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Kevin Eckert
Partner + Founder
Kevin is the founder of BUILD llc. Under his leadership the firm has expanded its portfolio to include complex master planning projects, such as Sisters Woodlands in Oregon. Kevin is deeply involved in every aspect of the company, and is skilled at seeing the minute details, balancing the myriad stakeholders and forces at work on every project, and artfully and quickly analyzing, digesting, and crafting a strategy to achieve a desired result. Kevin’s ability to find the sensible pathway through the difficult is remarkable. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys outdoor fitness, coaching soccer, and making memories with his wife, two sons, and two hounds.
Education
Master of Architecture, University of Kansas
Bachelor of Science, Structural Engineering, University of Kansas
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Andrew van Leeuwen
Partner
Andrew joined BUILD in 2001; since then he has served as design lead on an array of single-family, multi-family, and commercial projects. In addition to rigor, clarity, and poetics, Andrew’s work is shaped by his calm and focused demeanor, and delivering value-based results. As a senior partner, Andrew deftly moderates internal team and client discussions, which result in a strong sense of shared purpose. He also leads BUILD’s outreach efforts, the BUILD Online Magazine, and the firm’s rigorous documentation program. Andrew is a visiting critic for the University of Washington College of Built Environments, and in his spare time he may be found making photographs, and traveling the world with his family.
Education
Master of Architecture, Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation
Bachelor of Architecture, Washington State University
Bachelor of Science, Architecture, Washington State University
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Justin Lemma
Partner
Justin is a big-picture thinker whose understanding of both built and natural environments informs his holistic approach to architecture. With a background in forestry and wildlife biology, he integrates ecological awareness with design/build experience to create buildings and landscapes that endure. His early work included research in Canada on sea lamprey and aquatic systems, experimentation with aquaponics, and contributions to the Circular City + Living Systems Lab at the University of Washington, where he explored strategies for sustainable urban futures.
Education
Master of Architecture, University of Washington
Bachelor of Science, Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, University of Vermont
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Niccoló Piacentini
Partner
Nicco is guided by a deep passion for the outdoors and a formal education in design and ecology. He brings a holistic approach to architecture that prioritizes ecological value alongside human health. Having grown up in Italy and speaking four languages, his multicultural experience has shaped an appreciation for family, culture, and food, and for the ways in which the natural and built environments must intersect to create resilient places for generations to come.
Education
Master of Architecture, University of Washington
Master of Landscape Architecture, University of Washington
Bachelor of Art, Architecture, Minor in Marine Science, University of San Diego
“Through BUILD llc’s understanding of their clients’ ambitions and imperatives, their rigorous process, and their fundamental intelligence, they consistently add value to their clients’ endeavors. Whether doing the ‘most with the least’ for single-family residential clients, or exceeding the metrics of their commercial clients, BUILD consistently demonstrates these enhanced values. However, and significantly, they are excellent communicators and collaborators with terrific senses of humor.”
— Ed Weinstein, Principal, FAIA, Weinstein A+U