As we observe MLK Jr. Day and Inauguration Day, let this be a reminder of the ongoing journey toward fulfilling equality and justice for all citizens.