PHŌS (φῶς) “light” in Ancient Greek refers to a pure and brilliant quality of light that shapes a volume by its shadow.

PHŌS is an architectural design practice based in Seattle that draws inspiration from the unique qualities and importance of natural light in the Pacific Northwest.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

At Phōs, design begins with light.

Light reveals material.
Light defines proportion.
Light shapes experience.

OUR PROCESS

Whether it’s a remodel or a new construction, every project begins with listening.

We seek to understand our clients’ needs and expectations, then layer that understanding with the specific conditions of the site and our design philosophy. This will define the narrative or red line that will guide the project from its earliest concept to its final completion.

We support our clients throughout every stage of the project, from the initial sketches, through construction, to the final inauguration.

A SELECTIVE PRACTICE

Phōs Design Studio is intentionally small.

We do not pursue volume. We pursue beauty, simplicity and mutual trust.

By limiting the yearly number of active projects, we ensure each one receives our full creative and technical attention.

MEET US

MARIO MARTINO

FOUNDER / PRINCIPAL

Mario is an award-winning European architect and designer based in Seattle. He founded his personal practice Phōs Design Studio in 2019.

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, Europe, Switzerland, India, China, Africa, Mexico, and South America.

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

ANDREA D. 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, Italy, 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.

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

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

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