Business Details
21 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Interior Design Solutions in Seattle, WA
Coates Design is a Bainbridge Island-based firm dedicated to creating spaces that elevate human experience while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Founded on the principle that architecture should benefit society, the economy, and the environment, we specialize in sustainable design solutions for commercial, civic, residential, and healthcare projects across the United States. Our client-focused approach combines technical innovation with a deep understanding of ecological context, ensuring each project reflects the unique needs of its users and surroundings. With over two decades of experience, including recognition through the Cradle to Cradle Home Design Competition, we maintain a commitment to regenerative design practices that produce energy-positive buildings and eco-friendly landscapes.Our team of architects, designers, and planners collaborates closely with clients throughout the design process, emphasizing transparency, clear communication, and long-term value. By integrating natural daylighting, clean forms, and locally sourced materials, we create spaces that nurture both people and the planet. Our work extends beyond aesthetics to address the social impact of architecture, fostering community connections and advancing the quality of the built environment. We measure success through the positive legacy our projects leave for future generations, ensuring every design decision aligns with our core values of integrity, sustainability, and innovation.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Sustainability
Programming
Feasibility Studies
Master Planning
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We specialize in sustainable architecture with regenerative design principles
- Our client-focused process ensures tailored solutions for unique project needs
- We deliver projects across five U.S. states with regional expertise
- Our team includes award-winning architects recognized for innovative design
- We maintain long-term accountability for environmental and social impacts
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified
Services
Architecture
Our architectural approach combines ecological sensitivity with functional innovation, creating spaces that enhance human well-being while minimizing environmental impact. We specialize in commercial, civic, residential, and healthcare projects that reflect regional character and sustainable principles. Each design integrates natural elements and energy-efficient systems to produce buildings that actively benefit their surroundings.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that balance modern sophistication with organic warmth, focusing on material selection and spatial flow. Our designs incorporate biophilic elements and locally sourced materials to create personalized spaces that enhance daily living. The process emphasizes client collaboration to ensure interiors reflect individual lifestyles while maintaining architectural harmony.
Sustainability
Our sustainability practice focuses on regenerative design that creates net-positive environmental impacts. We implement energy-producing systems, eco-friendly materials, and bio-integrative landscapes to achieve Cradle to Cradle certification standards. Projects prioritize long-term ecological benefits while maintaining economic viability and social responsibility through innovative green building techniques.
Programming
We develop comprehensive project frameworks through collaborative client workshops that identify functional requirements and aesthetic goals. This systematic approach establishes clear design parameters while allowing creative exploration of multiple solutions. The programming phase ensures alignment between client vision and technical feasibility before detailed design begins.
Feasibility Studies
Our feasibility assessments evaluate technical, financial, and environmental factors to determine project viability. We analyze site conditions, market demands, and resource constraints to provide realistic cost projections and implementation strategies. This service helps clients make informed decisions about project scope and long-term sustainability commitments.
People
Matthew Coates
President and Principal Architect
Recognized AIA architect who pioneered Cradle to Cradle design principles in residential architecture. With over 20 years of experience, he leads projects that merge technical innovation with environmental stewardship while maintaining a strong focus on community impact and regenerative design practices.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive architecture services for commercial, civic, residential, and healthcare projects with a focus on sustainable design solutions.
Do you specialize in sustainable building practices?
Yes, we specialize in Cradle to Cradle certified design and regenerative architecture that creates net-positive environmental impacts through energy production and eco-integrative systems.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We use collaborative workshops and regular consultations to ensure client input shapes every design decision while maintaining technical and environmental standards.
Which regions do you serve?
We work across Washington, California, Oregon, Idaho, and other U.S. locations with regional design adaptations for each project's specific context.
What sets your firm apart from other architects?
Our unique combination of Cradle to Cradle expertise, regional design sensitivity, and commitment to long-term environmental accountability distinguishes our approach to architecture.
Do you offer interior design services?
Yes, we provide interior design that complements our architectural work, focusing on biophilic elements and sustainable material selection for both residential and commercial spaces.
