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The Treehouse
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Bridge House
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Villa Astra
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Established in 1984, Castanes Architects PS AIA represents over twenty years of Architectural work on a variety of building types in this region. We are a small office with a client-oriented approach to design for select (fun) projects. From the overall site development to the most intricate details, the final physical manifestation of our work represents the culmination of close communications and a careful management of expectations with our clients.
With design and technical proficiency, the goal is to deliver a completed project that not only addresses the stated program requirements but also provides a positive sense of achievement to the entire project team of Owner, Architect and General Contractor.
Jim is not one of those pontificating architects with a big ego dressed all in black; as can be seen from the large variety of work, he believes architecture should foremost reflect the client and the program. You will very likely hear Jim say: “In each problem, we are looking for the most eminently appropriate solution”, “Beauty is in the details”, and “Let’s discuss this further over a glass of wine”. Jim’s agenda for his firm is simple, to work hard, have fun and make interesting spaces for people to enjoy for years on end. He also likes to ski, try out new recipes, work on his roof garden, and discuss the dynamics of the Federal Reserve.
After receiving his degree in Boston, Michael worked in the historic Rockport / Gloucester area of Massachusetts renovating existing buildings filled with history, and collaborating to create new and harmonious residences based on the local vernacular. Soon the lust for urban life became so overwhelming he packed up everything his little car could carry and drove out to Seattle. He and his wife have lived here now since 2007 and they both could not be happier with their new location.
Alev has an unselfish attitude about design; she believes that an idea bears more fruit when several hands are sketching over it. Although she is always very charming, her high standards for excellence and detail keep everyone [including Jim and the contractors] on their toes. Alev is LEED-certified and working toward her architecture license. She also loves tomatoes, cooking with her husband but without recipes, dreaming about the Mediterranean summers, and any activity that will take her outdoors.

