Kevin and Motomi Kudo-King, both architects and longtime colleagues at Seattle-based Olson Kundig, have completed the extensive renovation and expansion of a midcentury modern home in Shoreline, Washington. The project marks the first time the couple, who met as interns at Olson Kundig in 1996 and have been with the firm ever since, have lived in a house they personally designed.

The couple purchased the original single-story, 2,254-square-foot 1950s home in 2013 for $723,000. Situated on a steeply sloping site with forest views and a creek at the bottom of the hill, the house presented both challenges and opportunities. While the existing structure was largely unremarkable to the Kudo-Kings, they were confident they could transform it to better reflect their architectural sensibilities and personal interests, particularly their shared admiration for Japanese design. Motomi Kudo-King grew up in Japan, and the couple frequently draws inspiration from traditional Kyoto architecture as well as contemporary works by architects like Kengo Kuma.

Over nearly a decade of planning and sporadic work due to their demanding careers, the Kudo-Kings developed a design that reconfigured the original home and added a second story, increasing the total area to 3,571 square feet. Dolan Construction began the full-scale renovation in 2022, at which point the couple temporarily relocated.

The updated structure features a new flat roof with broad overhangs and exterior cladding of rough-cut cedar, blackened with pine tar, alongside clear-coated steel. A distinctive element of the design is a series of large cedar screens mounted on motorized hinges that can swing open over the windows, blending functionality with aesthetic expression. The front entrance was shifted and enhanced with an 18-foot Dutch door finished with persimmon-colored automotive lacquer, a nod to the Japanese lacquer bowls the couple gave as wedding favors. The door’s upper portion can open independently for ventilation.

Inside, the floor plan was opened to accommodate the couple’s desire for a social gathering space, particularly an expansive kitchen with a long black granite island and a dining area centered on a live-edge walnut table crafted by Mr. Kudo-King. Personal touches include a tansu chest that belonged to Motomi Kudo-King’s grandmother and an artwork by Etsuko Ichikawa featuring paper burnt with molten glass.

A steel staircase with open risers connects the main floor to the new second story, where the primary bedroom is cantilevered over the treetops and framed by sliding glass doors to merge indoor and outdoor living.

The Kudo-Kings returned to their renovated home in September 2024, while final construction details continued for a few additional months. The total cost of the project was approximately $3.75 million.

After more than a decade of envisioning and building, the couple now resides in a home that aligns closely with their architectural values and personal histories. “It’s often said that every architect should build their own home. We did it. And we survived it,” Motomi Kudo-King reflected.