About Formwest

FORMWEST Architecture is a full-service firm serving new and repeat clients throughout the Pacific Northwest.

FORMWEST approaches its work as a fully integrated process in which each unique site and program is seen as suited to one unique design solution, resulting in a built environment that is beautiful, functional and environmentally appropriate.

The ideal built environment results from careful, creative attention to influences unique to each project.  Primary influences may include features of the site and its historical context, larger scale conditions of the natural environment, current technologies and most importantly, the goals, resources and aspirations of the individual client.

The design process is informed by a thorough understanding of time-tested solutions in similar environments and balanced by a desire to continuously explore new ideas and technologies.

Steve Kaiser is a licensed architect with more than 35 years of professional experience serving clients on both commercial and custom residential projects.  In addition to his design and presentation media skills, Steve has a strong technical and project management background gained by working as a project architect on many complex commercial, historic renovation and custom residential projects, including new homes, additions and remodels.

Steve is a life-long resident of the Pacific Northwest and received his architectural degree from the University of Oregon, where he studied environmentally based principles of design under the tutelage of renowned sustainability guru G.Z. Brown.  After graduation in 1985, Steve took up residence in Portland.

In the early years of his professional career, Steve worked for several established, award-winning Portland architecture firms. In 1996 Steve took the leap and began his own architectural practice, and in 2006 launched his current business, Formwest Architecture.

Steve has an extensive background in graphic design, fine art, architectural presentation media, and photography. On his time off Steve enjoys woodworking, and spending time restoring riparian forestland on his family’s historic homestead near Battle Ground, Washington.