SEAN HEGSTAD

Founder | LEED AP | Architect

EDUCATION/QULIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Architecture, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI 1997 Washington State – Architecture License 2001 LEED Accredited Professional 2009 NCARB Certificate 2012
Lead Architect and founder of Haven Design Workshop
Haven Design Workshop is the culmination of years of inspiration and aspiration for Sean. "Building my own home has allowed me to better understand the way space affects those who live within the design, how important sticking to a budget is, and how smart choices in design directly affect the final cost of construction. "This has also helped me listen better to the client's needs, especially getting all parties to provide feedback on their design,” says Sean. "Good design is about taking the client's desires and creating something that exceeds their dreams — within their budget."

BRENDA ZIRKELBACH

Architect

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS
Masters of Architecture, Montana State University, 2010 Washington State – Architecture License 2022
EXPERIENCE
Brenda received her Master's in Architecture from Montana State University in 2010, after which she started a farm to better understand our food systems. Since joining the Haven team in 2014 she has since proved an invaluable member of the team with her attention to detail and thirst for building code.
HOBBIES
When not thinking about how design can improve the quality of life for all, she likes biking, yoga, and food. Kristin's trying to get her into mountain biking.

AMY MATHER

Permit Technician

EDUCATION
Academy of Art University, Interior Architecture & Design
QUALIFICATIONS
Amy joined Haven in early 2014. She has a knack for multi-tasking, something she’s picked up as a mother of 4 spirited boys. Her tenacity for detail and a deep understanding of zoning regulations make her critical to the success of every project.
EXPERIENCE
Haven Design Workshop, Permitting Tech, 2014 - Present 250+ Residential, Commercial, Multi-family & Mixed-use permits completed Permitted projects in multiple counties, including Whatcom,Skagit, Snohomish, Cowlitz, and Kitsap Counties Municipal permitted projects in: City of Bellingham City of Lynden City of Ferndale City of Nooksack City of Blaine City of Lake Stevens
HOBBIES
Amy enjoys drawing, painting, and landscape design

Douglas Greene

Design Technician

EDUCATION
University of Oregon, Masters of Architecture, 2019 University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Architecture, 2017
Skills
Douglas' main focus is at the design development phase. He produces 3d drawings to give clients a real feel for their projects. He also develops the necessary construction documents.
Hobbies
When not at work he enjoys hiking, painting, and snowboarding.

Kristin Miller-Nelson

Design Technician

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Bachelor of Architecture 2020 DIS, Copenhagen, Denmark Architecture and Furniture Design, 2018-19
SKILLS
Kristin is passionate about improving sustainability in design and collaborating with our architects, clients and consultants to create drawing sets. She has a background in digital fabrication and a propensity for doing research and representing it with unique graphics.
HOBBIES
Kristin enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and rock climbing.

Keion Xavier

Design Technician

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS
Bellingham Technical College, Bellingham, WA Keion has designed residential remodels using Sketchup and Layout to create 3D models/renders along with floor plans and various construction documents.
SKILLS
3D Modeling, Problem Solving, Bookkeeping, Project Management
HOBBIES
Keion enjoys biking, drawing realistic scenes he discovers while hiking, and volunteering at his church

Alex Sorinsin

Office Manager

SKILLS
As Office Manager, Alex wears many hats. He handles payroll, writes up contracts, takes care of billing, and is often the first person you see when you walk into our office.
HOBBIES
Alex enjoys bowling, disc golf, backpacking, and hiking.