the studio
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
Founded in 1975, HEWITT Architecture is led today by Director of Design Julia Nagele and Director of Practice Sean Ludviksen. The studio is a collective of creators and thinkers who are driven by curiosity and rigor.
Senior Principal, Director of Design – Architecture
julia nagele
Julia Nagele brings more than 20 years of experience to her role as Senior Principal and Director of Design at HEWITT-Architecture. She believes the success of today’s projects is based on the expertise of many, and how well her studio expresses its core values: be smart, be creative and be principled. Julia’s leadership stems from these values, as her team strives to address complex urban conditions in a straightforward and elegant manner. Her design approach in HEWITT’s classic studio environment is similar to the project-based learning she leads as an Affiliate Assistant Professor at the University of Washington’s College of Built Environments.
Known for her design of tall buildings, Julia’s 40-story Emerald Tower, completed in 2020, is the tallest building on the West Coast created by an all-female design team. Her 32-story Skyglass Tower is currently under construction with expected completion in early 2024. Mama Tower, which has completed the design review process and is now moving through permitting, will reach 484 feet. Other current projects include OneU and 1107 – two residential towers that will change Seattle’s University District skyline. Julia graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Lehigh University. She completed her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Maryland’s School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, and in 2022, delivered the commencement address at her alma mater and was named a Distinguished Alumni. Julia’s work has been featured by outlets including Forbes, Dwell, Aspire Home & Design, and she was named one of the most influential people in the city by Seattle Met magazine.
our mission
be smart. be creative. be principled.
HEWITT is driven in the pursuit of inspired design that deepens the urban experience. Our work endeavors to evoke strong, positive and emotional responses within the complexities of urban life.
expertise
complex, urban projects
We excel at drawing inspiration from the historical, cultural and natural context, creating structures that both complement and enhance their surroundings. We focus our collective expertise on a variety of project types and sizes, ranging from skyscrapers to small-scale retail and mixed-use projects.
process
Our design methodology starts with embracing a classic design studio format. We organize ourselves to facilitate an open, collaborative environment which allows for a variety of creations, challenges and reflections on our work. We are rigorously iterative and analytical in our design process from the employment of time-tested means such as drawing, sketching and model building, to the use of current software and technologies that assist in our execution of meaningful work.