One might say that Associate Chelsea Gorkiewicz is a free spirit, except for the fact that she’s an extremely focused, hard worker with laser-sharp attention to detail when she’s in the office. It’s outside of the office, on evenings, weekends and week-long trips that she really starts to let loose. Whether it is learning to play the accordion, exploring the vibrant music scene in Seattle, or volunteering, she’s bound to be up to something interesting. 

Chelsea earned her architecture undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her graduate degree from the University of Washington. Her first job after grad school was at PLACE Architects, where she worked on residential projects in and around Seattle, Washington. Modern prefab is one of Chelsea’s primary architectural interests, and she’s worked for several firms designing houses at small scales, including putting together a precisely detailed kit-of-parts utilizing Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and heavy timber frame.   

She’s been to all seven continents including Antarctica, so to say Chelsea enjoys traveling is an understatement. In 2008 her attention turned to Haiti where she volunteered with All Hands Volunteers doing post-disaster relief work following a major earthquake. She did everything from clearing rubble to building primary schools to constructing biosand-filter water purification systems.  Her involvement in Haiti continues today through her work volunteering with Architects Without Borders. Her other passions include cooking single-pot vegetarian meals, coordinating a theme camp for Burning Man, and rocking out to her favorite bands including the Allah-las and Bonobo.

Education

University of Washington, Master of Architecture

University of Michigan, Bachelor of Science, Architecture

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