Nic Rossouw is the sole proprietor of giraf design, est. 2007
I have worked in the architectural and engineering field since shortly after starting my architectural education at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1979. While studying at the University of Washington in 1986 I took the world's longest summer job with the master structural engineer; Gary Swenson, which refocused my career. Working with Swenson I found the perfect place to explore the art and science of making buildings stand up while reflecting, exploring and expanding the concepts of the architect. Over a 21 year period at Swenson, I established long term collaborative relationships with a large group of architects and found my place as an expert in the design of wood buildings and custom residential structures. During my 12 years as a principal at Swenson Say Fagét I learned the pragmatics of running a business.
In early 2007 I decided that I was at a point in my career where I could move into working in a more selective and deliberate manner. I now work as a sole proprietor of giraf design where I am free to select the clients and projects that I work, without the financial pressure of needing to pay the salaries of employees or please the profit expectations of business partners. Most of my projects are architecturally and structurally challenging single family residences. My training, experience and long-term relationships with clients allow me to be integral to the architectural design process from early concept design through the end of construction. On many of my projects the design team and contractor have worked together for many years making for a much more complete communication process. The majority of my work is on projects where the design team is contracted on a time and materials basis and the contractor is brought on early in a negotiated bid process. I find that this way of working allows for the most thorough design process and highest quality finished product.
I live in the Maple Leaf neighborhood of Seattle with my lovely wife, delightful children, and two incorrigible pups.
Education: B.A. (Arch) University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 1984 M.Arch University of Washington, 1992