meet the hewitt team

President

Paul Shema, AIA, LEED AP

Paul’s passion lies in making our cities better through thoughtful and sustainable architecture. He enjoys exploring new ways for buildings to consume less energy and resources, thereby improving the environment to promote healthy living and more livable communities. As an architect and urban designer, his experience includes the planning and design of both new and renovated transit facilities, mixed-use/residential developments, and institutional projects.

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.”

Principal, Director of Practice - Architecture

Sean Ludviksen, AIA

Sean has devoted his career to thoughtful and responsive design solutions. With over 35 years of experience in project development and construction, Sean offers organization and accountability throughout the entire project delivery process and is recognized by clients, consultants, and builders for his thoroughness of all project phases. Sean’s capacity to lead teams, such as several of the City’s most prominent projects including The Emerald, makes him an exemplary Principal and mentor.

He started his architecture career with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati. Sean is passionate about fostering Seattle’s growth, supporting the arts and engaging in collaborative problem solving. He and his family live in Ballard, with their dog Annie.