Alaena, originally from Madison, WI, joined the firm in 2021 and believes strongly in introducing sustainable methods early on into design processes. She feels that how we design healthy living spaces is a direct reflection of the values we hold as a society and “as an active participant and designer, I want to look back at the work I’ve contributed to and not see something dated or out of fashion, but still see the space facilitating the health and well-being of its user.” Alaena leads the firm’s Sustainability Committee, which tracks current sustainability efforts in Runberg projects and strives to continuously improve upon those design processes as technology evolves across the AEC industry.

Amal joined the firm in 2018 and was drawn to architecture because “it’s a profession where I am able to combine my love for design with issues of social equity and human experiences in the built environment.” She strives to find a balance between thoughtful, creative design and the real world constraints of codes, budgets, and scheduling. Amal is also a member of the Tau Sigma Delta National Honor Society for high-achieving students in architecture and the allied arts of design.

Ana (she/her) has dual advanced degrees in architecture and construction management, providing a solid foundation for her exceptional project management skills. Her passion and strength are in sustainable design, and her dedication propelled the delivery of the Stack House Apartments and Supply Laundry adaptive reuse projects, both of which were nationally recognized for their sustainable design. Ana also spearheads the continued education program of Runberg’s LEED-accredited staff. During the design and especially during construction, Ana’s interest is in finding the best solution for the project, while carefully balancing the constraints of code, budget, and schedule.

Archie (he/him) brings more than 12 years of professional experience in all phases of the design and construction process. He believes that creating strong, collaborative relationships with clients, consultants, and contractors is the best way to ensure that projects succeed. His past projects range from garden style apartments to adaptive reuse and urban mixed-use projects.

Brett brings almost two decades of experience working with a number of project types in various phases of the design and construction process. Brett’s design experience is focused on high-rise tower design and Type-I construction projects. His work results in high-quality designs and excellent deliverables from schematic design through construction documents.

Over his career, Brian Runberg (he/his) has worked to create vibrant, livable communities that balance economic and environmental considerations. His clear, collaborative approach has earned him long-term relationships with some of the region’s leading developers and contributed to the development of more $3 billion in the construction of mixed-use residential and commercial buildings.

He is a champion for performance-based sustainable development, using intelligent design to balance growth and quality. He endeavors to preserve the spirit of an area through adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and design inspired by the culture of a neighborhood. His firm is nationally recognized for its work, including some of the country’s most energy efficient mixed-use projects and Washington’s first LEED for Homes Platinum project. In 2021, Brian was named Designer of the Year as part of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s CRE Leadership Awards.

Related:

• -Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and the Quest to Design a More Livable City
• -PSBJ: Brian Runberg wins 2021 CRE Designer of the Year
• -Runberg makes PSMJ Circle of Excellence, firm profiled in July newsletter article “When Opportunity Knocks, Open the Door”
• -Brian Runberg on Marcus & Millichap/IPA Multifamily Forum PNW’s State of the Market Panel
• -Brian Runberg shares the stage with Gov. Inslee climate policy advisor, local sustainability advocates on Metropolis Perspective Seattle panel

Charla joined the firm in 2021 with over 12 years of experience as a designer and architect. Having worked on elementary schools, emergency shelters for those experiencing homeless, and senior housing, Charla finds that designing multifamily projects gives her a wide range to have an impact on livability, equity, and affordability. “I strive to design multifamily projects that people are excited to call home, and to optimize developers’ resources to be able to serve the most people as effectively as possible. I work hard to bring underutilized voices into the design conversation, both by facilitating community input in the projects I’m involved with whenever possible, and by mentoring and advocating for young architects from different backgrounds.”

Constanza (she/her) has more than 15 years of experience in mixed-use, multifamily housing, and affordable housing. She is skilled at mapping clients’ goals to the big picture and translating them into a built project. She possesses a keen eye for detail and is experienced in executing designs from concept to construction.

Related:

• –Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and the Quest to Design a More Livable City

Corinne’s (she/her) work is defined by her passion for sustainability and for affordable housing projects. She has an exceptional eye for color and design, as demonstrated by her vivid atmospheric drawings. Corinne marries energy and dedication to her craft, approaching every project that crosses her desk with creativity and enthusiasm.

Bio coming soon

Jared (he/him) is a creative and critical thinker with 10 years of interdisciplinary experience in the fields of architecture, design, and construction. He has a background in a wide range of project types and has an eye for detail through all phases of design and construction. Jared is passionate about delivering tailored, collaborative, and holistic solutions that enhance our built environment, communities, and inspire people.

