Founded in 2012, Richaven Architecture & Preservation was created to focus on future-proofing existing and historic buildings. Growing out of the detailed technical knowledge and regulatory experience Mr. Rich has in rehabilitating historic buildings, the basic premise of the firm’s work is to balance the need for respecting the historic character of our built environment with renewing it. The goal of future-proofing is to make the most of the single largest investment humans have made in their societies – economically, environmentally, and culturally. A holistic understanding of an historic building in terms of its significance, important character defining features, the way it works in its physical, economic, and social environment, and the uses that it can accommodate, is required to achieve the sustainable, resilient, and long lasting performance.
Richaven Architecture & Preservation originates in technical architectural design that grows out of understanding how buildings are constructed to achieve a specific design intent while accommodating the multi-faceted requirements of support, services, and constructibility. Richaven thrives on work that combines technical architecture with the complexities of phased scheduling, multi-jurisdictional requirements, and respecting cultural heritage and historic materials. Our experience as owner’s representatives, architects, and collaborators with contractors and tradesmen result in a unique appreciation and understanding of the project goals from multiple points of view.
Richaven’s pro bono and volunteer work and research enrich our understanding of historic preservation with multivalent viewpoints. Mr. Rich’s deep involvement as the president of APT Northwest and APT 2023 Conference Co-Chair has built a regional and international network. Practical experience managing an historic landmark is a key benefit of serving as the historic preservation expert on the University Heights Community Center Board of Directors. Mr. Rich’s research on future-proofing has become a philosophy for building resilience into historic buildings that Richaven practices on a daily basis.
Richaven is a certified Washington Small Business Enterprise (WA SBE #S000025663) and King County Small Contractor Services (SCS #2196) business. Richaven is also a self-certified micro-business per the Washington DES roster requirements.