[Design + Development] Architectural Agency through Real Estate Development

Abstract

This thesis proposes that architects can have a greater impact on the built environment if they understand real estate development and assume the role of being their own client. The intent of this thesis is to explore the relationship between real estate development and architecture to gain an understanding of how the two activities can be combined to achieve projects that has both design integrity and financial robustness through a form of architectural agency. By performing a mock design-development mixed-use project on a neighborhood commercial property in Seattle, this thesis aims to achieve a better alternative to the institutional grade development Seattle is currently experiencing.