Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl

What Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl does

Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl, operating as Gelotte Architecture, is a Kirkland, Washington-based residential architecture firm that designs custom luxury homes for ultra-high-net-worth individuals across the Pacific Northwest. The firm was founded in 1983 as Curtis Gelotte Architects and rebranded in 2021 to reflect the principal partnership of Scott Hommas and Eric Drivdahl. It operates as a small, principal-led studio with 11-50 employees.

The firm's service offering spans the full custom-residential lifecycle: Feasibility Studies, Project Budget Planning, Architecture, Design Presentation (incorporating VR and 3D visualization), Project Management, and Construction Administration. Design is anchored in five stated principles - Beauty, Light, Form, Place, and Rhythm - and the firm has accumulated multiple industry recognitions, including Luxe RED Awards (2019-2021) and Best of Houzz designations, as well as memberships in the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art and Built Green.

Revenue is generated on a fee-for-service, project-based architecture engagement model, with each custom home serving as a discrete, multi-year engagement for an individual UHNW client. The firm does not disclose pricing structure, project volume, or backlog. Its go-to-market is principally referral-driven within the Pacific Northwest luxury residential and custom home builder ecosystem, with no public evidence of marketing-led customer acquisition, franchise or licensing models, or productized offerings beyond its visualization service.

Name

Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl

Legal name

Gelotte Architecture

Website

https://theartofarchitecture.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gelotte Architecture is a Kirkland, Washington-based residential architecture firm designing custom luxury homes for ultra-high-net-worth individuals across the Pacific Northwest, offering feasibility, architecture, VR/3D design presentation, and construction administration services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Residential Architecture Services

NAICS

Architectural Services (54131), Architectural Services (541310), Interior Design Services (541410)

SIC

Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340)

akta.pro primary industry

Residential Luxury / High-End Home Construction (IMAFABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Residential Design-Build & Renovation-Integrated Builders (IMAFABAE), Luxury Whole-Home Renovation (High-End Finishes & Custom Build) (HSAPAEAI)

Keywords

• Custom home design
• Residential architecture
• Luxury home design
• Architectural services
• Home remodeling design

Headquarters

HQ city

Bellevue

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Architectural Design Services: Comprehensive architectural services spanning concept to completion, including feasibility studies, schematic design, construction documentation, project management, and construction administration. Revenue generated through professional architectural fees for custom home design and remodeling projects.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl Architecture is a residential architecture firm that designs custom luxury homes for affluent homeowners in the Pacific Northwest. Its core offering spans a six-stage service portfolio covering Feasibility Studies, Project Budget Planning, full Architecture (concept through construction documentation), Design Presentation (including 2D renderings, 3D animations, and VR walkthroughs), Project Management, and Construction Administration for new custom homes, remodels, and legacy residences.

Product overview

Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl Architecture is a residential architecture firm offering a comprehensive suite of design services for custom luxury homes. The firm's service portfolio centers on six interconnected offerings: Feasibility Studies (site assessment and early planning), Project Budget Planning (cost alignment and estimation), Architecture (full design from concept to construction documents), Design Presentation (visualization including 2D renderings, 3D animations, and VR walkthroughs), Project Management (process orchestration and consultant coordination), and Construction Administration (on-site oversight through build completion). The Design Presentation service provides clients with architectural visualizations including 2D renderings, 3D animations, virtual reality environments, and diagrammatic studies. The company has been practicing since 1983 under various names (Curtis Gelotte Architects, Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl Architecture, Gelotte Architecture) and serves clients throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Feasibility Studies Site assessment and early-stage analysis service that examines zoning, codes, easements, and project objectives before design begins, laying a confident foundation for a luxury custom home project. Aimed at homeowners commissioning new custom homes or major remodels.
• Project Budget Planning Budget development and cost management service that aligns client vision with investment realities for a custom home, incorporating builder input for realistic estimates and ongoing budget alignment throughout design. Targeted at homeowners undertaking custom residential projects.
• Architecture Full architectural design services for luxury custom homes and remodels, from initial concept through construction documentation, including site study, schematic design, consultant coordination, materials guidance, permitting support, and construction administration. Aimed at ultra-high-net-worth homeowners seeking bespoke residential design in the Pacific Northwest.
• Design Presentation Design visualization and communication service using 2D renderings, 3D animations, virtual reality walkthroughs, and diagrammatic studies to help clients understand and engage with their custom home design before construction. Targeted at residential clients reviewing schematic design options.
• Project Management Design process orchestration service managing schedules, consultant coordination, technical oversight, permitting navigation, and pre-construction preparation to ensure seamless delivery of a custom residential project. Aimed at homeowners commissioning luxury custom homes or remodels.
• Construction Administration Construction oversight service providing site observation, contractor question response, design intent clarification, substitution evaluation, and protection of the architectural vision throughout the building process. Aimed at homeowners and their builders during construction of a custom luxury home or remodel.

