Design that connects
people and the communities
they love

Spencer views the craft of sustainable design as a balancing act: harmonizing the human experience with its social and fiscal elements. It’s a complex equation that requires a passion for people, nature, and community – all of which have guided his education, personal, and work experiences. In addition to his professional credentials, he brings a thoughtful and skilled approach to housing projects that are geared toward LEED certification design standards.

Striving to deliver clients and partners maximized strategic value through all phases of project development and delivery, Max provides leadership across a comprehensive array of economic development, site selection, land use, creative and strategic communications services. Focused directly on supporting competitive research and analytics for our clients, Max works to augment early site, market, and project considerations for partners through strategic location analytics, economic and work development research and analysis, incentives research, demographic research, investor relations, and formal site selection and project sourcing support. Max’s approach is to integrate competitive value through real-world intelligence and insights that ensure our clients can execute in bringing early project visions and concepts efficiently into reality.

Ashley is a passionate designer who, after graduating from Washington State University with a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in architectural studies along with a minor in construction management, has returned to her hometown of Vancouver, WA to give back to the community she so dearly loves. Having witnessed the City’s remarkable growth over the past few years, she is deeply committed to contributing to its continued development through sustainable projects and creating spaces that benefit both people and the planet. Eager to expand her knowledge and skills, Ashley embraces challenges, both personal and professional, approaching every obstacle with enthusiasm and determination. Ashley's unwavering dedication to her craft and community makes her a valuable asset to any team.

Tim is an accomplished architect with over a decade of experience across multiple sectors, having worked at six different firms in Kansas City and Portland. His multidisciplinary background enables him to bring a unique perspective to each project, applying creative and flexible problem-solving to architectural challenges. Tim particularly enjoys the design and schematic phases, where he thrives in developing functional yet innovative solutions. His passion for architecture began at an early age, and his work is shaped by his ability to integrate diverse insights into cohesive designs. Tim balances his professional life with personal interests, including traveling with his wife, playing sports, and engaging in outdoor activities. As a Kansas State alum, his love for sports extends to a friendly rivalry with KU fans and loyalty to teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Portland Trailblazers. Outside the office, he is a self-described sneaker head and video game enthusiast. Tim's broad experience and diverse interests contribute to his dynamic approach to architecture, ensuring that his designs not only meet technical and functional requirements but also reflect the aspirations of the communities they aim to serve.

Jennifer is an experienced professional with a background in higher education program management, leadership development, and volunteer engagement. With over two decades of experience, she excels in helping individuals and teams figure out what's important to them, and designing people-centered systems and processes that give people the information they need to take make decisions and take action. Jennifer is passionate about supporting others, and she combines strong communication and organizational skills with a warm and friendly demeanor. She holds a B.A. in Human Development and certifications in volunteer administration and life coaching, bringing a unique blend of interpersonal and technical expertise to every role she undertakes.

Chad is a highly skilled technical designer with a creative edge when it comes to drawing and creative assignments. His attention to detail and knowledge of architecture and building codes is a true asset, as is his positive energy. Chad joined LSW in 2012 and has been instrumental to the success of many of our largest and most complex K-12 projects.

With two decades of architectural experience spanning diverse project types, Brockett specializes in multifamily and mixed-use projects. As a meticulous and dedicated leader, he thrives in an environment where strong, thoughtful, and meticulously detailed work sets the standard. Brockett’s extensive expertise has been honed through his tenure at various firms in Austin, TX, dating back to 1998. His portfolio showcases a wide array of projects, ranging from small-scale retrofits to expansive high-rise developments. Notably, Brockett’s passion within the field of architecture lies in the housing sector, where he eagerly seeks opportunities to positively impact people’s lives through thoughtful design in the built environment. Outside of architecture, Brockett finds joy in spending quality time with his family, exploring new destinations through travel, embarking on invigorating hikes, and a diverse range of activities that keep life exciting and well-rounded.

Regan is a highly talented and creative designer who is able to quickly develop and nurture ideas into plans. She is a true team player who collaborates well with teams of any size, and has the visionary and people-skills needed to lead the creative process. She brings a calm, patient energy to every project, paying careful attention to important details while proving to be a truly innovative, creative thinker.

Logan is a highly skilled architectural designer with a Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon and a Bachelor of Architecture from Miami University, specializing in urban culture, service learning, sustainability, and housing. Throughout his career, he has brought a meticulous and technical perspective to every project, seamlessly guiding clients from concept to final construction. His diverse portfolio encompasses projects ranging from single-family residences to grand corporate headquarters and large-scale mixed-use developments, consistently reflecting a harmonious blend of creativity and functionality with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and human-centric design. Driven by a passion for creating spaces that enrich the lives of occupants and enhance communities, Logan's contributions to the field of architecture stand as a testament to his dedication and expertise.

Tom is a senior advisor, facilitator, and professional learning coach bringing to LSW more than 30 years of experience in internal and external communications, community and government relations, strategic planning, public engagement, and partnership development. He is also a gifted writer and editor known for producing clear and crisp copy. An outdoor fitness enthusiast who has completed many ultra-endurance hiking, running, and cycling challenges, Tom applies the same high level of dedication and performance to projects and work products. Education Week named him a “Leader to Learn From” in K-12 education, and he received the state’s “Most Effective Administrator” award from the Washington Association of School Administrators.

