chicago architectural photography

Seattle Architectural Photographer | Colman Park Renovation

Seattle has no shortage of fabulous midcentury architecture. When attempting a full scale renovation, Office of Ordinary does an amazing job of preserving historical details (or emulating them if adding new elements). This home in Seattle’s Colman Park neighborhood sits high up in the trees on one of Seattle’s many steep hills. This gives the opportunity for a real tree-house vibe, which was achieved with great skill in this project.

My favorite part of this home is the new banquette dining area, which was a new addition to this home. With wraparound windows and seating, it feels like you’re really in a treehouse (with far better insulation). ;)

In capturing this home, we kept with a natural light approach, which highlighted the soft green glow from the outdoors. Allowing natural light to guide the way does pose some challenges (I have to do quite a bit of post-production work for these images to be successful), but it always feels like the right choice in telling the truth of the space, capturing light, and creating an inviting mood.

This beautiful project was recently featured on Amazing Architecture, where you can see more details about the renovation process, view the floorpans, and learn more about Office of Ordinary.

Seattle Commercial Architectural Photographer | MacPherson Remodel

Newport Haven: A Modern Retreat by MacPherson Construction

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph Newport Haven, one of MacPherson Construction’s standout projects. Located on the Eastside of Seattle, this home is a stunning blend of modern elegance and functionality, embodying the essence of luxurious city living.

Newport Haven was designed with a focus on seamless indoor-outdoor living. The architectural elements, from expansive glass walls to the carefully curated material palette, create a harmonious connection between the home and its dynamic urban surroundings. Every detail, from the open-concept living spaces to the spa-like bathrooms, reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.

My goal for this project was to capture the feeling of this dramatic and sweeping space. Each image was composed to highlight the property’s unique features, such as its sleek modern kitchen, unique bathroom, incredible vaulted ceiling and bespoke light fixtures. The natural light pouring into the home played a starring role in the shoot, accentuating the clean lines and high-end finishes that define MacPherson Construction’s work.

What sets Newport Haven apart is its ability to balance luxury with a sense of home. Whether it’s the serene primary suite, the Batman-inspired office, or the entertainment-ready outdoor spaces, this property is designed to elevate everyday living while making a bold architectural statement. Collaborating with MacPherson Construction was an inspiring experience—their dedication to excellence is evident in every corner of this home.

Newport Haven isn’t just a house; it’s a lifestyle. Photographing this masterpiece was a privilege, and I’m thrilled to have contributed to showcasing its beauty and craftsmanship. If you’re as excited by this project as I am, be sure to explore more of MacPherson Construction’s exceptional work at their website.

Seattle Interior Photographer | Eclectic Architectural Renovation

Like many cities around the US, Seattle is full of amazing old properties that deliver big on charming tree-lined streets and character, and maybe not so much when it comes to square footage. With a competitive real estate market (and a knack for historical preservation), many homeowners are deciding to renovate older homes to create modern, inviting living spaces that cater to today’s needs. With many interior design and architectural firms in Seattle, homeowners can put a little vision into a set of very professional hands for optimal results. In this case, the owners entrusted Office of Ordinary, a women-owned and operated architecture firm to take a small and very divided Seattle home and transform it into a spacious retreat with vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan.

When I showed up to photograph this project, I was floored by the homeowner’s amazing antique collection, including bentwood Colonial chairs and historic French armoires collected over the years by the homeowner, having lived France for many years. As I picked my jaw up off the floor, Office of Ordinary’s founder, Sandy Wolf, explained to me that the space was actually designed to accommodate these pieces. To me, that effort of historical preservation and reverence for antiquity is noble, commendable, and just really super cool.

As an interior and architectural photographer in Seattle, I’ve learned to never rely on sunshine for beautiful photos. Sure enough, on shoot day it was pouring down rain and I opted for a single-trip gear haul, white-knuckling and hunched as I darted from my car to the cozy oasis of the house. By using a tripod and long exposure method, I’m able to ensure the interior photographs are bright, natural, and inviting. Dark days present a fun opportunity to share with my design clients the technical tricks to my work that make changing light conditions just another variable in creating beautiful images. The same rule applies when I’m photographing in the winter months in Chicago — even if the sky is full of clouds and snow, I’ll insist we turn off all the lights and use the powers of long exposures and bracketed images to achieve that natural glow look and feel.

Enjoy this beautiful home and check out Office of Ordinary for your renovation project!