Rick Sundberg – Partner
FAIA, LEED AP
Rick Sundberg pairs meticulous attention to physical detail with a broad architectural vision and the insistence on viewing sites and buildings in their larger context. Whether an exquisitely crafted residence, an affordable housing complex, or a neighborhood community center, Rick first seeks to understand the users’ needs, wants, and wishes. The result has been many of the region’s well-used and well-loved places, including The Frye Art Museum, Wing Luke Museum, and buildings on the campuses of Whatcom Community College, Seattle University School of Law, and University of Washington.
A graduate of the University of Washington, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Rick worked with Ibsen Nelsen Architects for seven years as a project architect, helping design and craft complex academic buildings. He joined Olson/Walker in 1974, and became a partner in 1976. The firm became Olson Sundberg Architects in 1985; Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects 2000; and Olson Kundig Architects in 2010. Rick founded his own firm, Richard Sundberg Architect in 2010; Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects followed in 2012.
In 2013, Rick was awarded the AIA Seattle Medal of Honor for generous mentorship, influential design leadership, and commitment to community service.
John Kennedy – Partner
AIA, LEED AP
John Kennedy’s skill at organizing group dynamics, building consensus among stakeholders, navigating state and local regulations, and providing clarity make him a great director of projects. He has designed civic and institutional projects in New York and Chicago —and teamed with Rick and Gladys on well-loved community projects in Seattle such as the Frye Art Museum, the Wing Luke Museum, and Chophouse Row.
John has worked with Rick and Gladys for most of his 30-year career – first at Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects, before joining with them to form SKL. John earned his degree from the University of Notre Dame.
Gladys Ly-Au Young – Partner
AIA, ALEP, LEED AP
A founding partner of Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects, Gladys Ly-Au Young is driven by a social purpose to design earth-friendly, community-based places that function well, create belonging, and promote health and well-being. SKL is a JUST organization. Her project at Othello is part of the Affordable Housing Framework pilot, working to remove barriers to use healthy materials in the affordable housing sector.
Gladys held an MS in Sustainable Design from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Washington State University. She has been applying a deep understanding of sustainable design and thoughtful design integrity to projects for close to 30 years. She is pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Social Justice at Harvard Extension School.
Gladys currently serves on the Cultural Space Agency’s Governing Council, Seattle 2030 District’s Board of Directors, International Living Future Institute Organizational Equity TAG, and AIA Seattle Honor Awards Co-chair.
America Fiol-Serra – Contract & Business Manager
Myra Lara – Designer
Myra Lara takes a relentless intersectional approach to both architecture and urbanism within the context of migration, urbanization, climate change, and systematic injustices. She works through design, art and testimony to educate and encourage civic participation on land use, housing policy and community justice.
Myra joined SKL after graduating with her Bachelors of Architecture from Rice University in Houston.
Wing-Yee Leung – Architect
Wing-Yee Leung has more than 17 years of experience working as an architect on residential, public and commercial projects. Born in Hong Kong, She lived in England and Canada before getting her M. Arch. from the University of Oregon in 1994. After graduation, she worked for an urban design consulting firm in Vancouver BC doing urban rehab projects in Australia and SE Asia.
Wing-Yee joined SKL in April 2012.
Nicole Tsen Lew – Architect
Nicole Tsen Lew is an advocate for the power of design to create a healthier, more livable city. She has served as Seattle Design Festival Chair and Board Member of Design in Public. In 2013, her “South Park Food Bridge” conceptual design was recognized with an AIA Seattle Honor Award – Honorable Mention. Nicole has been with SKL since its inception. She worked in San Francisco and Shanghai before graduating with a Master of Architecture degree from University of California Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design in 2011.
Mika Sundberg – Designer
Mika graduated from the University of Washington College of Arts and Sciences in 2002 with a degree in Anthropology, and graduated from University of Oregon College of Allied Arts and Architecture with a Master’s degree in 2009.
Stefan Wong – Designer
Stefan Wong earned his Masters of Architecture degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2002. He has worked across a diverse range of project types including commercial interiors, private residences, educational and research facilities in Seattle, Vancouver and the San Francisco Bay Area. Stefan enjoys working closely with clients and project team members as part of an inclusive and collaborative process of design that influences people and the environment in a positive manner.