The Founding Story
Ryan and Matthew, (the co-founders) first met in 2013 working for a small Seattle firm. Little did they know that firm would grow from 2 employees to 35, including not only architects but interior designers and landscape architects as well. They quickly learned every aspect of running a business and were soon leading projects and succeeding. Over the 6+ years they worked there, the firm won many local and national design awards, historical design recognition and sustainability accolades, as well as being named on multiple best places to work in Washington state lists. They are very proud to have played a part in building a successful firm of great caliber.
Through their early experience together, Ryan and Matthew learned that they wanted to create their own firm — one that met a few core values that they found essential. They created Workshop 315 with these guiding principles: To execute projects well (do things right). To provide excellent service to clients. To create kick-ass drawings and documentation to assist contractors and collaborators to build beautiful projects. Projects that enhance the community and respect the environment.
Since they met in the Pacific Northwest, when they were thinking of a name for the business, they thought it appropriate to give a nod to the Northwest. Workshop was the word that came to mind from the idea that they wanted to always be learning and work-shopping ideas. 315 degrees is NW on a compass. Workshop 315 was born.
Workshop 315 currently has two home bases, Seattle, Washington and Carbondale, Colorado. The firm is also registered to practice in Oregon. They have executed projects in several locations around the United States and are open to new areas.
Philosophy
We Are a Team
As corny as it may sound, this is a big one for us. We want to work with people who love to collaborate and work together towards a solution. We consider everyone part of the team: the client, contractor, permit office, sub contractors, engineers, consultants, designers and everyone in between. Teamwork is the path to building trust that which is the only way to weather the inevitable ups and downs of the design and construction process. We are on your team!
The Best Idea Wins
Everyone on the team has something to offer, so we want to hear all voices. We all bring different life experiences to the table and we believe this is the key to collaboration. When we all have the same goal we can generate the best ideas together.
Communication & Transparency
We are committed to transparency and clear communication. This means that we will give you the whole story, even when facing the tough realities of design and construction. By communicating clearly, we hope to manage expectations and avoid surprises.
Leave it better than you found it
The philosophy behind the membership organization ‘Leave no trace’ urges everyone to be the solution to protecting our planet. Here at Workshop 315 we operate under the philosophy “leave it better than you found it”. We take that to heart. Our approach to design is holistic, and we aim to leave every aspect of the project better than we found it, which goes beyond the architecture. Our philosophy includes the environment and the community and everyone who interacts with what was built.
Projects We Design
We are happy to talk to anyone and have experience with a wide variety of project types. Below are just some examples of projects we have worked on in the past.
New Construction
Homes, Accessory Dwelling Units & Detached Accessory Dwelling Units, Garages, Green Houses, Root Cellers, Green Houses.
Commercial
Book Stores, Bars, Breweries, Work Spaces, Veterinary Clinics, Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Retail, Speakeasies.
Remodels
Additions, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Structural Upgrades, Porches, Circulation Improvements, Exterior Improvements, Built-in Design.
Non-Profit
Food Co-ops, Nature School, Agriculture Structure, Green Houses.
Specialty Projects
Net Zero Energy, Water Collection, Passive House Principles, Living Building Challenge Principles, Air Qualify, Sound Control, Healthy Materials, Fire Resistance, Water filtration, Green Roofs.
Natural Building
Straw Bale, Rammed Earth, Timber Frame, Supper Adobe, Hempcrete.
Natural Disaster Preparation / Recovery
Wildland Fire, Flood, High Winds, Earthquake.
Community | Volunteer
We believe that if you want to be a part of a community one should volunteer. Here are some places we are currently involved with or have been involved with in the past.
Wildland Restoration Volunteers: Member
Heal the Land, Build Community. Wildlands Restoration Volunteers is a Colorado nonprofit that provides opportunities for people to come together, learn about their natural environment, and take direct action to restore and care for the land.
AIA Seattle Membership Steering Committee: 2022-2025 Member
The American Institute of Architects Seattle Membership Steering Committee’s works to encourage and support membership of the American Institute of Architect at all levels, keeping the architecture community vibrant.
AIA Seattle Justice and Equity for Diversity & Inclusion (JE:DI) Council: Member / Future 2023-2025 Co-Chair
The American Institute of Architects Seattle JE:DI council works to provide guidance, advice, and accountability to our local chapter and influence the national orgainization to improve equity diversity and inclusion.
Natural Building Alliance: Member
We learn and share ideas about building structures using natural building materials.
International Living Future Institute: Member
This International Living Future Institute is a group asking what would a socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative society look like? This is an international group so there are some great experts from all over the world sharing ideas. We have a Living Future Accreditation for completing and continuing training.
Northwest Eco Building Guild: Past Board Member
The Northwest Eco Building Guild is a group of architects, designers, builders, subcontractors, homeowners, or just folks that care about the environment. The group runs home tours, training sessions, conferences, project slams, works with governing bodies on improving building codes, and just tries to make green building easier for folks.
Kitsap Community Food Co-op: Past Board Member
The Kitsap Community Food Cooperative connects the local community with quality food, products, and access to information that promotes a healthy future for local families and our planet. Together they work toward a world where mutually beneficial relationships exist between producers and purchasers.