I just spent this past week in Seattle visiting firms using ArchiOffice software in the beautiful, Pacific Northwest. The highlight of my trip was spending the day at Ross Chapin’s office on Whidbey island. There’s something magical about the islands near Seattle, and it doesn’t escape the talents of this small firm.

Perhaps it’s a reaction from my own experiences as a practicing Architect in Chicago, but I am fascinated by Architects like Ross Chapin who have found a way to design small, sophisticated homes that respect the environment and context - while giving the occupants a quality living experience that is neither indulgent nor restricting.

A living concept Ross Chapin has been perfecting is something they call a “Pocket Neighborhood.” These quaint communities are much more than a simple collection of well designed and detailed houses surrounding a common park. Chapin has spent a career refining his concept on how people and communities are formed and has developed a structure which enables both to strive. Indeed, these projects do more than just take the concepts that the more famous Sarah Susanka has been promoting with her “Not so Big House” books and lectures. They extend the concepts of simple, flexible, well designed and crafted homes to the entire community.

I’m thrilled with the work Ross Chapin Architects has been doing. They not only are responsible Architects, but having fun making peoples lives and their communities better places. Ross and team - thanks for allowing ArchiOffice to be a part of your firms success.