Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1189280
In the late 80s, Gelotte hired architect Scott Hommas right out of college After a few years, Hommas left to attain outside experience, before returning in 1996 and eventually becoming a principal; in 2007, he was made a name partner The third name partner, Eric Drivdahl, started in 2001 as part of the design team He was made a principal architect in 2013 and partner in 2016 As the composition of the firm evolved, so did its focus The firm successfully ventured into full custom designs for new homes and significant remodels of existing ones Before Curtis Gelotte retired in 2018, the firm had successfully designed or remodeled hundreds of spectacular homes THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl's vision for every project has been consistent from the start: each home is an opportunity to tell clients' stories through light, space, and "the perfect combination of gestures that make a house into a home of distinction " For the firm, it's all about crafting residences that reflect the individual lives of their owners Born in Seattle, Principal Eric Drivdahl graduated from Washington State University and has spent most of his life in the Pacific Northwest, with a six-year stint restoring historic buildings in Ohio Like everyone else at the firm, Drivdahl is passionate about client-oriented design, viewing every project as an opportunity to realize his clients' dream home through "authentic dialog and elegance in design " According to Drivdahl, the firm is driven by artistry above all Their architects strive to incorporate principles of beauty in their work, balancing everyday function with aesthetic form Drivdahl recently told me, "Our tag line is 'the art of architecture ' We engage in this literally, by being artists ourselves From the principals on down, we encourage artistic pursuits both in and out of the office " All the firm's projects draw on the same five design principles: beauty, light, form, place, and rhythm Said Drivdahl, "These design principles are derived "From the principals on down, we encourage artistic pursuits both in and out of the office." —Eric Drivdahl from classical architecture We overlay these principles with thoughtful attention to the unique place of the design, often focusing on how best to capture views, light, and natural beauty " With his love for the Pacific Northwest, Drivdahl aims for designs that take full advantage of the surrounding natural environment OFFERING THE BEST POSSIBLE SERVICE If design is the firm's first core value, the second is providing the best possible service to clients, with designs always ultimately informed by the client's own vision and personal needs "We design their vision of home, not our own " Drivdahl told me, "We listen intently to the client and, through an exploratory and iterative design process, we home in on the perfect design for them " Of course, Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl does much more than help design homes They offer a full range of services, including conducting feasibility studies, managing project planning and budget, and administering the actual construction process The firm works with clients through every stage of the process, from the first renderings to handing off the keys The firm works closely with craftspeople and builders to get the best possible results, both in the design and on the ground According to Drivdahl, "We don't care where a good idea comes from, just as long as it's a good idea When we're considering a construction team or consultants, we look for a willingness to collaborate closely to produce the best quality and achieve the full intent of the design " "We are the first to admit that we are not a fit for every homeowner and every project, yet clients who are seeking 'something special done PHOTO: BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER PHOTO: BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER PHOTO: BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER PHOTO: BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER 46 master builder WINTER 2019