THE FIRM

Graham Baba Architects is a vibrant pacific northwest architecture firm recognized for their successful place-making of commercial, residential and arts spaces. Whether through the renovation of existing buildings or in new construction, the firm believes authenticity can, and should, be found in every building by the use of honest materials such as metal, wood, and glass celebrated in their natural state.

Through subtle and economical design moves, Graham Baba creates places that tell a story, places that people are drawn to and spaces that encourage social interaction and community.  The Graham Baba team is driven by thoughtful creativity and collaboration and works to celebrate the embedded qualities of spaces as well as the potential of a site and program and client vision.  Graham Baba’s thirty plus employees are all deeply involved in their project development processes; they are essential in producing the project designs and design deliverables required by each unique client and project. In 2021, Graham Baba expanded and opened a new office in Bellingham, Washington. 

 
Location Map-BW.jpg
 

OUR VALUES

While our process varies from project to project, there are core components in our design ethos and the way we engage our clients that remain unchanged.

Authenticity: Our work is true to its place, the values of our clients and the materials from which we build.

Research: We seek precedents not just in our own work, but in the very best design we find world-wide. We gather feedback from the users and community and build these values and ideas into our design process.

Craft: Our team obsesses over the craft and detail of construction, ensuring that the “big” ideas of a project translate into the multitude of small moments, experiences and textures that build a rich environmental experience.

Collaboration: Working collaboratively with other designers, engineers, our owners, and community stakeholders is baked into our DNA. We believe that careful listening involves not only offering a voice to the entire team, but also ensuring that their ideas can truly inform the final project design.

Responsibility: We understand that the very best design is one that must be built on a budget and schedule that results in financial success for our clients. We understand the impact a building has on the environment and we take a restorative approach to the decisions we make about the building, site, and neighborhood.

Fun: We believe that a great project requires a great experience. We seek to keep the process engaging and rewarding for all involved.

Sustainability: Graham Baba has signed on to the AIA 2030 Commitment Program and it’s goal of carbon-neutral buildings by the year 2030. Download a copy of our Sustainability Action Plan.

Equity: We are committed to social justice and equity transparency. Graham Baba Architects is a JUST 2.0 label holding company with the International Living Future Institute’s disclosure program.

 
Jim_GBA_web.jpg

Jim Graham
Principal / Founder

Jim is an award-winning architect with over 30 years of experience. He brings relentless creativity to his work and excels at leading large collaborative teams through complex projects. Jim seeks out-of- the-box solutions and has an exceptional ability to create comfort and belonging for a wide range of users within an environment. His extensive portfolio of adaptive reuse projects spans typologies, including numerous art galleries, breweries, offices, restaurants, and event spaces.

Brett_GBA_web_04.jpg

Brett Baba


Principal / Founder

Brett’s approach to each project engages the human experience of architecture, from the overall space to the smallest detail. He is best known for his celebration of craft, and for his collaborative realization of buildings. His enthusiasm for the complete project, from the biggest gestural idea to the finest construction detail, allows him to maintain a consistent design intent throughout his work. Brett’s work is widely recognized for its respect of place and community, and for the harmony of old and new, which is highlighted in his extensive portfolio of adaptive reuse projects.

image.jpg

Brian Jonas
Principal / Owner

Brian brings over 25 years of experience across a broad range of project types and sizes. He is excited equally by the big idea of a project as he is by the smallest detail, and particularly enjoys guiding clients through the design and construction processes. He has a particular passion for experience-driven design, whether for not-for-profit groups building for underserved members of the community, private corporate clients seeking new or reinvigorated brands, or government entities creating civic space for cities and towns throughout the Pacific Northwest.

image.jpg

Maureen O’Leary
Principal / Owner

Maureen brings over 25 years of architectural experience and an extensive background working on complex projects to the firm. Maureen has a keen sense of design and the ability to serve as a client’s best advocate, maintaining great relationships and trust throughout the project and beyond. Maureen brings a wealth of knowledge and diverse set of strengths in both design and management to the team, and her positive and collaborative spirit consistently inspires her teams to excellence. Maureen is an expert project manager with a rigorous attention to detail and commitment to high-quality service.