Born in Anacortes, Washington, Mark grew up appreciating the trails of the northern Cascades and the beaches of the San Juan Islands.  Seafaring blood in his veins, lead him to commercial salmon fishing in Bristol Bay, Alaska when he was 12.  After high school, Mark attended Skagit Valley Community College and then Wenatchee Valley Community College, to study x-ray technology and meet his future wife, Heather.  They moved to Moscow, Idaho in 1978, and later Mark returned to school to study architecture.  Receiving his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Idaho in 1988, Mark then left the fishing industry and migrated his career to architecture.  He has been licensed to practice architecture in the states of Arizona, Idaho and Washington.

His professional knowledge comes from over 20 years of diverse university, governmental and private architectural experience, administering simple and complex projects involving the integration of federal, state and local regulations; third-party standards; municipal and county ordinances; International Building Codes; universally accessible design (ADA); sustainable design practices; and green building approaches.  Mark’s projects have included schools and classroom facilities, administration offices, libraries, judicial spaces, childcare, sports facilities, and fire stations.  He has also developed medical, dental, veterinary and bio-research facilities, for private venture clients, as well as academic institutions.  Mark has worked on commercial facilities and tenant improvements for retail, business, food service, banking, and recreation.  Private single and multi-family homes, small additions, remodels, decks, docks, and a wide variety of furniture, light fixtures, and art pieces are also within his portfolio.

He has worked with large groups instilling ownership, developing consensus, and creating buy-in with diverse stakeholders.  He’s provided leadership, guidance and technical expertise for building and land masterplanning projects.  Mark is adept at integrating technology, materials, and construction methods to deliver successful solutions for client-driven needs, within strict budgetary and critical time constraints.

Mark was instrumental in the creation of a mixed-use in-fill project achieving an “Idaho Smart Growth” award for 2005.  The Silos is an inventive infill project that provides a transition from high density residential to the single family on either side and links and the neighborhood through the use of shared space.  His work on the 1925 Craftsman Bungalow, McCreight residence, achieved a City of Moscow 2006 “Orchid Award,” recognizing outstanding contributions to historic preservation in the community.  The Commission felt it was notably successful in adding modern amenities to the interior while restoring historical exterior features.  Recently, a 1908 Craftsman Bungalow remodel project was added to the historic register in Wenatchee, WA.

His interest in ecological, cultural, and social integration with the built environment has led Mark to volunteer with many nonprofit organizations as well as governmental bodies.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center, as well as the Mustard Seed Neighborhood Center.  Until recently, he served on the Board of Directors for the Prescott Area Children’s Museum and was a member of Prescott Chapter of the United State Green Building Council (USGBC), Central Arizona Renewable Energy Network, Prescott Chamber of Commerce, and Yavapai Humane Society.  Mark has also served on the City of Moscow Board of Adjustment, City of Moscow Code Review Committee, Prescott Area Arts & Humanities Council, Palouse Clearwater Environmental Institute, Moscow Arts Commission, and Friends of the Prichard Gallery. He has past membership or service with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Moscow Chamber of Commerce, Latah Economic Development Council, Kiwanis International, and Humane Society of the Palouse.

Mark Seman is presently a partner and the principal architect of the multi-disciplinary design collaborative, HMS Architectures, LLC; and is a founding partner of the construction company, Mark’s Homework, LLC.  Mark’s key role is being a passionate team leader in creating memorable experiences and ensuring profit-enhancing services for his Clients.  He is practiced at finding the un-expected opportunities that leverage projects with innovative and profitable solutions.