Anima Architects

The studio's work aims to be respectful of the natural environment as a whole while responding carefully to each project's specific site and climate. Designs emphasize an honest expression of building systems and materials, and look for opportunities to connect occupants with natural daylight, views and ventilation.

Location and Service Area

• Based in Seattle, Washington, in the Pacific Northwest.
• Frequently described as a West Seattle residential architect serving the broader Seattle area.

Project Types

• Custom new residential homes.
• Residential remodels and additions.
• Selected commercial and mixed-use spaces, as described on the website's project portfolio.

Design Approach and Values

• Collaborative design process between architect, clients and project team.
• Emphasis on solutions that are modern, thoughtful, and responsive to site and community.
• Focus on long-term function and durability as well as aesthetics.
• Partnership with consultants, builders and craftspeople who share the firm's values.
• Goal that completed projects bring a sense of joy, reflection and belonging to the people who use them.

Contact Details

• Phone: 206.552.5359
• Location: Seattle, Washington
• Website contact: A "Contact" / "Contact Us" page is available on the Anima Architects website for inquiries about new projects and services.

How Custom Home Plans Work

Based on the description on the Anima Architects website:

• Some existing Anima Architects home designs are available for purchase as a set of custom home plans.
• Clients can choose to:
• Use the design essentially as-is, or
• Work with Anima Architects to develop custom modifications so the design better fits their needs, site and preferences.

Permitting Considerations

• Building code and permitting requirements vary by jurisdiction.
• Because of this, modifications to the plans are often required in order to obtain a building permit for a specific property and local authority.

How to Inquire About Available Plans

• Clients who are interested in purchasing or modifying a custom home plan are invited to contact Anima Architects directly through the website or by phone for current options and details.

Feasibility Studies

Anima Architects offers feasibility studies for clients who are considering a specific property or who have recently purchased one and want to understand development options.

Purpose of a Feasibility Study

A feasibility study is used to:

• Document existing site conditions.
• Outline relevant land use, zoning and other code restrictions that apply to the property.
• Explore preliminary design and massing options for potential development.
• Help assess the overall complexity of a potential project on the site.

What a Feasibility Study Can Help You Evaluate

According to the Anima Architects website, a feasibility study can support decisions about:

• Likely project timeline and permitting path.
• Potential construction cost range (in broad terms, not as a detailed estimate).
• Overall development potential of the property.
• Potential resale value implications of different development approaches.

When to Request a Feasibility Study

Feasibility studies are especially useful when:

• You are evaluating whether to purchase a particular property.
• You have just purchased a property and want clarity on what can realistically be built or remodeled before committing to a full design process.

For details about scope, deliverables and current availability for feasibility work, clients should contact Anima Architects directly via the website or by phone.

Interior and Lighting Design

• Anima Architects lists Interior + Lighting Design as a core service alongside architectural design.
• As an architecture and interior design firm, the practice integrates building design with interior layout and lighting considerations so that spaces are cohesive and functional.
• Specific scopes for interior and lighting work (such as level of finish, fixture selection, or furniture involvement) are defined project-by-project with clients.

Sustainability Consultation

• The firm offers Sustainability Consultation as a dedicated service.
• This service builds on the practice's stated commitment to designs that are respectful of the natural environment and responsive to site and climate.
• Sustainability consultation is used to align design decisions with environmental goals for the project and the specific conditions of the site.

Permitting Support

• Permitting is listed as one of Anima Architects' services, and the website notes that the firm:
• Prepares permit and construction documents needed for building permit submittals.
• Submits permit packages and required forms to the local jurisdiction.
• Responds to comments and requested corrections from permit reviewers until a building permit is issued.
• Client testimonials on the website also mention that Anima Architects helped navigate the permitting process in new locations and worked to keep projects on schedule and aligned with requirements.

How to Discuss These Services

• Interior and lighting design, sustainability consultation and permitting support can be included as part of a full architectural design scope or discussed separately, depending on project needs.
• Prospective clients should contact Anima Architects directly to confirm current availability and to define the exact scope of services for a given project.

Typical Project Phases for New Residential Construction

The steps below summarize the typical process for a new residential project, based on the description on the Anima Architects website:

1. Initial Meetings

• Discuss the intended scope, goals, budget and overall vision for the project.

2. Information Gathering

• Review applicable land use and development regulations for the property to understand zoning and code constraints.
• When needed, coordinate with the local jurisdiction to clarify development and permitting requirements.
• Visit the site to review existing conditions and opportunities, including: views, access to daylight and natural ventilation, relationship to neighboring properties and structures, potential building locations, and other site features that may influence design.
• Help engage outside professionals as needed to document existing conditions. Depending on the project, this may include a registered surveyor, as-built scanning for reuse of existing structures, a geotechnical engineer, an arborist, or a biologist.

3. Programming

• Architect and owner work together to define room types, approximate sizes and adjacencies, along with other project requirements.
• The agreed program becomes the basis for schematic design.

4. Schematic Design

• Preparation of initial design sketches, diagrams, plans and massing studies exploring one or more potential design directions.
• Designs are reviewed with the owners and refined until a preferred direction is selected for further development.

5. Design Development

• More detailed drawings and models are prepared to define site layout, building form, interior organization and key materials.
• Regular meetings are held with the owners to review progress.
• Coordination with consultants such as structural, civil and landscape designers as needed.

6. Permit and Construction Documents

• Preparation of detailed drawings and specifications used to apply for building permits and to obtain construction pricing from general contractors.
• Documents are developed to provide sufficient information for accurate bidding and for use during construction.

7. Permitting

• Submission of permit documents and related forms to the local jurisdiction.
• Coordination with the jurisdiction's reviewers, including responding to comments and required corrections until a building permit is issued.

8. Construction Administration (When Included)

• Architect's involvement during construction to help confirm that the project is being built in line with the construction documents.
• Responding to contractor questions and providing additional details as needed.
• Periodic site meetings with the owners, architect and contractor to review progress and address issues as they arise.

9. Project Closeout (When Included)

• Review of the completed construction prior to move-in.
• Preparation of a punch list for the contractor outlining any items requiring additional attention or adjustment.

Applicable Project Types

• New custom homes.
• Substantial remodels and additions where a similar phased process is appropriate.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.