Describe your business in one sentence.

At Ectypos Architecture, we design contemporary homes that fit our clients like a glove, are restorative, and bring joy to their lives.

Are you an Islander? How did you decide to open a business on Mercer Island?

Lucia’s family has been in the same place on Mercer Island since the mid-'50s. We met working in a firm in Italy. After marrying and deciding to leave Europe, it was a natural decision to come back to the Pacific Northwest and Mercer Island in particular. Our idea was always to "live where we work; work where we play," and that is what we have done without regret.

Do you remember the moment or time when you told yourself, "I have to do this"?

When we first came back to the Seattle area, we spent some time grounding ourselves, working for other architects, and freelancing nights and weekends. It didn't take us long to realize we wanted to do our own thing full-time. It included building our own live/workspace on Mercer Island, completed in 2001, and we got to it.

What makes your business so unique?

Our work is fresh and original without being trendy (and eventually passé). Our European experience enhances our work and makes us curious about the cultural diversity of our clients. We continue to cultivate professional relationships founded in Italy, exchanging ideas, technologies, and architectural perspectives.

What was your experience adapting to the new COVID reality?

Our profession is reliant on human contact with clients, contractors, consultants, municipalities, and vendors. That came to a halt in March of 2020. Fortunately, due to technologies already in place, we have maintained our productivity and contacts almost seamlessly. Nevertheless, it will be wonderful to toast in person with those for whom we work when the pandemic is over.

We often say innovation comes from questioning the status quo. Have you uncovered new ways of doing business or launched new products/services that you had not thought of before? How did it work out?

We took this opportunity to rebrand our company, Ectypos Architecture (formerly Studio Ectypos), and establish strategic relationships with industry leaders. The uptake will take time, but we will come out of the pandemic better than we went in.

If there was a single product, service, or expertise you should be known for, what would you say it is?

At Ectypos Architecture, we are skilled at designing beautiful, engaging projects on complex sites under challenging circumstances that appear to be effortless. This is not to say we don't appreciate easy projects, too.

Tell us something about your business that would surprise us.

We have worked on the restoration of a 10th-century fortification damaged by an earthquake and designed sustainable senior housing using shipping containers. In short, we will take on any design challenge.

What is your favorite spot on Mercer Island?

The extensive parks and trails system and then resting for a beer at the Roanoke [Inn].

Since you've been in business on Mercer Island, what have you discovered about Islanders and the Mercer Island community in general?

Mercer Island is continually evolving and diversifying. It is a small "village" with a world-wide vision.

When you are not working, what is your favorite pastime?

Getting outdoors and "making stuff." One of the great resources this community offers is the Mercer Island Craft Guild.

If you had to convince a non-Islander to come discover our town, what would you tell them?

Mercer Island is a small town uniquely positioned between two vibrant cities. It sports great parks, access to the water, friendly single-family neighborhoods, a burgeoning downtown, and quality schools. This is why we chose to come back and decided to stay.

Learn more about Ectypos Architecture at www.ectypos.com.