Architect Firm Profile

Firm Description
Orientation and Approach

Sortun·Vos Architects, P.S. is a team of eight people working in an open office concept, organized to provide custom-tailored services for a wide variety of clients and project types. We attempt to maximize the special talents and experience of individuals in the team and call upon expert consultants outside our office, as needed, for best results. Principals work directly on all architecture projects with one principal usually assigned the major coordinating role.

We are design oriented. We care most about excellent, pleasing and well-functioning design, and view artistry, technical knowledge, and process as the means to achieving results. We view architecture holistically, and prefer to include programming, site planning, landscape and interior design in our services. If the project is comprehensive enough to include a Landscape Architect or Interior Designer, we prefer to bring these specialists into the team early so that the final result is a well-coordinated whole.

We pride ourselves in being able to work in a wide variety of styles and character. We think the best results are achieved when clients are involved throughout the process, so that a completed project is a reflection of the user's needs and aspirations rather than a preconceived style. We enjoy craft, but feel that all details of a project (including cost and function), must enhance a basic concept that everyone agrees upon. We follow a step-by-step process, clarifying in advance what needs to be accomplished at each step, and attempt to make the best possible use of our time.

We place a great deal of emphasis on communicating clearly. We listen well and respond directly. We frequently present design ideas using three-dimensional sketches, as we believe these are understood better than words or other drawing types. We prefer to develop thorough drawings and specifications which anticipate all details of construction, but we are flexible about the extent and cost of our services.

We think selection of the Contractor and good communication between Architect and Contractor during construction are essential toward achieving desired results. Some of us have had direct experience as owners and operators of a small construction/development company. We know and understand the Contractor's point of view and are able to use this understanding to establish a good working rapport while advocating the highest quality results for Owners.

We find a great deal of satisfaction in the process that leads to successful results. We believe construction projects should be enjoyable for Owner and Contractor as well as Architect, and we accept the challenge of enabling and facilitating this experience.

We have sustained, evolved and enjoyed our practice since Gary Sortun and Charlie Vos began working together in Seattle Washington in 1976. Our goal is to remain personally accessible, and to focus on the quality of our work rather than quantity or size. We believe our clients have been enriched by their experience with us and that the aggregate of our design work has contributed significantly to the enjoyment of Northwest architecture.