Profile
Heliotrope designs smart, contemporary works of architecture that transcend style and trend. Process driven and rigorously attentive to detail, we strive for clear, elegant solutions rooted in a thorough understanding of the social, cultural and physical qualities unique to each project. Powered by fruitful collaborations with clients, craftspeople, consultants and colleagues, the work reflects a passion for people and the various, complex places they inhabit.
Founded in 1999 by principals Mike Mora and Joe Herrin, Heliotrope has been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for their carefully crafted private residential commissions located throughout the West. Heliotrope has also developed a portfolio of highly successful restaurants, retail stores, public spaces and work environments. These projects are informed by a deep understanding of human scale and comfort, developed through decades of residential work, coupled with our passion for creating quality urban experiences.
A winner of eight prestigious AIA design awards, Heliotrope is dedicated to creating spaces and places of enduring quality and timeless beauty. We have offices in Seattle and Portland.
Awards
Merit Award
AIA NW & Pacific Honor Awards, 2011
Project: Suncrest
Merit Award
AIA NW & Pacific Honor Awards, 2011
Project: Greenlake Passive House
‘Best of the Year’ Award
Interior Design Magazine, 2011
Project: North Beach
Honor Award
National AIA Housing Awards, 2011
Project: North Beach
Merit Award
AIA Honor Awards for Washington Architecture, 2010
Project: Suncrest
Merit Award
AIA Honor Awards for Washington Architecture, 2009
Project: North Beach
Citation Award
AIA Washington Civic Design Awards, 2007
Project: Ross Park
Merit Award
AIA Northwest and Pacific Region Design Awards, 2003
Project: WRA
Merit Award
AIA Honor Awards for Washington Architecture, 2001
Project: WRA
Recognition
‘Paul Bunyan Shops Here’
Metropolis Magazine
February 2016
Project: Filson Seattle Flagship Store
‘Go Inside a Modern Glass House by Heliotrope Architects in the Pacific Northwest’
Architectural Digest, January 11, 2016
Project: Lone Madrone
‘Quality Athletics is changing the sports-bar playbook’
Seattle Times, December 18, 2014
Project: Quality Athletics
Interior Design Magazine, March 2011
Project: North Beach
C3 Magazine (Korea), January/February 2011
Issue #318
Project: Suncrest
150 Best Eco House Ideas, Marta Serrats, Harper Collins, 2010
Project: North Beach
Beach Houses, Carles Broto
Links Books, 2010
Project: North Beach
Juried exhibit of 12 selected firms ‘shaping the future of Seattle architecture’
New Edge/New Blood: Exhibition at the Seattle AIA, August/September 2008
‘Water Wise’
Northwest Home + Garden, May/June 2007
North Beach
‘What Makes it Green?’ Symposium and exhibition, Spring 2007
Project: Ross Park
DJC ‘Project of the Week’
July 31, 2006
Project: Ross Park
‘East Out West’
Custom Home: Kitchen & Bath Design Guide, April 2006
Project: Grant Creek
25 Houses Under 3,000 Square Feet, by James Trulove (Collins Design 2005)
Projects: Blue Ridge and View Avenue
‘Dream Catcher’
Custom Home, May/June 2003
Project: Horseback Ridge
Juried Exhibition
Both/And: Building Modern in the Context of Historic Architecture, 2003
Project: WRA
Seattle Times / AIA ‘Home of the Month’ Program, Spring 2002
Project: View Avenue
‘Standout Structure’
Spokesman Review: ‘In Life’ section cover, January 26, 2001
Project: WRA