Projects
Featured
The Crescent Creekhouse remodel is the dream home and future retirement residence created by a budget-minded green residential architect for her family.
After three years in this healthy, efficient custom home, the owners have not had a single energy bill
A clever design addition enables a growing family to stay in their 100 year old bungalow
Net Zero healthy homes in a sustainable residential community
The first sustainable cottage court in King County provides new housing with common green space
A sustainable companion sanctuary is designed for the intersecting needs of people and animals
A new passive solar home built resiliently on a flood plain
Infusing a home with light and connecting to the outdoors brings new life to aging-in-place
Straw bale construction allows for beautiful curves throughout this Net Zero home
A new custom home inspires creativity and offers budget-friendly comfort
A custom, classic farmhouse lets the sun shine in for a growing family of six
An operational organic farm building is renovated to create a more healthy and beautiful work space
A new home for a skilled tradesman features reclaimed materials and a rustic modern aesthetic
A new custom residence is a demonstration home for sustainable design
A new home balances modern sustainability with British influence
Transforming a ‘diamond in the rough’ to become an antique dealer’s dream home
Designing a new straw bale home that the clients could build themselves
“Living Shelter has been a pleasure to work with on our campaign project. It was clear that they really worked to create a project that was purpose built to our needs, and from a fundraising standpoint, they are always incredibly responsive to updating renderings and drawings that we've needed for donor meetings.”
—Mike Ritter, Capital Manager, Pasado's Safe Haven
“Our experience in working with Terry Phelan was exceptional! Her talents go far beyond what you would expect from a traditional architect. She has a team that truly listens to your goals, and makes them happen! In doing so, they will surprise you with unexpected spaces that impart a very comfortable feel, usually only found in older homes. In addition to designing our primary residence, the Living Shelter team also helped us with conceptual drawings for a coastal property (future build). That was a very fun project, and shows their flexibility to work with various situations. Creative, knowledgeable, professional and a joy to work with - highly recommend!”
—Michele Scaglia, Client
“We can't recommend Living Shelter highly enough. From our initial dreaming, through concept and design, and on into construction, Terry and the LS team were collaborative and creative -- committed to making our new home sustainable, livable, and beautiful. They helped us a create a healthy home that fits the site and our lifestyle.”
—Mary Huycke, Client
“I worked with Living Shelter Design to design and construct my new home in the mountains near Mt Adams in Washington. Their whole team was fantastic to work with! The design ideas presented creatively addressed my aesthetic and space needs, while also fitting within the available budget. Their flexible approach to developing the design made me feel confident that I could build the house of my dreams. The Living Shelter team was also there during construction to help assist the builder and provide the backup support to address all snafus that invariably arise while building a new home. They were so responsive and got the job done for me!”
—Kim Gilmer, Client
“As an interior designer, I have had the pleasure of working with Terry and the Living Shelter team on many projects. They are extremely professional, knowledgeable about sustainable building, and genuinely wonderful people. I highly recommend them!”
—Sandy Campbell, Entero Design
“Terry Phelan is deeply committed to reducing the environmental impact of her buildings, and her work in load bearing straw bale structures is exceptional.”
—Habib John Gonzalez, Director of Sustainable Works
“Did we tell you we love the plans? We do! You really worked magic. Thanks a lot. We are REALLY happy.”
—Judi and Scott Nicolai
“Terry has consistently demonstrated the rare combination of tenacity, caring, and professionalism throughout.”
—Jane Bakken and Jack Fecker