This year, Schemata Workshop proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to community-focused design. Since our founding, we have dedicated ourselves to creating spaces that not only fulfill functional needs but also foster connection and enrich the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision has always been rooted in the belief that thoughtful design can inspire change, promote sustainability, and empower individuals.
As we reflect on upon the past two decades, we take pride in the transformative projects we’ve undertaken, which also highlight our evolution as a firm. From early consulting efforts to our current multidisciplinary collaborations, we remain focused on creating inclusive, resilient, and vibrant environments for people to live and thrive. As we reflect on this milestone, we’re reviewing some of our past projects with our current endeavors, showcasing how our approach has evolved, while still prioritizing our commitment to strengthening a sense of community.
Rainier View Senior Apartments (2007) & Multicultural Village (In-Progress)
Rainier View Senior Apartments (2007)
The Rainier View project, initiated by a Korean Catholic Church, was designed to provide affordable housing for low-income seniors. With 50 one- and two-bedroom residences, this three-story development caters to residents earning between 30% and 60% of the Pierce County median income. Common spaces, including a double-height lobby and other amenities foster community engagement, while sustainable features support environmental responsibility.
Capitol Hill Transit Oriented Development
Capitol Hill is a diverse community with the nation’s second-largest LGBTQ population, featuring restaurants, parks, and a highly used light rail system. This Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) leverages public investments for community benefit.
Schemata designed two of the four campus buildings: Station House offers 110 affordable homes for households earning under 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), while The Park has 76 luxury rentals, with 20% reserved for those earning under 80% AMI. Community priorities include a Farmers’ Market, a central plaza, sustainability, local retail, and arts integration.
Seattle Public Schools Renovations (2005) & Pacific Science Center Technical Feasibility Study (In-Progress)
Seattle Public Schools Renovations (2005)
Since its inception, Schemata Workshop has been engaged in various renovation projects across elementary and high schools within the Seattle School District, including McGilvra Elementary, John Hay Elementary, and NOVA at Mann School. These renovations prioritize safety and functionality while adhering to budget constraints and work taking place during summer breaks. Key upgrades have included science lab enhancements, seismic improvements, and infrastructure updates.
Pacific Science Center Technical Feasibility Study (2024 In-Progress)
Schemata Workshop led a multidisciplinary team to evaluate the feasibility of proposed renovations to the courtyard and pools at the historic Pacific Science Center. This study aimed to assess the current condition of the courtyard’s structures and systems, establishing a comprehensive scope of work and cost projections for maintaining and updating the facilities over the next 20 years.
Alliance Center Renovation (2005) & Rainier Valley Food Bank (In-Progress)
Alliance Center Renovation (2005)
The Alliance Center renovation focused on transforming a two-story building into a hub for vital social services, including employment assistance, energy and housing support, and a food bank. Working under a very tight budget, Schemata Workshop optimized resources to create a functional and welcoming environment for the community.
Rainier Valley Food Bank (2024 In-Progress)
The Rainier Valley Food Bank is transitioning to a newly acquired former mortuary building to better serve the community. The project addresses urgent needs due to lease expiration and aims to create a more accessible and efficient space for food distribution. Schemata Workshop is facilitating this transition through strategic planning and innovative concepts, including a temporary "Food Village" to ensure continuity of services during renovations.
Kent Senior Activity Center & FAST Resource & Outreach Center
Kent Senior Activity Center (2005)
Schemata Workshop designed a two-classroom addition to an existing 1985 structure for the City of Kent Parks Department. The classrooms accommodate group exercise, fly-fish tying, art classes, and various community meetings. The addition will allow for a visual and physical connection to the adjacent lawn as well as preserving the quality of openness and daylighting of the existing structure.
fast Resource & Outreach Center (2023)
Initially approached to enhance office space within a mixed-use development, Schemata Workshop recognized the need for a larger facility. Collaborating closely with FAST, the project evolved into a comprehensive design for a 15,000 sq. ft. Resource & Outreach Center. This facility serves BIPOC families by providing essential services and community support.
As we mark 20 years of Schemata Workshop, we reflect on the significant impact our projects have made in the communities we serve. From our early consulting efforts to our current innovative developments, our commitment to creating spaces that foster connection, inclusivity, and sustainability remains unwavering. We look forward to the next chapters of transformative design and meaningful community engagement, as we continue to evolve and respond to the needs of those we serve. Here’s to a future filled with collaboration and positive change!