Business Profile: DePape Associates, Inc. Architecture

By Victoria Rhoades, ND

DePape Associates, an architecture firm located on 16840 Bothell Way NE in Lake Forest Park, was established in 1986. Mr. DePape has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Design, a Master’s degree in Architecture, and decades of experience as a professional architect.

I asked him, "Why should you hire an architect?" In his own words, “Architects are trained in design, materials and construction methods and can help you make better use of your dollars“.

As an architect, he provides many services, including consulting to homeowners (even pre-sale, if renovations are needed), interpreting building and zoning code, designing buildings to make good use of space available, and planning to make structures sturdier and better able to withstand normal wear and tear from the environment. His goal is to ensure that the structure and access are sound and work aesthetically.

A house designed to fit its environment.
Courtesy DePape Associates

Tools he has at his disposal include 3D software, making it possible for owners to “walk” through a potential design before committing to a project. This is useful, because the translation from a blueprint to the finished product is a huge conceptual leap for most people. Being able to “see” and “walk” through plans in the design phase helps owners make the decision that works best for them.

Services he provides during the build-out phase of his projects include helping general contractors interpret blueprints, and facilitating communication between building inspectors, contractors, and owners. This can prevent costly rebuilds, and speed up resolution, if an inspector identifies an issue that needs correcting.

His many projects include a house in Shoreline next to a railroad track; after construction, an acoustic engineer said that “it is a quiet as a house on a cul-de-sac, even when a train is passing by.”

Dennis DePape

He is also consulting with North King Housing and Homelessness on a Shoreline housing initiative to support housing across all income brackets. In addition to Shoreline, he has worked on projects in Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, throughout Western Washington, in British Columbia, Idaho, Ohio, and Central America.

Contact information for DePape Associates, Inc

16840 Bothell Way, NE, Suite A, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

Email or email or phone 206-367-1575.