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A lifetime experience to treasure

A lifetime experience 
to treasure

Architect Seattle

Every AOME Architects luxury home, is unique — tailored to each client’s needs. AOME empowers our clients to collaborate in the creation of their own custom designed home in which their family life can flourish and create lasting memories.

PROJECT SNAPSHOTS

It is imperative for an architect to clearly communicate their vision to the client. AOME builds a virtual model of the design that you visit through a viewing app (BIMx) that you can use on your own phone or tablet or on a headset (AOME’s Apple Vision Pro headset is available for client viewings)—what better way to see your new home than in person?

You will see for yourself what the home will look like, what it will feel like to walk through it or sit at a window or at the counter in the kitchen. And we first place you in your home just a few weeks after we begin the design process!

—Mark Elster, AOME

Visualizing Your New Home: AOME Architects utilize state of the art CAD software to create your design within a life–size 3D virtual environment that we can use to draft plans, elevations and section views of your project, and visit it in a 3D virtual environment using a free viewing app (BIMx) that you can use on your own phone, tablet or on AOME’s headset. Click here to learn more about our process.

VISUALIZING YOUR NEW HOME

From an interview with the homeowner, Carolyn

The sheer beauty of our home still stuns me, still moves me now. It’s a beautiful experience for me and it gives me serenity and peace.​

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HOW IT ALL STARTED

AOME: A Premier Custom Residential Architecture Firm in Seattle, Washington

AOME started in 1986 by four cofounders, now directed by Mark Elster (Retired partners Anderson, Olason, and Marsh round out the remainder of the AOME acronym). Mark Elster studied Architecture and graduated from the University of Washington. Elster and the other founders discovered their shared passion and excitement for the personal nature of residential design and they had huge dreams and inspiration from both contemporary and historical contexts that led to the creation of AOME which has had over 38 years of success. Although the firm has since won many awards for our custom home designs, the true source of our passion for the work and our creative spark remains our many satisfied clients. Every Home is Unique so Our Approach to Your Home is Unique AOME Architects truly believes every client and every project site is unique in its own way — our design response must also be unique. AOME responds with personalized service and individual designs tailored to each client. From concept to completion the work combines creativity, imagination, and attention to detail. The principals and skilled employees of AOME approach design in a manner that respects both contemporary and historical contexts, while acknowledging the many modern developments that enhance comfort, livability and enjoyment. Good design is easy — it takes something more to go to the next level. AOME successfully strives for the best in design by applying an abiding sense of proportion, massing, scale, light and volume, along with rigorous attention to detail and process. AOME’s next-level ability to foster a cohesive collaborative team from among the best and brightest in the construction industry stands apart. Our deep respect for each team member’s expertise and valuable insights helps elevate the combined result of our efforts to a higher level.

  • As you view our portfolio you will encounter testimonial statements from happy clients and satisfied contractors who’ve worked with AOME. Theirs is the ultimate praise that affirms the success and fulfillment of the AOME approach and our commitment to excellence.

    Rewards: We have a 5/5 rating on Houzz. We have won best of Houzz in design from 2020-2023! We are also 2022 RED Award winners with Luxe Magazine. AOME also took first place in 2020 in the London based International Property Awards program for the Estate Transformation & Terrace Renewal projects.
     

    We Design Homes Throughout the United States and B.C.

    While our team is mostly based out of the Seattle, WA area, we have served the following locations: Bainbridge Island, Ballard, Beaux Arts Village, Bellevue, Beacon Hill, Bothell, Burien, Capitol Hill, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point, Inglewood-Finn Hill, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, Medina, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Redmond, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodinville, Yarrow Point, Lake Washington waterfront, Santa Barbara, Aspen, Montana, Kauai Hawaii, Bend OR, Whistler BC, Vancouver BC

    • 3D Rendering

    • Building Design

    • Energy-Efficient Homes

    • Historic Building Conservation

    • Home Additions, Home Remodeling

    • New Home Construction

    • Custom Homes

    • Construction Drawings

    • Feasibility Studies

AOME: A Premier Custom Residential Architecture Firm in Seattle, Washington

AOME started in 1986 by four cofounders, now directed by Mark Elster (Retired partners Anderson, Olason, and Marsh round out the remainder of the AOME acronym). Mark Elster studied Architecture and graduated from the University of Washington. Elster and the other founders discovered their shared passion and excitement for the personal nature of residential design and they had huge dreams and inspiration from both contemporary and historical contexts that led to the creation of AOME which has had over 38 years of success. Although the firm has since won many awards for our custom home designs, the true source of our passion for the work and our creative spark remains our many satisfied clients.

Every Home is Unique so Our Approach to Your Home is Unique

AOME Architects truly believes every client and every project site is unique in its own way — our design response must also be unique. AOME responds with personalized service and individual designs tailored to each client. From concept to completion the work combines creativity, imagination, and attention to detail.


The principals and skilled employees of AOME approach design in a manner that respects both contemporary and historical contexts, while acknowledging the many modern developments that enhance comfort, livability and enjoyment. Good design is easy — it takes something more to go to the next level. AOME successfully strives for the best in design by applying an abiding sense of proportion, massing, scale, light and volume, along with rigorous attention to detail and process. AOME’s next-level ability to foster a cohesive collaborative team from among the best and brightest in the construction industry stands apart. Our deep respect for each team member’s expertise and valuable insights helps elevate the combined result of our efforts to a higher level.

AOME Architects excels in:

  • Custom Homes: Crafting unique, sustainable homes tailored to your vision and lifestyle.

