Wittman Estes

Wittman Estes stands as a distinguished representative of contemporary American architectural practice, founded in West Seattle in 2012 by architect Matt Wittman, AIA, LEED AP, and architect Jody Estes, having established a pioneering reputation in contemporary residential, multifamily, and institutional design, and landscape architectural language innovation since its founding. This Seattle-based practice operating from its studio in the historic Georgetown neighborhood redefines contemporary American architects' role in international design discourse through coordinated integration of design and natural landscapes.

Under the leadership of founding principals Matt Wittman and Jody Estes, alongside principal and owner Ashton Wesely, AIA, LEED AP, the practice brings exceptional ecological sensitivity design perspectives and deep understanding of material integration approaches to architectural practice. The practice has garnered recognition for its commitment to harmoniously integrating projects with surrounding natural landscapes, creating spatial experiences that dissolve boundaries between interior and exterior. Its innovative contributions have received significant awards, including the prestigious AIA National Housing Award for Tsuga Townhomes, acknowledgment from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies for Othello Gardens, and the 2023 Modular Building Institute Award for Fire Station 67.

The firm's design philosophy emphasizes that architecture should transcend formal limitations, designed not merely to satisfy functional requirements but to organically merge with surrounding environment and natural landscapes. Through deep attention to site-specific recognition and spatial continuity, working across diversified works from single-family homes and multifamily housing to commercial and institutional projects, they believe the best architecture results from contextually responsive interventions through precise and thoughtful processes. Matt Wittman focuses on innovative housing design that provides rich residential experiences in tune with natural environments. Jody Estes is a keen observer of social and natural phenomena, an avid gardener, and an expert in the native flora and fauna of the Puget Sound ecosystem. Ashton Wesely's versatility and project management experience allow her to balance aesthetics with technical constraints.

Beyond practice, through thoughtful integration of local materials with modern construction methods, topographic conditions and structural innovation application, and tested sustainable landscape wisdom, Wittman Estes has established itself as a significant contributor to contemporary Pacific Northwest architectural discourse, creating architectural works that are both environmentally responsive and maintain architectural excellence. Under the continued leadership of Wittman, Estes, and Wesely, the firm currently occupies a unique position within the United States' dynamic architectural landscape, focusing on creating spatial experiences that achieve architectural quality through material integration, structural innovation, and contextual sensitivity, believing that architecture and nature can be combined into one interconnected whole.