About the Firm
Firm Statement
Our small, Seattle-based firm offers a client-centered approach to design, viewing the process as a conversation between owner, architect, and builder.
We specialize in custom residential work — additions, remodels, and new construction — however our projects have also included substantial commercial design work, with a focus on affordable artist space projects.
Determined to create sustainable buildings, we value energy conservation, resource efficient building strategies, daylighting, and material selection as essential components to provide a dwelling that will be used and enjoyed for decades.
As an architect, my priority is to merge high-quality design with a respect for human comfort and elegant use of materials.
—Jay Lazerwitz
Our expertise is custom residential projects that blend the challenge of affordable housing with quality design. We take pride in successfully collaborating with clients, builders, contractors, and other consultants with a focus on client satisfaction.
Our excellent relationships with local builders, as well as hands-on knowledge of the construction process are a tremendous asset to our clients. Budget review is crucial at all stages of a project, and we work with a range of contractors and other consultants to keep this on track.
We understand building materials and strive to use them in creative ways. We feel strongly that the details are of great importance to enhance the basic design concepts and create long-lasting fulfillment. We pay close attention to resource-efficient building strategies and environmental issues that can impact both the construction process and the life of a structure.
Our projects include:
New House Construction: From over 4,000 to less than 500 square feet.
Project Additions: Upper floor add-ons, bedroom and bathroom dormers, exterior decks, and houseboat re-design.
Residential Remodeling: From whole-house and kitchen renovations to second floor projects that typically include a combination of additional space and interior remodeling.
Commercial Remodeling: Design and re-development of large (up to 14,000 square foot) industrial buildings into artist work spaces, daycare tenancy, and market expansion.
Alternative Energy and Solar Integration: Both active and passive systems that work in remodel and new construction projects.
Zoning and Building Code Analysis: Including variance applications, waterfront site restrictions, accessory building projects, steep slope conditions, and change of zoning use.
About Jay
Jay Lazerwitz is a registered architect, a visual artist and a passionate arts advocate. He founded Art & Architecture in January 2000.
Jay has twenty-five years of experience in the field of architecture, including ten years with Prentiss Architects, an award-winning Seattle firm. In 1980-82 Jay worked with Arthur Hall Pedersen Design and Consulting Engineers, specializing in solar and other alternative energy projects.
Jay graduated from the University of Washington with a M.Arch in 1985, with undergraduate studies at Washington University, in Saint Louis, MO. Related scholastic and research studies took place at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories, Berkeley CA, as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Energy and Daylighting Group, 1984; and also at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, International Studies in 1978.
A former commissioner of the Seattle Arts Commission, Jay was instrumental in organizing a city-wide forum focusing on live-work artists' studios. He developed BallardWorks, a large arts center providing exhibit areas, and artists' work spaces.