  • Home Renovations: Seamlessly enhancing existing homes with luxurious transformations.

  • Home Restoration: Preserving historical charm while integrating modern amenities.

  • Energy-Efficient Environmentally Responsible Homes: Our homes have always been eco-friendly homes with costeffective, sustainable designs.

AOME’s Collaborative Approach to Home Design

  1. Find the ideal property using a field tested feasibility process

  2. Define the requirements and scope of work

  3. Establish a realistic budget for the work

  4. Assemble design team consultants (Engineers, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects)

  5. Assist with the selection of the General Contractor for the work

  6. Realize the vision for their home through our design process

  • As you view our portfolio you will encounter testimonial statements from happy clients and satisfied contractors who’ve worked with AOME. Theirs is the ultimate praise that affirms the success and fulfillment of the AOME approach and our commitment to excellence.

    Rewards: We have a 5/5 rating on Houzz. We have won best of Houzz in design from 2020-2023! We are also 2022 RED Award winners with Luxe Magazine. AOME also took first place in 2020 in the London based International Property Awards program for the Estate Transformation & Terrace Renewal projects.
     

    We Design Homes Throughout the United States and B.C.

    While our team is mostly based out of the Seattle, WA area, we have served the following locations: Bainbridge Island, Ballard, Beaux Arts Village, Bellevue, Beacon Hill, Bothell, Burien, Capitol Hill, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point, Inglewood-Finn Hill, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, Medina, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Redmond, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodinville, Yarrow Point, Lake Washington waterfront, Santa Barbara, Aspen, Montana, Kauai Hawaii, Bend OR, Whistler BC, Vancouver BC

    • 3D Rendering

    • Building Design

    • Energy-Efficient Homes

    • Historic Building Conservation

    • Home Additions, Home Remodeling

    • New Home Construction

    • Custom Homes

    • Construction Drawings

    • Feasibility Studies

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  • At AOME Architects, our mission is simple: client satisfaction is paramount. We are committed to providing a personalized approach to design, working closely with our clients to bring their dreams to life. Whether it is an addition to your current home or a design from the ground up, we have the expertise to handle residential projects of all types starting from $3.5 Million.

    Since 1986, our team of dedicated architects are driven by a shared passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces that exceed our clients’ expectations. We partner with our clients to explore and create architecture unique to their needs and dreams. We understand that each project is unique, and we take the time to listen and understand our clients’ vision, goals, and aspirations.

    With our years of experience and expertise, we have become a trusted name in the industry. Our portfolio showcases a wide range of projects. We pride ourselves on providing ageless design solutions while staying at the forefront of design trends and technology.

    At AOME Architects, we believe that every project is an opportunity to create something truly extraordinary tailored to each client and their personalized needs. Our dedication to client satisfaction, combined with our personalized approach and design expertise, sets us apart as a leading architecture firm in Seattle, WA.

  • At AOME Architects, our design philosophy is rooted in the belief that architecture is not just about creating beautiful spaces, but also about anticipating and addressing future challenges. We understand that the world is constantly evolving and believe a well-tailored home is key to nurturing your family and helping to sculpt your future. From concept to completion our work combines creativity, imagination, and attention to detail.

     

    With a focus on design excellence, we are committed to delivering projects that not only meet our clients’ expectations but surpass them. Our team approaches each project as an opportunity to push the boundaries of innovative design and create spaces that inspire and enhance the lives of those who experience them.

    Responsibility is at the core of our practice. We take our responsibility to our clients, the community, and the environment seriously. From our founding, nearly 40 years ago, before it was trendy, AOME has always carefully considered the impact of our designs to the community and the environment.

    Research and development play a crucial role in our work. We are dedicated to advancing design knowledge through continuous exploration and collaboration to bring concepts to life. By staying at the forefront of the latest trends, materials, and technology, we provide our clients cuttingedge solutions that address their unique challenges and aspirations.

    At AOME Architects, we are proud to be a leading force in the industry, creating designs that not only stand the test of time but also shape the future. We invite you to join us on this journey of innovation and excellence in design.

  • AOME has become the go-to firm for the select few discerning clients seeking unparalleled luxury and sophistication in their living spaces. Each project undertaken is meticulously tailored to the unique tastes and preferences of our esteemed clients, resulting in extraordinary homes that are a harmonious blend of elegance, innovation, and functionality. Whether it’s a waterfront estate on the picturesque shores of Lake Washington, a contemporary or traditional masterpiece nestled amidst the urban fabric of the city, or a sublimely beautiful residence with sweeping views of the majestic Puget Sound, AOME consistently delivers awe-inspiring designs that exceed the expectations of even the most discriminating clients. With our unwavering commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the rich architecture inherent to the surroundings of each client’s property. It is no wonder that AOME’s projects are revered as true expressions of magnificence and sophistication. AOME designs Custom Homes, Home Renovations, Home Restorations, and Energy-Efficient Green Homes.

  • We pride ourselves on our meticulous and thoughtfully curated design process. Before any design work commences, every project goes through our proven process for evaluating your vision, needs, requirements and aspirations in context with your chosen property — a process we call Requisites & Opportunities Brief. This pre-design consultation takes places with a firm Principal via a 30-60 minute zoom meeting. Following, this early investment in the success of your project may involve several in person meetings and at least one trip to the property. This process allows AOME to learn about your lifestyle, your preferred usage of certain spaces and establish how to cater the space best for your family.

     

    Building upon the Requisites & Opportunities Brief, and other optional predesign services, AOME commences the primary design process using