Approach

Our approach to design is rooted in west coast modernism with a focus on creating spaces that foster a sense of ease and well-being. We work to produce creative solutions within moderate budgets through efficient use of space and materials while maintaining design quality.

Our core principles:

  • Create a strong sense of place through site-specific connections between interior and exterior spaces and views. This gives the occupant a sense of orientation within the site whether it be to a small garden or to a greater view to the landscape beyond.

  • Incorporate abundant natural light into each space where feasible. This is especially important here in the Pacific Northwest. We have a variety of methods to achieve this, including well-placed windows & glazed doors, skylights, clerestory windows. The intention is to orient oneself to the time of day and experience the outside light quality within the building.

  • Create an ease of use for the occupants through the design of functional spaces and details considering the practical day-to-day patterns and needs of living.

  • Select materials for both durability and natural quality, where possible regionally sourced. The materials and textures can reinforce the design’s sense of place and ease of use.

  • Be thoughtful about material and product selections regarding environmental impacts both locally and globally.

  • Use best practices for maintaining good air quality in the spaces using heat recovery ventilation systems and strategically placed operable windows.


Process

We understand the personal importance that each project has to the client and honor that with the service we provide. The quality of our process is based on successful collaboration and communication between us, the client, the contractor and the craftspeople. Chris or Valerie personally manage each project and are directly involved in the decision making throughout the process.

Projects begin with in-depth conversations with our clients about their vision as well as the emotional qualities and functional requirements important to them. During the schematic phase we explore ideas, understand what is feasible on the site, establish a clear budget, and create the look and feel of the project.

We then delve into the design development /construction documents where we consider building systems; perform extensive zoning and building code review; bring in our partnering consultants such as structural, geotechnical, civil engineers; look at materials and overall refine the level of detail and information. The final product is a set of documents that form the basis of the agreement between the client and general contractor and will support the construction process.

Our involvement during the construction phase is crucial to the outcome of the project as we assist the GC and our clients with responding to design decisions that inevitably come up and help facilitate any requirements of the contract.

Please contact us for a more detailed overview of our process.


Valerie Wersinger

Early influences shaped Valerie’s journey in the field of architecture and interior design. Her grandfather was a cohousing developer and her uncle is a successful architect in Strasbourg, France. The synthesis of design and building inspired her to pursue a design/build approach for a short time after finishing her architecture studies before working for several well known architecture firms in Seattle. Recognizing early on that the intimacy of scale, site specific structures, and the personal connections formed with the clients were all strong pulls, she gravitated towards residential design.

Valerie founded nuFORM studio in 2012 where she led to completion several residential projects and many conceptual designs. She also collaborated frequently with her husband, Chris Serra, and his firm on larger scale residential and commercial projects.

Valerie loves to create evocative spaces for the people living in them. She is inspired by the natural environment, the movement and quality of light throughout the day and the inherent beauty of natural materials. She is a believer that good design isn’t limited to large budgets and that the challenge of a modest scope or budget can often produce more interesting results.

Registered Architect | California


Chris Serra

Being raised in New York City, it was impossible for Chris to avoid architectural inspiration and its influence. This, paired with an early passion for drawing, paved the way for his future career. Drawn to the open space and landscapes of the West, Chris left the East Coast to pursue architectural studies in Montana where the relationship of the natural environment and design played a central role in his education. After completing a degree, he moved on to work in Los Angeles for 6 years where he took an interest in the work of early LA modernists — Rudolf Schindler, Richard Neutra and others — who developed particular approaches to integrating nature and design and the craft of architecture.

Soon after arriving in Seattle, Chris co-founded BjarkoSerra Architects with former Montana classmate Greg Bjarko. The firm went on to design high quality modern work in the Seattle area for the next 30 years, receiving recognition through AIA Awards and numerous publications. Chris’s collaborative approach with clients and contractors has been refined through many successful projects.

In 2023, Chris co-founded serra|wersinger architects with his wife, Valerie Wersinger, leveraging their history of collaboration and focusing on residential design work and smaller commercial projects.

Registered Architect | Washington and California
AIA American Institute of Architects Member
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Certified