Upward Architecture & Interiors

10/07/2026

We're continually impressed and proud of the work that the folks at Westland Wh***ey Distillery, the American Single Malt Wh***ey Commission, and other distillers in this space are doing!

We've been working with Westland for nearly 15 years now; first on their flagship Seattle distillery with Abbott Construction and later, on their Skagit-Valley rackhouses with Trico Construction.

This new documentary, available on Amazon PRIME, is a film about the distillers, farmers, and dreamers of the Pacific Northwest who are rewriting the rules of American wh***ey. From the barley fields of the Palouse to the rackhouses of the Skagit Valley, the film follows Westland Distillery and a community of makers proving that American single malt respects and challenges the traditions of Kentucky, and not Scotland.

I hope you can check it out!

The story of Single Malt American Wh***ey, featuring commentary fro...

10/02/2026

Some houses have a straightforward history. The Bent House isn't one of them.

This Lake Washington waterfront home began as a cabin around 1928, with several additions & alterations made during the following decades. By the time we got involved, the challenge wasn’t simply to add more - it was to make all of those generations of the house finally work together.

A new entry, located where it should have been all along, finally gives the home a clear sense of arrival. Reorganized living spaces, larger aligned openings and a restrained material palette strengthen the relationship between the home and the lake. Existing heavy timber and wood ceilings were retained - and matched in the addition, while stone, plaster and carefully detailed built-ins help old and new feel like they belong together.

Design began well before the pandemic, so seeing the completed home after years of planning, permitting, construction and countless decisions makes this one especially satisfying. Exterior photos will come next summer, once the new landscape has had time to settle in and do its thing.

Until then, take a look inside:
https://www.upwardarchitecture.com/portfolio/bent-house/

TEAM:
Structural Engineer: Swenson Say Faget
Civil Engineer: Jacobson Consulting Engineers
Custom Metal Fabrications: REDSOUL
Interior Furnishings & Artwork: Charlie Hellstern
General Contractor: MRA | Miovic Reinhardt Associates
Landscape Design: Olander Garden Design
Interior Photography: Rafael Soldi

09/23/2026

Ten years went by awfully fast.

On September 10th, we celebrated Upward’s 10-year anniversary by filling our office with clients, consultants, contractors, colleagues, friends and family - and quite a bit of wood-fired pizza.

Starting and growing an architecture practice is never really a solo endeavor. Over the past decade, we’ve had the opportunity to work with a remarkable group of people on challenging projects large and small throughout the region. Many of those relationships have lasted through multiple projects, and quite a few have turned into friendships along the way.

It was great to have so many of those people together in one room.

Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate with us, and to everyone who's helped Upward get to year ten. Special thanks also to Kris and Katie Amos at Stella Fiore for the excellent wood-fired pizzas; to West Seattle's Darby Winery for the beverages; and to Julie Harmsen Photography for capturing these images from the evening.

Now, back to work. We’ve got another decade to fill.

09/10/2026

For the recently completed Porsche Bellevue alterations, Upward served as Architect of Record and partnered with Foushee Construction, to integrate Porsche’s evolving design standards into the existing dealership while improving the experience for both customers and staff.

New glass sales offices maintain views across the showroom, service check-in was refined for better customer interactions, and a new second-floor lounge brings a decidedly more hospitality-oriented feel to waiting for one's car.

And plenty of Porsche. As it should be.

09/03/2026

Donuts, coffee, bubble tea—and a space designed to make room for all three.

For Chuck’s Donuts in Sumner, WA, we created a bright, welcoming interior organized around a continuous service counter, open views into the kitchen and donut-making areas, and plenty of places to settle in.

Curved forms, warm wood tones, polished concrete, tile and soft plaster finishes give the shop its own personality while connecting it to StarView Plaza, which our team also designed.

Take a look at the full Chuck’s Donuts project in our website portfolio.

06/06/2026

Upward designed this metal arts workshop for a private fabricator on a wooded site near Maple Valley, Washington. The 4,800 SF facility is organized around a high-bay metal fabrication shop that accommodates welding, cutting, grinding, and material staging.

Visit https://www.upwardarchitecture.com/portfolio/red-soul-metals/ to see more about the project.

05/11/2026

We're excited to share photos of a recent project for MVMT MTHD Lagree Studio in Lower Queen Anne. The project translates the Lagree Method’s distinctive blend of strength, endurance, and control into a spatial experience that is equal parts performance-driven and welcoming. Thanks to HST Construction for delivering a great build-out. For more detail, visit https://www.upwardarchitecture.com/portfolio/mvmt-method/

04/30/2026

We’re thrilled to celebrate 10 years of Upward Architecture.

Over the past decade, we’ve had the privilege of designing thoughtful spaces, building meaningful relationships, and growing alongside an incredible community of clients, collaborators, and friends. It’s a milestone we’re proud of - and the perfect moment to share what’s next.

We’re also excited to be launching our completely revamped website that reflects who we are, what we do, and where we’re headed next. Check it out at www.upwardarchitecture.com

To mark the occasion, we’re planning a celebratory open house this September 10th at our downtown office near the Seattle Waterfront. Please save the date - we’d love for you to celebrate with us!

Thank you for being part of our first 10 years. Here’s to the next chapter.

Upward is a Seattle-based Architecture and Interior Design collaborative. We're creative problem solvers and strategic thinkers who contribute design, business acumen and technical proficiency in equal measure.