Have you met Tiffany Bowie? If you haven't, let me introduce you.

Tiffany is changing the GAME. A pioneer of Seattle's sustainable housing endeavors.

Tiffany is the principal and one-half of Malboeuf Bowie Architecture, a small firm focused on highly crafted new home, remodel, and multi-family building design in Seattle and the pacific northwest.

Tiffany began her college education in Vancouver, BC where she graduated with an Applied Science degree. Her hopes of pursuing post-graduate studies in industrial design took a turn after a two-month-long visit to Japan, where she was inspired to pursue interior and architectural design. Tiffany is a true scholar with degrees in interior design, architecture and as a standout in her field, she is also LEED AP, and recently a Certified Passive House Consultant™.

The Palatine Passive House is one of Malboeuf Bowie Architecture’s most highly noted projects because of its ability to integrate modern residential form with notable building technologies. This home will always be a pillar of sustainability in the Greenwood neighborhood due to its airtight envelope, continuous high-performance insulation, and managed solar gain; the Palatine Passive House uses 90% less energy than required by local building code.

My team at Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty had the pleasure of presenting Malboeuf Bowie Architects newest project, Evanston North; a 4-Star Built Green townhome triplex in Fremont. Want me to connect you with Tiffany?

Recently I had the opportunity to catch up with Tiffany and learn more about her early career, what she loves to see in lots, and to reflect on how we met. Here’s a look into our conversation…

Tadashi: What ideas and inspirations influence your building designs?

Tiffany: I was inspired by Ted Smith in San Diego in the early 2000s when he designed and developed his own buildings in San Diego, California. At that time, there were a handful of San Diego architects doing their own developments. Ted gave a talk to our architecture class about the 'architect as a developer.' He really believed it was the best way to practice and understand architecture. That idea made a lasting impression and later motivated me to leave NYC for Seattle when we were able to buy our first lot for a single-family home development.

Tadashi: Is there something that you look for in a parcel of land or something you are excited to see a lot has?

Tiffany: We have always been interested in urban infill although we are currently shifting to projects located out of the urban city center for our own developments.

Tadashi: How do you work in collaboration with builders to make a project a success?

Tiffany: Great communication and mutual respect is the best recipe for success with builders. 

Tadashi: What is your dream project?

Tiffany: My dream project would be a net-zero, mass timber housing development high up on a hill with a view of the beach.

Tadashi: What exciting is happening for your firm in 2022? Any projects you can let us in on?

Tiffany: We are teaming up with builders and clients for new construction projects, DADU’s and a passive house remodel. We opened up a Portland office this year which is pretty exciting, and currently have projects in Oregon and Washington. In addition to new construction, we have various remodels on the boards- from mid-century moderns to homes built in the 1920s that require historic preservation. We feel lucky to be working on such diverse range of projects.

Tadashi: Take me back to when we first met!

Tiffany: I first met you in 2013. We were in the midst of building the first triplex we designed, built, and developed ourselves. Tadashi came through with another realtor for a tour while I was working up on the roof decks. Tadashi’s team was in the process of selling a development on the next block. Their neighboring project only had two homes compared to the three units we designed on a similar-sized lot. I remember that I told Tadashi to call me if he was looking for an architect who could think outside of the box (or something to that effect), not really understanding how connected to the building community he was.

We still laugh about that first meeting. Since then, we have worked with Tadashi and his amazing teams on some exciting projects.

Be on the lookout for the release of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s 2022 Forecast Report in which Tiffany is featured.

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