By focusing on modern clientele and architecture, the firm Pb Elemental continues to reclassify the sense of home for many in Georgetown.
"We feel that Modern architecture fits into any neighborhood since it is honest in reflecting today. The MTV generation are now the home purchasers," said Pb Elemental co-founder and Principal Chris Pardo. "We are in 2007; building technology has evolved in the past 100 years and so have our lifestyles."
So by weaving urban inspiration with the taste of the "MTV generation" Pb Elemental began creating homes when they were graduate students at the University of Washington in between classes.
Pardo purchased a vacant lot in the Central District with Pb Elemental co-founder and Principal David Biddle, maxed out their credit cards to complete the construction of two homes, and by the time the home sold Pb Elemental gained its following.
"We felt the best way to see our designs realized was by building themselves. From there everything has exponentially grown," said Pardo.
In the last two years alone Pb Elemental designed over 1,100 homes.
But the real excitement for Pardo and co-founder Principal David Biddle lies in benefits their designs create for the neighborhood.
"We don't choose to build the most profitable projects, but we choose the most exciting ones, projects that will be both visually stunning as well as make a favorable impact in the community," said Biddle. "What excites me is not only the architecture, but also the idea that we can help drive good development."
DEFINING GOOD DEVELOPMENT
"[We do] development that responds to a community, respects the environment and focuses on providing homes where people not only sleep, but truly enjoy it."
This definition from an urban developer might surprise some, but at Pb Elemental the neighborhood matters.
"We prefer neighborhoods that would benefit from development of high quality design and construction, building to what the neighborhood can be instead of what it currently is. Georgetown is a remarkable community, both vibrant and edgy," said Chris Pardo.
The homes Pb Elemental creates offer more than modern aesthetics by encouraging green sustainability and shying away from matching homes in mass production.
Currently Pb Elemental has 10 projects under construction, including Orcas Lofts in Georgetown featuring vertical lift windows and cedar roof decks. Another project in North Beacon Hill, Tantalus Residence, will provide four homes with bamboo floors and glass tiles by December 2007.
"Our architecture and development in this community is aspiring to continue this trend," said Biddle. "By building high quality products with sustainable features and the neighborhood in mind, our dwellings weave into the existing fabric accentuating the evolving face of Georgetown."
SATISFYING MODERN TASTES
"Our approach to architecture is creating clean, minimalist spaces that support a modern lifestyle and are appropriate for an urban in-fill site," said Biddle. "Our primary focus has always been on urban infill. Infill and density is essential for a strong, active city core."
Although it may seem that Pb Elemental is cutting edge with their modern designs, they said their firm doesn't satisfy a niche market...it satisfies the entire housing market.
"Our homes represent an alternative and addition to what is currently available in the market place. Some might see it as a niche but the only reason it would be considered so is the limited supply of modern compared to the supply of craftsman residences," said Biddle.
Though there may be more craftsman homes on the market compared to modern homes, finding a vacant modern home is more unlikely then seeing empty Craftsman homes.
As Pardo said, "As lifestyles and technology changed so have design and perception. When making the biggest purchase of your life you want something that not only serves the purpose of a dwelling, but something you will also enjoy and be proud of."
So how did Pb Elemental key in on this modern trend before home-buyers realized they wanted it?
Initially, their understanding of the city's trends helped ignite Pb Elemental's success.
"Seattle represents one of the largest singles markets in the United States, people eat out more often and community transit is becoming more popular as well as a move toward sustainability and environmental awareness," said Pardo.
"A modern home and design is able to capture all of theses changes that have evolved into our current lifestyle and reflect them in dwelling space."
GROWTH IN A HEALTHY MARKET
Pardo and Biddle's insight into the architectural gaps in Seattle have benefited several neighborhoods across Seattle. But it has also allowed Pb Elemental to firmly establish its presence as a cutting-edge developer.
After a year and a half in business Pb Elemental had picked up over a 100 design projects. They added the structural engineering branch LEAD Consulting and out of their office Pb Elemental provides construction management, interior architecture and real estate Services.
And from this point, Pardo and Biddle don't foresee a halt in growth, for themselves, or Seattle's housing market.
"Long term, Seattle is positioned very well. We are only optimistic about the future of Seattle," said Pardo.
The only immediate concerns for Pardo and Biddle include the recent lack of 0-10 percent down loan programs available to buyers and flip to a buyer-controlled market.
"With more inventory on the market, buyers have more choice, so it is important to offer better products that distinguish your product from the next," said Biddle.
"In a buyer's market differentiation is the key and we offer a unique, high-quality product."
