About Our Studio

Seattle Architects Julie Campbell and Buzz Tenenbom started their unique collaboration of art and pragmatism, CTA Design Builders Inc., in 1991. Since its inception, they have achieved success in creating living spaces that are functional, beautiful and a joy to inhabit!

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Julie Campbell, AIA, earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from the University of Manitoba and her Masters in Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Coming from a contractor family, she really learned to build when working hands-on constructing her mother’s house outside Toronto! A deep believer in the importance and value of “home” as the wellspring of well-being, Julie works with every client to make their project resonant and personal. Having discovered her love for residential architecture early in her career, Julie’s design work is noted for its creative space-planning and unique use of materials, detail and colour. Julie has also been a painter for many years, and incorporates her love of the outdoors into her artwork.

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Buzz Tenenbom, AIA, became enamored with architecture while he was on the scaffolding building houses and studying about solar and wind power in Vermont.  He made the move to Boston and earned his professional degree at Boston Architectural College. He has researched, published and taught on the subject of the symbiotic relationship between buildings and the environment.  Having piloted our combined design and construction enterprise for so many years, Buzz is now enjoying a return to what he loves most: being an architect!  His hands-on experience as a contractor and builder assures you of intelligent and resourceful use of your time and money. Buzz is also a Project Manager for Architects Without Borders, leading design teams working on projects for communities in need, most recently in Sierra Leone and Haiti.  He loves travel, music, and theater, plus being outdoors, hiking, and playing with the dog.

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Andrew Phillips, Architectural Designer  Andrew grew up in Pennsylvania and has a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Painting and Sculpture from the Atlanta School of Art.  After several vacations to Washington from hot and humid Atlanta, he was hooked and made the move to Seattle. He started his career working in an architectural office — which resonated, as that was the natural extension of sculpture!  And, having since worked in other design-build firms, he has honed his design skills for turning concepts into reality. He is our in-house expert developing beautifully detailed construction drawings. Outside of work, Andrew is a competitive rower and enjoys taking his daughters to their cyclocross meets and ballet classes. We love Andrew unconditionally because he keeps our espresso machine in top working order!

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Nicole McKernan, Architectural Designer Nicole started working in design-build with us several years ago and has recently come back to the office after completing her Masters of Architecture at the University of Washington. She has lived in Washington her whole life but has traveled extensively, loving to study architecture and design abroad, and has a strong interest in historic preservation. She spends her time designing and constructing clothing (as well as buildings!), volunteering, and living outdoors as much as possible.

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Charlie, Office Dog  Charlie spends rainy days with us here in the office, keeping us in good humor no matter what the weather or intensity of construction. Charlie is known and loved by more people than anyone we know!

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