Mike’s creative super power is his technical efficiency. He is a highly-detailed, process-driven designer who joyfully breaks down complex problems into useful documents. Since joining LSW, Mike has been a document champion, pairing his studious approach with a positive attitude.

Meg is a true artist. For over a decade, she has helped a wide range of nationally and globally recognized brands and businesses translate their stories through compelling graphics and experiences. At LSW, she brings the visual fluency, strategic mindset, and imagination needed to transform processes, stories and ideas into a complete, cohesive brand that speaks to the firms core identity and mission. She is a natural leader who strives to create an open, collaborative team environment that is focused on achieving excellence. Outside the office, Meg is very passionate about serving the community; she currently serves on Vancouver’s Downtown Business Association's Design Committee, she's an active volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Portland and is a regular blood donor with Bloodworks Northwest.

Ben brings a unique perspective to urban development, informed by over 20 years of serving as the owner, developer, architect, and general contractor on his projects. Ben is committed to mass timber construction and believes it is the future of sustainable development. To bring his signature project, Carbon12, to life, Ben successfully worked with state officials to waive the restrictive codes that limit the height of wood buildings. This accomplishment has made mid- to high-rise cross-laminated timber buildings possible for the first time in the United States. He was involved in the early stages of Portland’s Pearl District and has spearheaded redevelopment in NE Portland, including the Historic Mississippi District and the Williams/Vancouver corridor.

Karen provides the leadership, curiosity, and experience needed to keep teams motivated on the core ideas and vision behind any project. As a lifelong designer and builder, she brings a contagious passion for creating spaces that welcome, engage, and delight people, especially in K-12 environment, where she has been instrumental in the completion of many exceptional new schools. Her in-depth experience with new construction and renovations for public and private projects, including adaptive-reuse, seismic upgrades, and other modernizations, makes her a trusted presence. She demonstrates the strategic thinking and creativity necessary for a successful project.

Nothing gets by Terran. She is a highly efficient, detail-oriented, and process driven professional who provides invaluable leadership on the administrative team. Accounting, to Terran, is an extension of her personality; she excels when crunching numbers, resolving equations, and providing clean and clear solutions to the team.

As LSW’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Esther is always the calm, insightful voice in the room. She brings order to complexity at critical moments, helping teams stay focused on the big picture and deliver work that exceeds expectations. Drawing from decades of experience in urban mixed-use housing, urban, and large public projects, she is leading the charge at LSW when it comes to housing and urban development. Her ability to develop people and inspire excellence is helping to define a new area of focus. Her leadership and people-first mindset have been instrumental in helping LSW and its growing team thrive through the challenges presented during 2020 into one of its busiest years on record. Driven to exceed expectations, she brings enthusiasm and an understanding of community purpose to any project. Her conscientious and positive approach makes her a master in working with diverse groups and teams.

Equal parts multidisciplinary artist and strategic planner, Sydney brings over a decade of experience using print and digital mediums to help brands and businesses speak their truth. At LSW, she manages the firm’s digital storytelling mediums and helps shape the firm’s visual and messaging strategies across print and digital platforms. Born and raised in Vancouver, Washington, Sydney followed her design instincts to the Art Institute in Atlanta, Georgia. There, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, focusing on Graphic and Web Design. Since graduating, she has worked with clients across a broad range of industries, including architectural, engineering and design, allowing her to express her knack for complex brand composition in a range of formats.

Carrie is focused on people and their experience with the built environment. She thrives creating beautiful, smart spaces that reaffirm moments of ease and delight. Project details should fit together and be in harmony with one another. She listens intently for the nuances from her clients to make sure they do. To get there, Carrie tracks the details and stays attuned to what matters most to owners and users. Her wide range of project experience points to her adaptability, resourcefulness, and sound design instincts. Her portfolio of recent projects include healthcare facilities, fire stations, port facilities, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects

Megan is well-regarded at the firm for her impeccable and impressive work behind the scenes on projects. Her ability to analyze and distill information has translated into elegant, sustainable design solutions. As the specifications expert, she helps shape how the team captures and documents complex information.

Scott is a master of process, details, and order. A lifelong designer whose love for drawing and crafting started in his youth, his 10+ year career in architecture now blends the best parts of design with cutting-edge technology and mentoring. As the firm’s Building Information Manager, he supports all design teams by helping them creating realistic, true-to-life, beautiful models that look and function like the projects they’re working on. In addition, he is one of the most active runners and group organizers who motivate others to get out and explore the natural beauty just beyond our doorsteps.

Stefani is happiest when a plan comes together – and that is why she goes the extra mile to gather all the facts and details ahead of time. As a highly strategic Principal with years of design and comprehensive planning experience, she knows how to lead and stay focused on the original vision, but it is her ability to process information and turn this into an actionable strategy that makes her such an effective manager. At the end of the day, it is her passion for creating meaningful experiences through art and functionality that drive her.

