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Howells Architecture + Design

Portland
Photo: Werner Straube

Regions Served

  • Pacific Northwest

Howells Architecture + Design is a small architecture practice, serving the Pacific Northwest. We are focused on residential remodeling.

We value what’s timeless rather than trendy, and aim to give our clients warm, personal, one-of-a-kind spaces that will look good and perform well for many years to come.

Humane. Refined. Intuitive. Respecting both past and present. These goals guide every project, big or small.

Firm principal Michael Howells has extensive experience in residential renovation. Our work has been published online and in print by Portland Monthly, Dwell, Homestead, Gray, Remodelista, Gardenista, and Better Homes, among others.

(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)

Details

Contact

Owner

  • Michael Howells, AIA

Locations

  • 3820 SE Bybee Boulevard Portland, OR 97202

Featured Projects

lab 170130 1172b
lab 170130 1183b

Writer's Garret

This was a dark and dusty attic, in a large historic Portland home. But the writer-owner saw the potential for a “room of one’s own,” far above the noise of the house. A dormer, skylights, built-in bookshelves, and a wall-to-wall live-edge walnut desk make for a perfect work space. Warm gray wainscoting and honey-hued floors set a serene tone.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photos: Laurie Black
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3

Urban Garden

Inspired by Japanese gardens and mossy Pacific Northwest landscapes, we conceived of a multi-purpose outdoor space that would look good in all seasons. A cast-in-place paving scheme designates zones for a barbecue grill, a cedar soaking tub, a fire pit, and dining area. A maple tree forms the focal point and will grow to shade the yard. A 7-foot-tall cedar fence is sheathed on both sides, affording maximum privacy for the owner and the neighbors.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3
140620 pacific 8664 lr

Urban Garden Details

We chose hardscaping materials that are readily available in Portland, and will weather well.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photos: Anna M Campbell
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3

Zen-inspired Bathroom

A stepping stone gets you into this Japanese soaking tub.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
agnello 120522 6321

Mountain Home

We designed this 7-bed 5-bath home in Teton Village, Wyoming, for a family with 4 children. Strict subdivision guidelines mandated a traditional western mountain style, but refined detailing balances the rustic elements.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photo: David Agnello
agnello 120522 6157

Mountain Home

We designed this 7-bed 5-bath home in Teton Village, Wyoming, for a family with 4 children. Strict subdivision guidelines mandated a traditional western mountain style, but refined detailing balances the rustic elements.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photo: David Agnello
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3

Mountain Home Details

Bathrooms in this home were inspired by the colors of the surrounding Wyoming landscape.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
130525 ainsworth 826 hr

Midcentury-inspired Kitchen

The new kitchen in this 1909 home was inspired by the owners’ gutsy attitude and love of midcentury furniture. A major goal for this project was to to be bold but not cold, so materials were carefully chosen with this in mind. Select walls are upholstered in a dramatic gunmetal gray tile. Semi-reflective, the tile catches the light and softens the dark tones.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photo: Anna M Campbell
130525 ainsworth 094 hr
130525 ainsworth 111 hr

Midcentury-inspired Kitchen

A very special, richly textured western walnut is paired with handmade tile.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photos: Anna M Campbell
140620 pacific 8625 hr

Garage Conversion

For this garden studio, we converted a garage into an office space.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photo: Anna M Campbell
140620 pacific 8414 hr

Garage Conversion

For this garden studio, we converted a garage into an office space.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photo: Anna M Campbell
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3

Second Story Addition

We stitched a second floor to this small ’40s home. The original house remains intact right down to the windows, tucked inside the new form and wrapped in new siding.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3

Vintage-modern Kitchen

A gut renovation of the kitchen in this ’20s home improved the flow, and brought in a fresh palette. Cabinets are painted gray-white, while walls are paper-white. Textured gray-blue tiles add warmth and texture.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photo: Anna M Campbell
lab 170410 1696da 3

"Blue Grotto" Bath

We converted a chopped-up series of small rooms into an expansive master suite. The new bathroom features a wet room containing a shower and Japanese soaking tub.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photo: Laurie Black
lab 170410 1720a
lab 170410 1844b

"Blue Grotto" Bath

We converted a chopped-up series of small rooms into an expansive master suite. The new bathroom features a wet room containing a shower and Japanese soaking tub, and a separate toilet room.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photos: Laurie Black
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3

Drake Tower Condo

Located in the residential tower of the iconic Drake Hotel, this Chicago 2-bedroom pied-à-terre is inspired by the views of Lake Michigan and the vibrancy of this world-class art city.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photo: Werner Straube
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3

Drake Tower Master

Modern and classical blend at the master suite of this Chicago condo. Architecture, interiors, custom cabinetry and built-ins designed by Michael Howells. Lighting by Atelier Jean Perzel. Rugs by Jan Kath.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photos: Werner Straube
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3

Drake Tower Details

Custom fireplace screen by Michael Howells, with a little help from Piet Mondrian.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photo: Werner Straube
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3

Drake Tower Details

Lighting by Jean Perzel. Built-in bed and nightstand by Michael Howells.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photo: Werner Straube
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3

Drake Tower Details

Foyer at Chicago Drake Tower condo. Wallpaper by Farrow & Ball.

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photo: Werner Straube
Howells Architecture  Design portrait 3

Blue + White Kitchen

This kitchen was inspired by the home’s 1920’s English influences–and Downton Abbey!

(Visited 313 times, 1 visits today)
Photo: Anna M Campbell

Coverage on Remodelista & Gardenista

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