W&C Architect Profile of the Month: Soltner Group Architects
Seattle-based Soltner Group Architects is a long established and well-respected firm. Founded by Keith Soltner, the firm’s commitment to preserving a structure's design integrity and dedication to its client's satisfaction has been our goal for 26 years.
As a small firm, SGA provides direct client contact with the Principal and Senior Architect throughout the process of analysis, design and construction. The firm guides its clients through the process and brings together the appropriate group of specialists, consultants, and contractors required to complete projects on time and within budget.
Its Web site profile reads: “Attention to details, respect for context, and a deep sense of order informs all our designs, and has earned us a strong reputation in the Puget Sound region. We provide the highest quality professional services by combining a practical, budget-conscious approach with our technical expertise and high design standards. The result is carefully crafted, purposeful architecture that achieves a high level of function and aesthetic resolution.”
W&C Architect interviewed its founder Keith Soltner for the premiere Profile of the Month.
Name: Keith Soltner
Title: Principal
Firm: Soltner Group Architects
Location: Seattle, Wash.
WCA: What is your work history in this field?
As Principal of Soltner Group Architects, I have been involved in a diverse range of new and renovation projects, including multi-family and single-family residences, institutional, and health care facilities. We have been sought out to provide expert professional opinions in the analysis of existing building conditions due to water intrusion and resultant component failure. A lead role in design repair and construction of these buildings has been an integral part of the firm's diverse background. I have dedicated the majority of my professional career to the analysis and design of building envelope systems. Our strong attention to design, diverse technical knowledge and clear communication skills are the basis of this successful practice.
WCA: Do you approach architecture from an artistic or functional starting point? Are the two concepts exclusive?
Exclusive.
WCA: If any, who are your role models?
Frank Lloyd Wright. His designs are timeless.
WCA: What projects, other than your own work, do you find inspiring?
The Sydney Opera House and Getty Museum.
WCA: How many buildings have you designed?
We don’t design buildings. We redesign problem buildings that either have been constructed defectively or don’t function properly. We also renovate buildings that are 20 to 40 years old.
WCA: If you had to choose one to represent your work, what project would you choose?
A local condominium that is about 20 years old with water views. This building was upgraded and modernized (see attached photo).
WCA: What are your guiding principles when designing a structure?
We provide the highest quality professional services by combining a practical, budget-conscious approach with our technical expertise and high design standards. The result is carefully crafted, purposeful architecture that achieves a high level of function and aesthetic resolution.
WCA: If you could have any building to redesign-anywhere in the world-which would you like to address?
The Temple of Athena on the Acropolis in Athens Greece. The temple has beautiful proportions. It would be a challenge of design and proportions.
WCA: How many buildings have you designed?
We don’t design buildings. We redesign problem buildings that either have been constructed defectively or don’t function properly. We also renovate buildings that are 20 to 40 years old.
WCA: If you had to choose one to represent your work, what project would you choose?
A local condominium that is about 20 years old with water views. This building was upgraded and modernized (see attached photo).
WCA: What are your guiding principles when designing a structure?
We provide the highest quality professional services by combining a practical, budget-conscious approach with our technical expertise and high design standards. The result is carefully crafted, purposeful architecture that achieves a high level of function and aesthetic resolution.
WCA: If you could have any building to redesign-anywhere in the world-which would you like to address?
The Temple of Athena on the Acropolis in Athens Greece. The temple has beautiful proportions. It would be a challenge of design and proportions.
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