Kyle is a highly strategic planner who works well to establish priorities, define objectives, and prepare plans to achieve project goals. His technical skillset is bolstered by a passion for travel and mentorship, making him a great collaborator on school projects. Kyle’s ability to manage highly creative tasks through structure processes has proven highly useful on many large, complex projects. In addition to his role as an architectural designer, Kyle is the Director of Design CoMission, LSW’s bi-annual internship program for aspiring designers and design-minded students from high-schools around SW Washington’s school districts.

Heather brings balance to every project with a mix of creative energy and focus. She is a thorough listener who takes pride in working with clients to create a functioning space that represents their vision and exceeds expectations. Heather has over eight years of experience in public and private projects.

Mark thrives in complexity. You’ll find him in the weeds of every project, working through the technical systems and aspects that require a special individual with a sharp eye for detail and the capacity to work through volumes of information. He is the team’s all-star at both quality control and documentation, operating on the front line to deliver clean, easy-to-read documents.

Chris is dedicated to building more connected, inclusive, and resilient communities. He brings over 25 years of design experience to his craft, as well as the insight gained from a range of leadership roles at firms and organizations. Chris’s credentials include being a LEED-accredited professional, a member of the American Institute of Architecture, and a licensed architect in Oregon and Washington. As an Associate Principal, he helps lead the sustainability team and remains focused on meeting the growing need for affordable housing, healthcare and bird-safe design. As a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee he works hard to make a positive impact at the office and in his community.

As a designer, Kristina has a knack for seamlessly translating a client or stakeholder’s vision into perfect plans. She is a gifted and empathetic communicator who routinely goes above and beyond to keep teams informed and on track, and this shines through on every project. Part of this is her innate ability to connect with people and gather information, part of it is raw creativity, and the difference is her drive to meet challenges head-on.

Naleigha is a gifted designer with sharp creative instincts. As the Studio Lead for Design CoMission, LSW’s Internship Program, she balances a strong desire to design inclusive, inspiring spaces for learners with a knack for educating. She is a thorough, thoughtful listener who takes pride in working with clients to create a functioning space that represents their vision and exceeds expectations.

Ralph is known for his forward-thinking leadership. You can count on Ralph to deliver creative solutions that support your mission, vision, and goals. He excels in providing vision for programming and concept development.

Since joining in 2014, Farleigh has proven to be a natural leader and a champion for sustainable design, spearheading efforts to benchmark and strengthen processes across the firm. She currently leads our Green Team, which focuses on integrating sustainable practices around the office and connecting our internal efforts with opportunities to engage the local community. She brings a high-attention to detail, blending complex design with effective communication, keeping owners and clients well informed through construction.

Zach is an ambitious thinker who brings a high dose of creative energy and impeccable communications skills to project teams. He is a true team player, comfortable playing both leading and supporting roles, while focused on delivering work that makes a positive impact. Born and raised in Texas, his passion for sustainable design was nurtured and developed at Texas A&M University, where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Following grad school, Zach has spent close to a decade honing his craft as a designer at firms in California and Montana, working on projects that range from K-12 schools to multi-family housing. What has become clearer over time is his drive to advocate, support, and empower communities through thoughtful design.

She is one of the busiest people at LSW, but people across the firm instinctively turn to her for advice, input, and friendly conversation – because she is always there. She personifies the concept of servant leadership and is a trusted hero at LSW. As the Chief Financial Officer and head of Human Resources, she works across departments and cultivates relationships with people on a variety of levels, using an approach that is attentive, thoughtful, analytical, and caring. These traits, along with her ability to motivate and inspire action, have garnered the respect and admiration of all at the firm, making Shara the person many rely on for advice and trusted information. She has extensive experience in all aspects of management, including human resources, finance, project management and operations. Outside of her work at LSW, Shara is every bit the role model within her community, serving various causes and organizations as both a volunteer and board member. Currently, Shara serves on the board of Vancouver's Downtown Association as Treasurer and on the board for Pacific NW Federal Credit Union, as well as on the board for Leadership Clark County. Shara has been at the helm of LSW’s operations team since 2016 and has made a significant impact, both as a mentor and administrator. Shara truly exemplifies what it means to be a leader.

Casey is a creative force, a believer in possibilities, and a motivator. As Chief Innovation Officer of LSW, he charges the team to do their most ambitious work and let their hearts lead the way. He has dedicated his professional career to understanding the role architecture can play in supporting the community, and then uniting teams behind an optimistic vision for the future.

Brent brings over two decades of national and global experience to the firm, as both an architect and interior designer. As Principal at LSW, his background in multi-faceted, large-scale projects and influence as a mentor has elevated the quality of work and team collaboration. Brent’s ability to dive into projects and understand goals from multiple perspectives has proved invaluable. As an advocate for the highest sustainability standards, equity, and high-design, he has led teams through comprehensive planning and design, all the way through to construction documents. He has an innate ability to connect with people, communicate effectively, and problem-solve under pressure. Brent has expanded on his professional role through years of teaching and mentoring at various universities.