How can we help?
We help people who love their neighborhood, and love their house, but would like to make some changes. Perhaps a new baby is on the way, and you need more space. Or, the house is compartmentalized and dark, and you would like to open the kitchen and living areas to each other and brighten your space. You love to cook and entertain, but the kitchen hinders instead of helps and you would like to renovate it. Maybe you need some kids-only or adults-only space. You would like your house to reflect your values and personality, and you need to change it. Perhaps, you would really love to add some color and texture, but need help knowing where to start and how to choose. You would love your aging parents or adult children to live with you in a backyard cottage. Or you have dreams for a new home. We can help with all of this more.
What is the design process for a new house or addition or remodel?
We talk on the phone and then meet in person to get to know each other and the scope of the project. We then set up a series of steps to follow in the design process. First, we establish the scope and program, next do site research, and then work on schematic design. We adjust the design as needed until we achieve a single schematic design. Then, we speak with a couple of contractors so you can get to know them and we can make sure we are on budget. By this point, the owner usually selects a contractor. After schematic budgeting, we start the next phases of developing the design and obtaining a building permit. During permitting, we work on materials and finishes and details. And at last, we have a construction set of drawings for construction pricing. A start date is agreed on, and the contractor starts building the project.
What is live-work-play's philosophy?
Founded in 2001 by architect and designer Sheri Newbold, live-work-play offers an intuitive, thoughtful, practical and fun perspective for residential and commercial projects. We offer both architecture and interior design services, so that we think about your home or office from the inside-out and outside-in.
From new home design to home additions to green-focused renovations and everything in between, each live-work-play project makes the most of individual context and aesthetics. Our philosophy encourages listening, clear communication and collaboration as crucial tools during the design process. This allows us to achieve successful home and work environments in a cost-effective way.
For residential projects such as additions and changes to century-old Seattle homes, for example, we strive to respect the house and neighborhood context while adding contemporary flair to these older homes.
Sheri Newbold brings a variety of design team experience from previous firms to live-work-play: new single family houses, office buildings, and even in substantial hospitality projects such as casinos and hotels. This is a tool to help home and business owners achieve great design. Please contact us to begin the discussion on how we can help with your project.
How to be sustainable?
At live-work-play we believe in designing live and work environments to be as green and sustainable as each individual project will allow. Our top priority is working with project owners to ensure durability and efficiency of space. Energy efficiency is also a main focus, including insulation and air sealing options. We rely on low-VOC materials where possible for indoor air quality. If a material can be locally sourced, that is what we specify. If you would like your project to be Built Green rated, we can help with that.
Who is Sheri Newbold?
Sheri Newbold holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she studied interior architecture along with drawing, sculpture and fiber arts and cultivated her intuitive understanding of color, space and light.
Sheri relocated to Seattle in 1994 and subsequently earned her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Washington, where she focused on construction materials and methods, participated in design/build projects, and explored architectural photography. Her particular interests include mid-century homes and furniture (particularly that of designer Russel Wright) and green design and building.
Sheri is actively involved with promoting education in green building through her work with the Northwest Ecobuilding Guild, where she currently serves as Vice-President of the Seattle Chapter. She is also a member of Seattle’s Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) and Built Green.
A dance enthusiast who particularly enjoys Argentine Tango, Sheri believes the dance embodies a guiding philosophy that there is no right or wrong step, just movement that connects people, place, and music.
Sheri Newbold is a registered architect in the State of Washington.
