Archinect
Bryan Samuel

Bryan Samuel

Seattle, WA, US

 

About 

Bryan Samuel is an architect and the cofounder of the design collective, srs. architecture.

His work is characterized by a careful consideration of context and a commitment to problem solving, drawing on his experience designing for various typologies and climate conditions. An upbringing split between the near-perpetual dark of Norwegian winters and the heavy heat of Indian summers has instilled a deep appreciation for environmentally-responsive design strategies. This approach is evident in his portfolio that includes buildings in severe wildfire hazard areas, seismic zones, and snow country, where integrating environmental factors into the architecture is a prime consideration.

Bryan is motivated by conceptually challenging projects, as demonstrated by recent developments for a curved glass elevator cab for an American landmark and the headquarters for the world’s first human composting facility. Bryan’s expertise also extends across hospitality projects, tenant improvements, and most extensively in the residential sector, where he excels in crafting energy efficient homes and ADUs that integrate aging-in-place principles.

Outside of work, Bryan volunteers his time toward architectural mentorship at the University of Washington and the University of Maryland. When not immersed in architecture, you can find him riding his motorcycle or plunging into the pristine alpine lakes of the Pacific Northwest.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Olson Kundig, Seattle, Architect

Served as project architect and designer for some of the
firm's most unusual projects, ranging from the headquarters
of the nation's first human composting facility to a custom
designed elevator cab for a landmark building to a curving
underground cabin in a severe wildfire hazard zone.

Lead the construction administration process for a fast-track
commercial industrial project.

Aug 2021 - Apr 2024
 

Square 134 Architects, Washington DC, Project Architect

Designed and managed projects including a fifty unit mixed-use apartment and a forty bedroom exploration in co-housing.

Created a qualifications package and new business cards

Rebuilt the firm's Revit Standards

Aug 2017 - Jul 2019
 

Education 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, US, MArch, Architecture

Aug 2019 - Jul 2021
 

University of Maryland, College Park, MD, US, Bachelors, Architecture and Sustainability

Aug 2012 - May 2016
 

Awards 

2023
 

Graduate Award for Design Excellence, 1st Place

Awarded to Bryan Samuel and Francisco Hernandez for their project "Bouazizi Opportunity Center"

2021
 

The Donald E. Ferry Award, Scholarship

Awarded to a student who demonstrates outstanding potential for future achievement in the field of architecture.

2020
 

AIA Chicage Award in Architecture, 1st Place

Awarded to Bryan Samuel and Shweta Krishnan for their project "Fields + Fabrics"

The jury, members of the AIA Chicago Foundation, agreed that “Fields + Fabrics” was their top choice. The jury thought that the project had a well-defined problem statement and that the overall design was strong and well composed. It was the clear winner.

2020
 

Areas of Specialization