Related:

• -Jared Bledsoe and Nidhi Vishak promoted to Associates

Jason (he/him) has broad experience in multifamily residential properties, having worked on projects ranging from low-incoming housing to luxury high-rises. Innovation is a driving theme in Jason’s work, and he strives to promote new ideas and solutions at every phase of the design process. Jason enjoys anything design related, whether it be developing building concepts, drawing details, or building furniture. He continues to hone his design voice through experimentation, dissecting the built environment, and by tinkering with anything he comes across.

Related: Jason Tran promoted to Senior Associate

Jennifer (she/her) brings a diverse background in both professional and volunteer work. She is drawn to the ways in which architecture can be used as a tool to enhance the social, economic, and spatial characteristics of communities. Jennifer is interested in impactful architecture which improves quality of life for all occupants.

Jessica (she/her) joined Runberg Architecture Group in 2011 and pioneered the use of Revit in rendering applications for the firm. As a Project Manager, Jessica values highly-integrated, refined, and timeless design and believes that being cost-conscious during the planning process can be inspiring. Jessica says, “Design doesn’t need to suffer from budget constraints. The principles of thoughtful composition and scale applied to durable yet cost-effective building materials and systems can result in truly great design within budget.” In her role as Project Manager, Jessica strives to “walk the walk” of the Runberg Architecture Group’s vision of carefully balancing the social, economic, and environmental aspects of a project to achieve true sustainability.

Kelly (she/her) has 15 years of professional experience in a variety of project types including hospitality, education, healthcare and multifamily/mixed use.  A passion for quality urban housing solutions and environmentally responsible design led her to join the firm in 2013.  Kelly manages our Revit and Building Information Modeling standards and training.

A principal at Runberg Architecture Group, Larry is a seasoned professional who is noted for balancing pragmatism with creativity. He specializes in designing complex urban infill mixed-use and senior housing projects up and down the West Coast. His collaborative approach, commitment to quality, and ability to tackle even the most difficult development projects make Larry highly sought after by clients and partners alike. His work for Runberg includes prize-winning projects such as the Expo Apartments near Seattle Center and the Odin Apartments in Ballard. Larry is active with the Bainbridge Island Architectural Review Committee, a group dedicated to local design standards.

Related:

• Case Study: Brian Runberg and Larry Flack discuss Odin Apartments’ Nordic roots

Maksym joined the firm in 2016 while studying architecture at the University of Washington, where he completed his Masters of Architecture in 2020. Maksym believes a design is successful when it in integrates into the existing fabric of the city by allowing people to prosper in place, be sheltered, and create long-lasting memories of the home they live in. As a hobby, Maksym enjoys woodworking and furniture making and says he loves the culture at Runberg “because it’s rooted in collaboration, innovation, and thoughtfulness that manifests itself in every project we have an opportunity to work on.”

After graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University, Margaret (she/her) spent a summer working on public space design in Kenya before ultimately relocating to Seattle in 2012. She has been working on a range of projects since then and is most passionate about projects that provide much needed housing density to the city of Seattle, especially those incorporating affordable housing. Margaret is also an active member and former board member of AIA Seattle and an avid advocate for diversity within the profession. In 2021, Margaret won AIA Seattle’s Young Architect Award. She continues to volunteer her time with the AIA Seattle Diversity Roundtable, working on projects with communities of color and providing youth of color with introductions to the architecture and design industry.

Mat is committed to excellent design and thoughtful detailing for urban living environments.  Mat’s 20 years experience in multi-family housing design provides a great foundation for effective team management, communication and problem-solving.  Mat enjoys working with diverse groups including owners, contractors, consultants, city representatives, and community members to create award-winning, community-anchored, multi-family housing.

Related:

-Mathew Lipps promoted to Principal

Melissa (she/her) is passionate about promoting urban density as a sustainable approach to population growth. She is committed to architectural design that is sensitive to its urban context with interior spaces carefully considered to enhance the lives of the building’s inhabitants. Her clear communication skills, extensive onsite experience, and appreciation for the entire project team add value throughout the design process.

