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D. Troy Howe

Project Architect

Over the past 20 years, Troy has led clients, design teams, and contractors through complex custom home, commercial, master plan, and religious projects. He has a keen interest in the philosophy of architecture and follows a guiding design philosophy called “genius loci,” or spirit of place, that looks to create a mutually beneficial relationship between architecture and its location.

Before joining Living Shelter, Troy worked with two Seattle-area high-end custom home architecture firms and ran his own architecture firm focused on civic master plan, religious, and residential projects. Equipped with a passion for the building process, Troy worked in custom home construction and at a New Hampshire timber frame company before officially beginning his architecture career. He enjoys the fine art and craft of wood joinery building and implements that knowledge when designing. Troy earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture from the University of Washington.

Troy was born in Canada but has spent most of his life in Washington. He lives with his wife, two teenage boys, and their Bernese Mountain Dog in Kirkland. Troy regularly retreats to the beauty of the mountains to go on extended backpacking trips. He also enjoys reading, running, bicycling, kayaking, and international travel.

Testimonials

Testimonials

“Living Shelter has been a pleasure to work with on our campaign project. It was clear that they really worked to create a project that was purpose built to our needs, and from a fundraising standpoint, they are always incredibly responsive to updating renderings and drawings that we've needed for donor meetings.”

—Mike Ritter, Capital Manager, Pasado's Safe Haven

“Our experience in working with Terry Phelan was exceptional! Her talents go far beyond what you would expect from a traditional architect. She has a team that truly listens to your goals, and makes them happen! In doing so, they will surprise you with unexpected spaces that impart a very comfortable feel, usually only found in older homes. In addition to designing our primary residence, the Living Shelter team also helped us with conceptual drawings for a coastal property (future build). That was a very fun project, and shows their flexibility to work with various situations. Creative, knowledgeable, professional and a joy to work with - highly recommend!”

—Michele Scaglia, Client

“We can't recommend Living Shelter highly enough. From our initial dreaming, through concept and design, and on into construction, Terry and the LS team were collaborative and creative -- committed to making our new home sustainable, livable, and beautiful. They helped us a create a healthy home that fits the site and our lifestyle.”

—Mary Huycke, Client

“I worked with Living Shelter Design to design and construct my new home in the mountains near Mt Adams in Washington. Their whole team was fantastic to work with! The design ideas presented creatively addressed my aesthetic and space needs, while also fitting within the available budget. Their flexible approach to developing the design made me feel confident that I could build the house of my dreams. The Living Shelter team was also there during construction to help assist the builder and provide the backup support to address all snafus that invariably arise while building a new home. They were so responsive and got the job done for me!”

—Kim Gilmer, Client

“As an interior designer, I have had the pleasure of working with Terry and the Living Shelter team on many projects. They are extremely professional, knowledgeable about sustainable building, and genuinely wonderful people. I highly recommend them!”

—Sandy Campbell, Entero Design

“Terry Phelan is deeply committed to reducing the environmental impact of her buildings, and her work in load bearing straw bale structures is exceptional.”

—Habib John Gonzalez, Director of Sustainable Works

“Did we tell you we love the plans? We do! You really worked magic. Thanks a lot. We are REALLY happy.”

—Judi and Scott Nicolai

“Terry has consistently demonstrated the rare combination of tenacity, caring, and professionalism throughout.”

—Jane Bakken and Jack Fecker