Gordon Walker: Northwest Modern Master Residential Work
Whether you’re from the Pacific Northwest or not, you should be familiar with the work of Gordon Walker. His knowledge of design and construction is exceptional, he’s pushed the envelope of architecture for decades, and he’s been instrumental in establishing a modern aesthetic here in the Northwest. Gordon has been practicing architecture in Seattle since 1962 – he has worked for Ralph Anderson, has co-founded Olson Walker Architects, and was a principal at NBBJ. He founded Walker Architects in 1992 and is currently a consulting principal at Mithun. He may very well be the wisest architect in town and he’s got our full respect.
[Photo by Michael Burns]
We got to know Gordon while we were growing up and he became a mentor to us as we climbed the ranks in architecture. Lately we’ve been working with Gordon Walker on a number of endeavors including an article for Arcade Magazine, a subsequent speaking engagement on Smart Housing for Design-minded seniors, and there are rumors of co-teaching a design studio with him this spring.
[Photo by Michael Burns]
In talking with Gordon about his past projects, we realized that there is a wealth of significant work that isn’t available on the web (until now). We’re honored to cover some of our favorite projects designed by Gordon Walker and we’re going to break it up into two posts; today we’ll tackle several of our favorite residential projects. Enjoy
Pike & Virginia Building in Seattle by Olson Walker Architecture, 1978
Nicholas Court in Seattle by Walker Architecture, 2000
[Photo by Gary Sutto]
Hillclimb Court in Seattle by Olson Walker Architecture, 1989
[Photos by Dick Busher ]
Lopez Island Retreat in Washington by Walker Architecture
[Photos courtesy of Seattle Magazine ]
Capitol Hill Town Homes in Seattle by Olson Walker Architects, 1981
West Seattle Residence by Walker Architecture
[Photo by David Berger / Seattle Homes and Lifestyles]
Walker-Pope Residence on Lopez Island, Washington by Walker Architecture
[Photo by Michael Burns]
A huge thanks to Gordon Walker for giving the BUILDblog free reign over the Walker archives. It was refreshing to catch up on so many of the projects that inspired us to get into architecture in the first place.
By Keiser, January 15, 2011 @ 2:28 pm
In addition to the high quality of design throughout Walker’s portfolio, many of these project types are difficult for most architects to achieve. Mixed-use projects within the urban core raise a host of challenges and involve the city and community at a whole new level. Hats off to getting these projects constructed.
By Jackson, January 15, 2011 @ 2:31 pm
It was a hell of a lot easier to get projects like these built back in the 1970′s and 80′s. It’s quite likely that the City of Seattle wouldn’t allow some of these to be built with today’s ridiculous land-use and building codes.
By Peter, January 15, 2011 @ 3:04 pm
The Pike & Virginia Building might be the best building in Seattle.
By mike eliason, January 15, 2011 @ 8:32 pm
pike and virginia is definitely a personal fave. the capital hill townhomes are incredible from the exterior, they seem to have aged really well. great post, guys. when will the GW archives be open to the public?
By James M, January 15, 2011 @ 10:03 pm
While I’m familiar with the urban work (Hillclimb, Pike & Virginia, Cap Hill Town homes) the single family work here is new to me. Thanks for the coverage.
By Build LLC, January 16, 2011 @ 5:28 pm
@Keiser -indeed, work this good in the public realm is rare, especially in conservative little Seattle.
By Build LLC, January 16, 2011 @ 5:30 pm
@Peter -the Pike & Virginia building is also a fave of ours. It would be an ambitious project now, let alone in 1978!
By Build LLC, January 16, 2011 @ 5:31 pm
@Mike -We like it, the Gordon Walker Library!
By Build LLC, January 16, 2011 @ 5:33 pm
@James -it’s always exciting to get new work up on the web. Glad you like.
By gsid, January 17, 2011 @ 7:21 am
i had the pleasure of working with gordon for a little while and will never forget the things i learned. I’ve worked for “starchitects” on the east coast as well, and learned nowhere near as much. His understanding of the synthesis of design and construction is uncanny and it certainly helps that he was able to build his own designs back in the day.
i am so glad you guys are doing this. it’s about time people get to know him and his work. can he do a post on his design thinking?
By Atelier7, January 17, 2011 @ 8:42 am
This is a significant body of work. Thanks for getting this material up on the web.
By Richter, January 17, 2011 @ 2:40 pm
That’s some hot scheisse you guys. Thanks.
By stephanie, February 4, 2011 @ 12:36 pm
Oh yeah, and there was a Hillclimb unit for sale when I moved here – I could have afforded it IF I hadn’t enrolled in the architecture program at UW! Never have managed to see inside those units.
By D. Nels Reese, February 13, 2011 @ 12:18 pm
What an appropriate article. I have known Gordon since our school days at the University of Idaho in 1957. He was impressive then and he has continued to be a force for good architecture in Seattle and the West Coast. He has been given all to little praise.
By Joanne R, March 6, 2011 @ 9:33 pm
Gordon, A fitting tribute to “our very favorite architect and dear (!) friend. You are indeed a true Mensch. Joanne from Moscow
By Charles Bergmann Architect, January 5, 2012 @ 9:22 am
By chance I googled up Gordon’s name and was pleased to see the article, since I had lost track of him since I left Seattle in 1995 where I had lived since late 1968. Gordon was (and no doubt still is) one of the really good architectural forces in Seattle. He (with back then, Jim Olson and Rick Sundberg) designed some very significant projects in the city of which you show a few in the article. The more recent project, the Walker-Pope Residence is really quite wonderful and if I get the chance could inspire me in designing some housing on my sloped land in little South Newfane, Vermont. I remember Gordon with fondness and wish him all the best as he continues his work. As we know architect’s rarely retire.
All my best,
Charles Bergmann Architect
South Newfane, Vermont
PS. By way of background, while living and raising a family in Seattle I did projects in the Pioneer Square District(where I met Gordon), was instrumental in reviving the Madison Valley District, was associated for many years with Ibsen Nelsen on various projects, co-taught a housing design course with Folke Nyberg – I retain many, many fond memories of Seattle and the people there.
By Anders Nordby, March 27, 2012 @ 5:59 am
I really like a lot of his work, especially the Lopez Island Retreat and the Orcas Island Residence.
You guys have studied in Denmark – I seem to detect certain similarities to some of Jørn Utzon’s work here – notably in Hillclimb Court, Lopez Island Retreat and Capitol Hill Town homes. Those columns and beams… Do you know if Walker knew Utzon or something to that effect? Or is it just me, recently being to Aalborg, seeing Utzonian things everywhere?
By Build LLC, March 27, 2012 @ 6:48 am
@Anders – we’re not sure, but we’ll ask him the next time we see him.