‘Phōs’ (φῶς) in Ancient Greek refers to a pure and brilliant quality of light that shapes shadows, represents a break in the darkness, and symbolizes the triumph of truth and knowledge over ignorance.

Phōs is a design studio based in Seattle that draws inspiration from the unique qualities and importance of natural light in the Pacific Northwest to design contemporary spaces that enhance modern living.

Our design process begins by listening to our clients' needs and expectations. Combining this information with the site and our design philosophy we generate the narrative that guides the project's initial concept.

Each client and every site has a unique story to be told, and our role is to bring that story to reality, transforming that vision into a beautifully crafted build.

OUR TEAM

  • Mario Martino

    FOUNDER / PRINCIPAL

    Mario is an award-winning European architect and designer based in Seattle. He is the founder of Phōs Design Studio and co-founder of Freefox Architecture Studio in Switzerland.

    In 2005 he received his Master's Degree from the Academy of Architecture in Switzerland, where he was mentored by architectural luminaries such as P. Zumthor, E. Zenghelis, A. Siza, and Aires Mateus.

    Over the last two decades, he has worked on a diverse scope of projects with worldwide collaborations in USA, Switzerland, India, China, Africa, Mexico, and South America.

    His personal time is spent sketching and kiteboarding along the breathtaking Pacific Northwest Coast.

  • Andrea Morales

    DESIGNER

    Born and raised on the central coast of California, Andrea has a particular fondness for the unique landscape where forest meets ocean. Having also resided in San Francisco, Melbourne (AU), and Milan she has a deep appreciation for the importance of incorporating and preserving nature in urban settings.

    Her affinity for nature along with her multidisciplinary studies of the arts drives her innate passion for both aesthetics and environmental consciousness.

    Her free time revolves around her fiber art and photography and spending time in the lush greenery of Seattle and the surrounding area.

TEACHING

2019-20 Innovation Architect, Envisioning Studios, Seattle, WA, US

2006-18 A.P. Politecnico di Milano, Italy

2016-18 A.P. Academy of Architecture, Switzerland

2016-17 A.P. Perspective and sketching, Academy of Architecture, Switzerland

2015-16 Visiting Professor, SUPSI, Lugano, Switzerland

2013-14 Visiting Professor, ETH, Zurich, Switzerland

AWARDS

2021 AIA National Housing Award - Portage Bay Float Home

2012 winner, UBS headquarter, Lugano, Switzerland in collaboration with. Camponovo architects

2010 Railway Corridor, Bari main station with ACT Architecture and Wilson

2010 Varese New Waterfront - 2nd place with ACT Architecture

2008 1st prize, Ein Hud masterplan, Haifa, Israel

2007 honorable mention, Maserada sul Piave, Italy coll. ACT studio

2007 honorable mention, Serravalle castle restoration, Switzerland

PUBLICATIONS

2018 Schweizweit S AM Basel Museum of Contemporary Architecture, Basel, Switzerland

2017 Bsa/Fas biography series

2016 Welcome Ticino, Lugano Switzerland

2016 Seashell house, Domus; Ecuador

2016 Werk, bauen + wohnen, Basel Switzerland

2016 Casabella n921 - Cantina dei 5 Sogni, Monforte d’Alba, Italy

2016 Domus 1004, Arch&Art Interpratative models of the pavilion of the XXI Triennial di Milano

LECTURES

2023 “Eu-Us, Shapes and Materials of a timeless dichotomy”, Domicile Art Gallery, American Society of Interior Designers, Seattle, US

2016 XXI Triennale di Milano, Interpretative models of the pavilions of the XX1 Triennale, Milano, Italy

2015 “The language of Light”, Academy of Architecture, Mendrisio, Switzerland

2013 “The importance of hand sketching in the architectural process”, Politecnico di Milano, Italy

2012 “Architecture in comic books”, Politecnico di Milano, Italy