Architect: Schemata Workshop

Schemata Workshop is a full service architecture firm founded in 2004 and comprised of two principals and three architectural staff. As a firm, our focus is to create successful and collaborative client relationships through exceptional, integrated design that meets client objectives. At the same time, we consider future flexibility, are sensitive to environmental issues, and are thoughtful with regard to the context of the work. Our hands-on approach ensures that we are intimately aware of all project issues and each project receives hands-on attention from both firm principals.

With a passion for cohousing, Grace Kim received a research fellowship from the University of Washington to study cohousing in Denmark. In 2004 co-founders Grace Kim and Mike Mariano lived in Copenhagen and immersed themselves in the culture of over 20 cohousing communities. Grace and Mike have visited over 30 cohousing communities across North America, and have lead the design team on projects of varying unit densities, and all with an integrated approach to sustainable ecological design.

Grace’s research in Denmark reinforced her belief that the most significant architectural difference between cohousing from other forms of multifamily housing is the social coherence afforded by the Common House and the common spaces that link to private dwellings. This in-depth study and detailed analysis is the subject of a book on the design of the cohousing Common House and informed the design of their first cohousing project in Portland, OR for the Daybreak community.

1720 12th Ave #3, Seattle, WA 98122
www.schemataworkshop.com v.206.285.1589 f.206.285.2701