Since joining Runberg Architecture Group in 2006, Melissa has worked on a wide range of projects and has led several projects executed in collaboration with other design firms, such as 8^th & Republican with the Miller | Hull Partnership and Google/Lakefront Apartments with Graphite Design Group. Melissa is a frequent guest critic at the University of Washington’s Department of Architecture and also teaches a course on Site Feasibility & Yield Studies through the UW Commercial Real Estate program.

Related:

• -Runberg Architecture Group to participate in PSBJ Women Who Lead series
• -Reflecting on the Living Future UnConference 2019
• -News: Melissa Wechsler promoted to Partner

Michele (she/her) has more than 20 years of design experience that includes residential and commercial buildings, and civic spaces. Her attention to detail and broad knowledge of design make her an asset to all projects. At Runberg, she provides leadership on design issues and has established standards that promote the consistent high-quality of the firm’s work.

As a principal in charge with a focus on affordable housing, Michele has led award-winning design executed within constrained budgets. She engages closely with the clients and community to gain an understanding of their goals for the project, including the specific needs of senior housing, homeless housing, student and family housing. She has served as a volunteer member of the City of Seattle Southeast Design Review Board and is an occasional guest critic at the University of Washington Department of Architecture.

Michele was named a 2019 Housing Hero by the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI). LIHI Executive Director Sharon Lee said Michele’s “design sensibility has resulted in wonderful places for our residents to live and thrive.”

Related:

• –At the intersection of housing and health: Hobson Place combines cares with sustainability
• -Partner Michele Wang to present at AIA Seattle’s Medical Design Forum
• -Awards: Michele Wang receives “2019 Housing Hero” Award from the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI)
• –Q&A: Runberg Architecture Group’s Michele Wang

Nidhi (she/her) is an enthusiastic designer who strongly believes that good design should be informed by the community and its environmental circumstances. She comes with experience working in India and enjoys being part of a diverse and challenging environment that contributes to a rewarding design. Nidhi’s background includes multi-family projects and  high-rise towers.

Related:

• Jared Bledsoe and Nidhi Vishak promoted to Associates

Pardis (she/her) uses her graphic design skills to assist in the development of new projects. She enjoys designing sustainable, walk-able environments. Pardis is passionate about the intersection of of landscape and architecture and how the two come together as one.

Patrick (he/his) joined Runberg in 2017. With his natural leadership and managerial sense, he is a natural at office management. He currently leads the development and implementation of firm policies and procedures; manages and oversees the administration of HR policies, programs, and practices within the firm; and maintains accounts payable, receivables and monthly billing.

Rachel (she/her) comes to our team with seven years of experience working on large-scale residential and healthcare projects. She ably handles the complexity of large projects, working with the consultant and internal teams to deliver a thorough and thoughtful product. Rachel weaves design with theory and technical precision and enjoys working on projects that use sustainability to create rich living environments.

Related:

• -Rachel Adams becomes certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC)

Sean worked as a Designer for Runberg from 2016-2018, and then returned to the firm in June 2022. He is passionate about multifamily projects that provide comfort, wellness, and have a focus on sustainability. Sean’s first project at Runberg, An Lạc in the Little Saigon neighborhood of the Seattle International District, provided a fulfilling challenge of making the units work with the unique shape of the site, as well as giving the building design elements that fit into the context of the community. Sean draws on inspiration informed by his own experiences as a tenant, using his intuition and feedback from clients and end users to design spaces that are efficient, comfortable, and beautiful. The impact Sean seeks to make on the world is simply stated: “I just want to give people a place to live that does more good than bad.”

Stefanie’s (she/her) experience involves various project types ranging from high end residential to historic renovation. Her passion is creating useful and beautiful spaces.

Stephen (he/him) joined Runberg Architecture Group in 2021 after completing his Master of Architecture degree at University of Michigan. He brings elements from his experience working on commercial interiors, industrial, laboratory, and adaptive re-use to his multifamily design approach. Stephen prioritizes a contextual and human-centered focus by keeping in mind the importance of blending a wide array of perspectives and preferences when designing places where people want to be. Mixed-use is Stephen’s current favorite project type and he enjoys the unique challenges of melding the variety of requirements and uses of a building.

Bio coming soon

Sue specializes in creating visual design narratives. She is interested in creating sustainable, walkable, and fine-grained urban experiences.

Tyler’s (he/him) customer service background includes several years of customer education and event coordination, lending itself to his various office and project coordination duties at Runberg. As a lifelong learner, he strives to learn something new with every project so he can be a resource to help those around him succeed.