How We’re Doing Building Development As Architects

[TOPIC: Architect-led development | Small-scale mixed-use projects | Passive House design | Community-centered building | Design-build integration | Building for neighborhood scale]

Our firm is in the process of a building development project. If you know anything about architecture, construction, real estate, or lending, you know how exciting—and challenging—this is for an architectural firm.

A developer is someone who constructs a new building or rehabilitates an existing one. They decide which property to purchase, determine whether a development project will pencil out, and explore lending options. Architects aren’t typically in the business of building development; we usually stay in our design lane and leave land development to others.

But we have this dream. In the spring of 2025, that dream will become a real-world space where we will run our firm, provide housing options for members of the Tumwater community, and host events that bring people together. Developing on a small scale—and for the first time—is a scrappy, grassroots effort that we’re figuring out as we go. It’s also a custom experience, one where we have full control over the entire design and building process—a thrilling and satisfying change of pace.

Our Building Development Project

In 2019, our principals, Roussa Cassel and Tessa Bradley, bought a building in Tumwater, in an area the city is working to develop into a city center. At the time, the building was a house. For a year, they worked closely with the tenant to help her find a new home.

During COVID, they remodeled the space themselves. Once the pandemic subsided, the firm relocated back to in-person work in the newly remodeled, 1,000-square-foot space. Since returning, the team has worked from this modest but beautifully appointed office.

The development project will expand the existing structure while keeping the spaces separate. The 8,360-square-foot Rookery Passive House Mixed Use Project will include:

• Ground floor: New Artisans Group office, three times larger than the current office, with open workspaces and private offices.
  

• Second and third floors: Six market-rate, one-bedroom boutique apartments, larger than average. Two top-floor units will feature large, private rooftop decks.
  
  

The entire building will feature:

• Passive House construction
  

• Architectural design and detailing
  

• High-performance HVAC and constant fresh air
  

• Abundant glass
  

• High-efficiency European appliances
  

• On-site energy generation through solar panels
  

• Shared courtyard and tiny house for events such as art openings, live music, and neighborhood gatherings
  
  

We’re proud of this design because it respects the scale of the neighborhood, anchors a future urban center, and leverages our skills. Most importantly, it reflects one of our core values: being rooted in our community.

Lessons Learned for Other Developers

If this inspires you, consider the lessons we’ve learned while making this building a reality:

Partner With Like-Minded Community Members

Professional relationships are powerful. Whether it’s a local bank, construction company, or another service provider, seek partners who are interested in helping your idea come to life.

Leverage Your Professional Services

New market ideas may not always attract immediate funding. Use your professional skills and services as part of the project plan to demonstrate value, even if cash is limited. Small-scale development can become achievable this way.

Work With A Local Bank

Local banks understand your process and can become your biggest advocates. We’ve had great experiences with Oly Federal Savings and Washington Business Bank — local partners who see the impact firsthand.

Do For Yourself What You Do For Your Clients

If you’re an architect, apply the same preparation to your own project as you would for a client. Study the land, forecast its potential in 10 years, and make holistic decisions for the structure and its use.

If you’re not an architect, partner with one. A reputable architecture firm can handle feasibility studies, unit studies, and other essential preparatory work.

© Artisans Group Architecture + Planning — Sustainable Architecture, Passive House, and Passive Building Design Experts