ARLENE KISIEL-JERMANN, AIA, ASID

Arlene brings over twenty-five years of design experience to her company. As a professional who strives to provide exceptional customer service, creative design skills, and an eye for detail, AKJA has the expertise to lead your residential project from concept through completion.

The firm's design philosophy draws from both traditional historic precedents and regional influences, while incorporating the conveniences of modern lifestyles and technology.

Arlene received her Master of Architecture Degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, her Master of Science in Interior Design from the University of Massachusetts, and her Bachelor degree from Skidmore College with a major in Art and minor in Spanish. Arlene's combination of creative degrees in Architecture, Interior Design, and Fine Art give her a holistic approach to residential design, enabling her to quickly comprehend and efficiently collaborate with other professionals. While at MIT, one of the most prestigious architecture schools in the world, Arlene coupled her studies with graduate courses, including the study of business, at the MIT Center for Real Estate. Since a young age, Arlene has enjoyed numerous academic opportunities to travel throughout America, Europe, and Asia, learning about art and culture throughout the world.

Since 1987, Arlene has been privileged and trusted to work on residential and commercial projects with multi-million-dollar budgets. She's managed all phases of residential design, architecture, and construction for well-established Seattle architecture. Arlene launched her own firm, AKJ Architects, in 2007 to design new and renovated homes, cabins, and condominiums ranging in size from 500 sf to 10,000 sf. She brings passion, creativity, a commitment to succeed, and a powerful blend of skills, education, and experience to every residential architecture project. Arlene especially enjoys working in her own backyard in Seattle neighborhoods such as Madison Park, Leschi, Seward Park, Mt. Baker, and Washington Park.

Today, the firm is growing. Arlene is contributing her design talent to each project and helping her clients' visions become a reality. Her ability to design structures and interior spaces, to manage client's needs, and to work with the contractor during construction provide tremendous value to her clients. Arlene continues to develop her creative and technical skills by attending seminars relevant to design and sustainability, traveling, and sharing her knowledge with local non-profits such as the Washington Women's Foundation, where she participates on committees to support and address environmental, arts, health, educational and social service concerns. She lives in Seattle with her husband and dog and enjoys getting away to the Long Beach Peninsula on Washington's coast for rest and relaxation.

A native of western Massachusetts, Arlene was born and raised in South Hadley, a classic New England town on the scenic shores of the Connecticut River Valley. She's inspired by both the rural traditional environment where she grew up as well as the technologically savvy region of the Pacific Northwest where she calls home.