At MODE, we’re on a mission to create housing. Lots of it. The kind that makes cities more livable, walkable, and sustainable—one infill project at a time.

We’re an architecture and engineering firm based in the greater Seattle area, specializing in residential infill development: townhouses, ADUs, small multifamily, and other “missing middle” housing typologies. We work with real estate investors, developers, and builders to help them get unstuck, unlock value, and solve tough zoning and construction challenges so they can build faster and smarter.

We Believe Good Design is Practical

Our work is grounded in reality. We’re deeply curious and hands-on, always learning how buildings actually get built so we can design them for efficient construction from day one. Our drawings are tight. Our coordination is thorough. And our designs are clean, timeless, and purposeful—not flashy for the sake of flash, but beautiful in their clarity and intention.

We Are Problem Solvers

We see every project as a puzzle to be solved—a chance to flex our creativity and push our skills. Whether it’s navigating complex zoning codes, finding a smarter way to stack units, or coordinating with consultants to minimize field revisions, we’re relentless in our pursuit of better outcomes for our clients.

Why We Do This Work

MODE was founded on a deep belief in the power of cities to transform lives and tackle the climate crisis. Our founder’s journey began, like many young architects, with a passion for sustainable design—solar orientation, passive cooling, tiny homes, ecological materials. But after years of study, one truth became clear: location matters more than technology.

Through urban design research, time spent in walkable European cities, and the hard data of climate science, it became obvious that the most sustainable architecture is urban housing. A compact apartment in a dense, transit-connected neighborhood is better for the planet than any net-zero home in the suburbs.

That realization changed everything.

Now, our mission is to enable more housing in more places where people actually want to live—close to jobs, amenities, and community. We design to add density and character to the neighborhoods we touch, and we aim to show how awesome urban living can be through smart, efficient, human-centered design.

Join Us

We’re always looking for curious, mission-driven collaborators who love cities, love solving problems, and want to make a real impact through the work they do. Every project is a chance to grow—and to build something that matters.