Studio Pacifica has worked collaboratively with architects and built environment teams to help create beautifully designed, barrier-free civic, commercial, education, hospitality, medical, and multi-family residential projects since 1993.

Our specialized consulting practice is driven by a belief in universal design – a way of thinking about design that translates into built environments that work for people of all abilities and ages.

Today, Studio Pacifica consults with some of the most highly respected architectural firms (and their notable Pacific Northwest clients). Our firm’s continuously expanding role in public and private development reflects the focus on accessibility put in place by the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

Since that time, many built environment firms have experienced how inclusive design can enhance their core concept. As a result, some look to “go beyond” what is required by law. Studio Pacifica can help clients reach one – or both – of those goals. Our accessibility consultants have both architectural expertise and (in some instances) first-hand experience dealing with a world with physical barriers.

Studio Pacifica was founded by Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA. Today, Karen continues in her role as managing principal. In addition, she serves on the US Access Board, an independent Federal agency that provides leadership in accessible design public policy.

Thinking about accessibility early in the planning and design process is one of the most effective (and least expensive) ways to create beautiful, highly usable built environments in the civic, commercial, education, hospitality, medical, and multi-family residential markets.

Most design firms are certainly familiar with codes and regulations, but few have highly specialized accessibility professionals on staff.

Studio Pacifica fills that role when it comes to consulting on code compliance and regulations. It fills that role when it comes to showing how even a small design decision can have big ramifications for people with various physical limitations. And we’re happy to talk creative solutions – including thoughts from the members of our team who use wheelchairs.

Studio Pacifica consulting services include:

• Proposals: as team sub-consultant on accessibility issues
• Design consulting: early accessibility compliance
• Drawing review: code and regulation compliance
• On-site review: construction for compliance with design intent
• Surveys of existing buildings: compliance with ADA + building codes
• Continuing education: ADA and building code compliance training
• On-call accessibility resource
• Community building: public processes and presentations
• Keynote speeches + AIA trainings

At Studio Pacifica, we have our favorite programs to volunteer with and contribute to financially. What’s the best thing about giving back? We get to learn from – and share our experience with – the greater community.