Christopher Palms, AIA, LEED AP
Senior Associate, Architecture
Christopher is a dedicated architect with over 25 years of experience in a variety of project types, focusing on affordable housing for nonprofits and traditionally under-served populations. He was drawn to the field of architecture for its ability to have a positive, tangible impact on communities.
Over the years, Christopher has seen that, beyond design, the value of an architect often rests in helping organizations navigate the many overlapping code and jurisdictional requirements of their projects, thereby finding the most cost-effective ways to maximize limited budgets. He is a listener whose quiet demeanor belies a tenaciousness when working on a client’s behalf.
An avid and lifelong traveler, Christopher believes architecture is a universal and cross-cultural language, and a way for people to come together and build community. Christopher’s thoughtful and thorough process consistently leads to equally thoughtful and code-compliant projects with a Pacific Northwest focus. His extensive project experience ranges from historic preservation, affordable housing, shelters & transitional homes, multifamily & mixed-use developments, and even zoos.
Christopher earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Yale University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan. He is passionate about helping the Seattle community and has served as an integral member of constructing several community shelters for houseless individuals. Christopher is a member of the AIA, the AIA Seattle Disaster Preparedness Response Committee, Architects Without Borders, the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild, and the Housing Development Consortium. Christopher also volunteers with KEXP and was formerly on the board of Fremont Abbey.
In his free time, Christopher is passionate about gardening, music, and capturing the world through photography.
Christopher Palms is a member of the Board & Vellum ownership group.
