2025 Lerch Bates
People's Choice Awards Finalists

Located on Bainbridge Island just west of Seattle, our project transformed a long-contaminated site, once part of a former creosote plant, into a place of renewal and restoration. From the beginning, we focused on minimizing impact, preserving the tree line, and reintroducing green space. Drawing inspiration from the Suquamish Tribe and their deep ties to land and water, we envisioned a space that honors both nature and cultural heritage. Tribal artistry, particularly canoe carving and weaving, inspired the design of a free-span timber dome housing a concert hall, amphitheater, art museum, and community spaces. Sustainability was at the core of our vision. We aimed for Net Zero performance through geothermal energy, rainwater harvesting, photovoltaic glass cladding, and native landscaping. Wood, both renewable and symbolic, served as structure and finish, merging traditional craftsmanship with environmental responsibility. The building’s sculptural form echoes Salish art and follows the natural contours of the site. The amphitheater extends into the park, inviting community engagement with both music and nature. More than a building, this project is a space of environmental healing, cultural expression, and shared experience, rooted in local identity and global sustainability.