Welcome

Thank you for choosing to find out more about us and see some examples of our work.

Much of the architecture that we admire, both historically and among our contemporaries, is deeply rooted in the place where it is built. Unlike much of the commercially built-up landscape that can be seen these days, including typical tract houses, strip malls, and poorly considered urban expansion, we believe that a large part of what differentiates a well designed building from other buildings (of the same type) is that it comfortably fits into its surrounding environment.

Terrapin Architecture
Terrapin Architecture
Terrapin Architecture
Terrapin Architecture
Terrapin Architecture
Terrapin Architecture
Terrapin Architecture
Terrapin Architecture
Terrapin Architecture
Terrapin Architecture

This "fit" has to do with many aspects of the place: the original, underlying landscape; climate; geology; local human history; and the surrounding built environment. This does not mean that we necessarily think a good building will disappear into its environment; quite to the contrary we think that the best buildings have a distinct visual presence that not only respect, but actually embraces their surroundings. While we are interested in, and have designed projects throughout both the Puget Sound region and the United States, the majority of our work is in our own local community of Port Townsend and eastern Jefferson County, Washington. We value both the insight and efficiency that a close proximity to our projects brings us, as we hope you do.

We hope you enjoy exploring our web site, reading a bit about our design philosophy and influences and looking at our work. If you have a project you would like to talk over with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to talking with you!