Quantifiable outcome

• 43 years of continuous operation and project delivery since founding in 1983
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Brock Smith Custom HomesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBuilder collaborator on Woodland Vista project, a 1,877 sq ft award-winning Pacific Northwest vacation home. The partnership delivered a rustic contemporary design featuring Corten steel roofing, timber siding, and stone accents.
• Lakeville HomesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBuilder partner for Ratio House remodel project, which reimagined kitchen, laundry, mudroom spaces and added master suite with improved views.
• Hamish Anderson Custom HomesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBuilder partner for Lakefront Splendor remodel, which transformed dated design with fine details including stained soffits, custom steel railings, and cedar trellises.
• Kreider Construction, Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBuilder partner for Kingfisher Cliff project, a home perched on Deception Pass cliffs with private studio guest house.
• Lowe ConstructionminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBuilder partner for Casa Del Sol, a Northwest Contemporary project in the San Juans featuring NanaWalls and waterfront views.
• Bender ChaffeyminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor partner for Lake Forest Waterfront Mediterranean-inspired home featuring interconnected rooms, water views, and crafted cabinetry.
• Gallagher Co.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor partner for Contemporary Classic project, a Georgian-style home updated with contemporary edge, modern metals, and clean lines.
• Edifice Construction CompanyminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor for Tuscan Transformation project, a multigenerational estate capturing Tuscan architecture through evolved design narrative.
• Stark Construction, Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor partner for Canvas & Light project, a shingle-style Nantucket-inspired remodel featuring art integration and natural light.
• Fine StructuresminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBuilder partner for Medina Links project, showcasing traditional design with contemporary edge featuring two-story entry and covered deck with fireplace.
• Humane Society of Tacoma and Pierce CountyminorOthersDonors. The firm supports this organization dedicated to animal welfare and supporting pet owners.
• Institute of Classical Art & Architecture (ICAA)minorOthersMembers & Donors. The firm supports this nonprofit promoting classical design practice and understanding.
• Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) Gingerbread VillageminorOthersParticipants since 2012. The firm contributes to this annual event featuring gingerbread creations by architecture firms to fund type one diabetes research.
• Northwest UniversityminorOthersDonors and Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees. Top-ranked liberal arts college located in Kirkland, WA.
• Summer Search, SeattleminorOthersMentors & Donors. The firm mentors young people from low-income communities in the Seattle area.
• Bellevue Big Picture SchoolminorOthersMentors. The firm participates as mentors guiding student internships through this alternative education program.
• Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS)minorOthersMembers. The nation's oldest and largest local homebuilders association serving the residential industry.
• Building Industry Association of WashingtonminorOthersMembers. The voice of the housing industry in Washington state.
• Built GreenminorOthersMembers. The firm has designed 3-, 4-, and 5-star Built Green homes, promoting environmentally sound design and construction practices.
• HouzzminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBest of Houzz recognition and Houzz Influencer status. Platform presence helps connect the firm with potential clients seeking architects.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Lake|Flato Architects: Award-winning Texas-based firm with a strong luxury custom residential practice grounded in site-responsive and artistic design. Comparable as a similarly-sized design-led firm serving affluent clients on bespoke homes.
• Ike Kligerman Barkley: New York- and San Francisco-based firm focused on classically inspired luxury custom homes. Comparable for traditional/classical residential work targeting ultra-wealthy clientele.
• Robert A.M. Stern Architects: National firm renowned for high-end traditional and classically inspired residential architecture. Comparable to Gelotte's traditional/classical-leaning portfolio and ultra-luxury client base.
• Mithun: Seattle-headquartered architecture and design firm with a significant custom residential and high-end residential practice. Comparable on Pacific Northwest geography and integration of architecture with interior and landscape design.
• Aidlin Darling Design: California-based architecture and design studio recognized for high-end custom residential work with an emphasis on craft, landscape, and material expression. Comparable as a similarly-sized design-led luxury residential peer.
• Peter Pennoyer Architects: New York-based firm specializing in classically inspired residential and institutional architecture for elite clients. Comparable on classical design language and ultra-luxury custom residential service model.
• Olson Kundig: Seattle-based architecture firm with a globally recognized luxury custom residential practice serving ultra-high-net-worth clients. Most directly comparable peer given shared geography, ultra-luxury residential focus, and artistic design-led positioning.
• Bohlin Cywinski Jackson: Multi-office architecture firm with a strong custom residential practice serving affluent clients. Comparable as a design-led practice competing for ultra-high-net-worth residential commissions across multiple geographies.

Broad incumbents

• ZGF Architects: Large Pacific Northwest-headquartered architecture firm with a broader portfolio spanning commercial, civic, healthcare, and select residential projects. Comparable as a large regional incumbent that competes in adjacent luxury residential work.
• LMN Architects: Seattle-based large architecture firm with a portfolio spanning cultural, civic, education, and residential projects. Comparable as a Pacific Northwest incumbent with the scale and resources to compete for high-end residential commissions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat2 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ghdarch
• Instagraminstagram.com/gelottearchitecture
• Xx.com/ghdarch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gelotte-hommas-architecture

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl