Howells Architecture + Design is a small architecture practice, serving the Pacific Northwest. We are focused on residential remodeling.
We value what’s timeless rather than trendy, and aim to give our clients warm, personal, one-of-a-kind spaces that will look good and perform well for many years to come.
Humane. Refined. Intuitive. Respecting both past and present. These goals guide every project, big or small.
Firm principal Michael Howells has extensive experience in residential renovation. Our work has been published online and in print by Portland Monthly, Dwell, Homestead, Gray, Remodelista, Gardenista, and Better Homes, among others.
This was a dark and dusty attic, in a large historic Portland home. But the writer-owner saw the potential for a “room of one’s own,” far above the noise of the house. A dormer, skylights, built-in bookshelves, and a wall-to-wall live-edge walnut desk make for a perfect work space. Warm gray wainscoting and honey-hued floors set a serene tone.
Inspired by Japanese gardens and mossy Pacific Northwest landscapes, we conceived of a multi-purpose outdoor space that would look good in all seasons. A cast-in-place paving scheme designates zones for a barbecue grill, a cedar soaking tub, a fire pit, and dining area. A maple tree forms the focal point and will grow to shade the yard. A 7-foot-tall cedar fence is sheathed on both sides, affording maximum privacy for the owner and the neighbors.
We chose hardscaping materials that are readily available in Portland, and will weather well.
A stepping stone gets you into this Japanese soaking tub.
We designed this 7-bed 5-bath home in Teton Village, Wyoming, for a family with 4 children. Strict subdivision guidelines mandated a traditional western mountain style, but refined detailing balances the rustic elements.
We designed this 7-bed 5-bath home in Teton Village, Wyoming, for a family with 4 children. Strict subdivision guidelines mandated a traditional western mountain style, but refined detailing balances the rustic elements.
Bathrooms in this home were inspired by the colors of the surrounding Wyoming landscape.
The new kitchen in this 1909 home was inspired by the owners’ gutsy attitude and love of midcentury furniture. A major goal for this project was to to be bold but not cold, so materials were carefully chosen with this in mind. Select walls are upholstered in a dramatic gunmetal gray tile. Semi-reflective, the tile catches the light and softens the dark tones.
A very special, richly textured western walnut is paired with handmade tile.
For this garden studio, we converted a garage into an office space.
For this garden studio, we converted a garage into an office space.
We stitched a second floor to this small ’40s home. The original house remains intact right down to the windows, tucked inside the new form and wrapped in new siding.
A gut renovation of the kitchen in this ’20s home improved the flow, and brought in a fresh palette. Cabinets are painted gray-white, while walls are paper-white. Textured gray-blue tiles add warmth and texture.
We converted a chopped-up series of small rooms into an expansive master suite. The new bathroom features a wet room containing a shower and Japanese soaking tub.
We converted a chopped-up series of small rooms into an expansive master suite. The new bathroom features a wet room containing a shower and Japanese soaking tub, and a separate toilet room.
Located in the residential tower of the iconic Drake Hotel, this Chicago 2-bedroom pied-à-terre is inspired by the views of Lake Michigan and the vibrancy of this world-class art city.
Modern and classical blend at the master suite of this Chicago condo. Architecture, interiors, custom cabinetry and built-ins designed by Michael Howells. Lighting by Atelier Jean Perzel. Rugs by Jan Kath.
Custom fireplace screen by Michael Howells, with a little help from Piet Mondrian.
Lighting by Jean Perzel. Built-in bed and nightstand by Michael Howells.
Foyer at Chicago Drake Tower condo. Wallpaper by Farrow & Ball.
This kitchen was inspired by the home’s 1920’s English influences–and Downton Abbey!
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