LSW Architects

03/14/2025

HANA Apartments was designed to immerse residents in the surrounding natural environment. With the park at the northwest corner as a focal point, the architecture creates seamless connections between indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether working remotely or unwinding after a long day, HANA offers the perfect setting to experience nature in an urban environment.

03/07/2025

🌸🌿 Connection to nature shaped the design of McLoughlin Middle School & Marshall Elementary School, with mass timber playing a central role. 🌲🪵 The extensive use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) not only reduces the project’s carbon footprint but also brings warmth and natural beauty into learning spaces.

By using wood as a primary structural material and integrating natural finishes throughout, the schools offer students a daily connection to the natural environment. This design approach supports both well-being and environmental responsibility, creating a calm, inspiring place to learn.

03/04/2025

⏰ 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥: Join us THIS WEEK to learn how you can support the future builders of Vancouver!

The 𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 is officially launching in 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗪𝗔 in Spring 2026—and we’re hosting an Info Session + Happy Hour to share how YOU can get involved.

📅 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟲𝘁𝗵
📍 𝗟𝗦𝗪 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀
⏰ 𝟱-𝟲𝗽𝗺

This is your chance to:
✅ Learn how ACE connects high school students to careers in architecture, construction & engineering
✅ Meet the Vancouver Expansion team
✅ Network with local professionals
✅ Explore mentorship + sponsorship opportunities

Whether you’re an industry pro ready to give back—or just curious about what this program means for our community—come join us!

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗦𝗩𝗣!

Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of builders and makers right here in Vancouver.

02/28/2025

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

As we reflect on Black History Month, we recognize the vital contributions Black architects have made—and continue to make—in shaping our built environment. In a field historically dominated by white voices, Black architects have brought forward community-centered design approaches that empower underserved communities and champion a more inclusive vision for the future.

We invite our community to watch "𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 | 𝗔 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻," a compelling conversation presented by the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) and AIA Seattle Diversity Roundtable. This video brings together three generations of Black architects in the Pacific Northwest to share their experiences, inspirations, and hopes for the future of our profession.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀:
• How architecture balances beauty, function, and community impact.
• The importance of representation and mentorship in shaping a more inclusive future.
• What it means to design with—not just for—communities.

𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
✨ Renée Cheng, University of Washington College of Built Environments (moderator)
✨ Donald King, Donald King Architecture
✨ Whitney Lewis, GGLO
✨ Meredith Everist, Baylis Architects

We encourage everyone to watch and reflect on this conversation—and to consider how we, as a profession, can continue to break down barriers and create more equitable pathways into architecture.

🎥 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0_sve3YELM

In the historically white–dominated field of architecture, Black architects have created some of Seattle’s most important landmarks and continue to change th...

02/27/2025

🎉 Celebrating Our February Anniversaries! 🎉

We’re excited to recognize three incredible team members whose dedication and talent continue to shape LSW’s success.

A special shoutout to Mark Schlichting, Associate Principal and Director of Quality Assurance (12 years); Heather Romero, NCIDQ, IIDA, Associate and Interior Designer (9 years); and Terran Kofford, Accountant (7 years), for their continued dedication and contributions.

We’re grateful for all you bring to the team—your creativity, leadership, and commitment inspire us every day. Here’s to celebrating your service and the many more achievements ahead!

02/26/2025

𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀!

The 𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 is officially coming to 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗪𝗔 in Spring 2026! This incredible after-school program introduces high school students to careers in 𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗔𝗖𝗘)—fields that shape the world around us.

While ACE has been thriving in Portland, students north of the Columbia River have historically faced challenges in accessing the program. That changes now. Our goal is to 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗿—but we need your help!

• 𝗪𝗲’𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀.
• 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱? This is a chance to inspire the next generation, expand your network, and make a lasting impact on our industry.
• 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲? Join us for a 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿 + 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 on 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗦𝗪 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀!

Come meet the Vancouver Expansion team, connect with like-minded professionals, and discover how you or your company can support this initiative.

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟲 | 𝗟𝗦𝗪 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 | 𝟱-𝟲𝗽𝗺

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗦𝗩𝗣!

Let’s give back to our community and build something amazing together.

02/14/2025

We love historic preservation! 💘🏛️❤️

The Witherspoon & Sons building, built in the 1890s, is a testament to Portland’s industrial boom and architectural heritage. This historic renovation preserved the building’s character while addressing seismic safety, fire codes, and accessibility. Originally constructed with unreinforced brick and timber, the project required a comprehensive retrofit to ensure structural integrity. The historic storefront was restored, and upper floors were revitalized for flexible use, including retail, co-working, and event space. Key preservation efforts included exposing original brick walls, installing reclaimed wood flooring, and integrating existing structural elements.

02/07/2025

The renovation of Clark College -- Vancouver, Washington Gaiser Hall added approximately 20,000 square feet to the existing building, along with a new public plaza at the north entry. Serving as a central hub for student services, the space strengthens connections between the Penguin Student Union, Student Affairs, and the library. Bright, open, and welcoming, Gaiser Hall enhances accessibility and functionality for students, staff, and visitors.

02/06/2025

🌟 Celebrating 10 Years of Stefani Randall, AIA at LSW! 🌟

Now that January has come to a close, we recognize a decade of dedication, leadership, and impact from Stefani Randall, Principal at LSW Architects. Over the past 10 years, Stefani has played a key role in shaping our projects, mentoring teams, and pushing the boundaries of thoughtful design.

Her passion for architecture and commitment to our community continue to inspire us all. Stefani, thank you for everything you bring to LSW—we can’t wait to see what the next 10 years hold!

Join us in celebrating Stefani in the comments!

🎉

01/31/2025

Ogden Elementary School is designed as an open and versatile space, enabling students to learn anywhere. Classrooms seamlessly connect to larger collaborative spaces and are linked to the outdoors through operable doorways, fostering a fluid indoor-outdoor learning environment. Natural light floods the interiors through floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere with views of the surrounding forest. Unique features like a makerspace, art room, dance studio, and performance stage enhance creative exploration, while outdoor patios, a garden courtyard, and forested play areas encourage hands-on discovery and spontaneous outdoor learning. The school’s thoughtful design blurs the boundaries between nature and learning spaces, inspiring curiosity and connection.

01/24/2025

The Canyons showcases smart, sustainable design with cross-laminated timber (CLT), an innovative material made from our region’s most renewable resource: wood. CLT is stronger than steel, lighter than concrete, and locks away atmospheric carbon, reducing emissions during manufacturing and construction. By the numbers, The Canyons has a carbon benefit of 3,592 metric tons of CO2—equivalent to taking 759 cars off the road for a year.

01/20/2025

As we observe MLK Jr. Day and Inauguration Day, let this be a reminder of the ongoing journey toward fulfilling equality and justice for all citizens.