STEVE MCDONALD
AIA, Architect AIBC, NCARB, LEED AP
Principal
Steve delivers high quality, cost-effective sustainable designs to a wide variety of clients throughout the Northwest. Steve has provided architectural design, project management and owner representation to many public and private clients while incorporating sustainability into an urban context. His passion for sustainable design has contributed to multiple award-winning LEED-certified projects.
While with VIA, Steve has guided the Construction Administration process of the Joseph Arnold Lofts, a 132 unit high-rise in Seattle’s Belltown District. In addition to directing the Construction Administration capabilities at VIA, he is also refining the QA/QC process, providing document review, code analysis, technical and Project Management guidance for the firm.
Favorite Project & Why
Steven Epler Hall: Portland State University – This was the first LEED silver student housing project in the nation with tremendous effort made in every detail. Right down to the brick pattern that was once described as an “Italian Tapestry” by a Portland architecture critic. It was a little overkill but the project responded very well to its solar/urban adjacencies and lowered utility consumption over 30%.
Favorite Thing About Your Job
Crafting a model, drawing or sketch and then watching it jump off the screen or paper and become something tangible.
Favorite Thing to Do
I love to ride bikes along the Burke Gilman trail to the north end of the Lake to Issaquah. You can speed through the trees, smell the forest, and still be close to an urban home. A great asset to the city of Seattle!
Three Things You Can’t Live Without
My wife, my three kids, some part of my home in a state of (de)-construction!