M R Carlson Inc. is a Seattle based, full service architecture firm, specializing in sustainable design solutions for a low carbon future. Our focus is on custom residential (both single and multi-family) and small scale commercial projects. We also provide consulting services to Owner’s, developers and design teams to help them achieve their sustainability goals. We are committed to design excellence, comprehensive consulting services and personal attention to each project.
M R Carlson Inc. is the logical next-generation design and consulting firm, set in the Pacific NW and Midwest, and built on Michael’s experience at Carlson Studio Architecture, a firm founded by Michael Carlson in 1997. Michael Carlson brings his 40+ years of experience to the founding of M R Carlson Inc.
Sustainability is a key principal we apply to all of our projects. The integrated design approach that we utilize in all our work allows us to provide high quality, high performance buildings for our clients. We look at our buildings as part of the greater “whole system”. A building is an expression of energy, materials & design (information). Buildings are not comprised of isolated components – each is comprised of systems that interact with other systems including the larger ecological systems and the human community. A “whole system” design leverages the complex and complementary interactions to reduce energy use and levy the smallest possible environmental impact, while enhancing occupants’ comfort and productivity.
The integrated design approach asks the members of the planning, design and construction teams to look at the materials, systems and assemblies from many different perspectives. The design is evaluated for first cost, life cycle cost, quality-of-life, future flexibility, efficiency; overall environmental impact; productivity and creativity, and how the occupants will be enlivened. The most important component of any building is the people who use it. This design approach allows us the freedom to maintain our tradition of diverse architectural solutions without limiting us to particular building types or styles. The strategies we implement result in creating beautiful buildings that are safer, healthier and more efficient.
Michael R. Carlson, Architect 