C.J. Christensen
Founding Principal
Professional Licenses
Licensed Architect - Washington
Issued Oct 2016
Credential ID 11851
Licensed Architect - California
Issued Oct 2009
Credential ID C32194
Education
Bachelor of Architecture
Washington State University
1999-2004
Architectural Studies
University of Sydney
2003
My Story
I grew up in the Tacoma area, always looking to create but never quite finding the right outlet, until a drafting class sparked my interest in design and architecture.
When it came time for architecture school, a chance encounter at a career day tipped the scales toward Washington State University (WSU). The architect I spoke with had gone to the University of Washington but wished he’d picked WSU. So, off to Pullman I went. There, I dove into the world of design and found myself captivated by the work of many architects, but particularly by Frank Gehry’s flowing designs that broke free from the usual boxes and straight lines. He became and still is one of my architectural heroes.
Notable projects by Frank Gehry
After graduation, I moved to Los Angeles, with the hopes of working for a high profile firm like Gehry's. By a stroke of luck, a connection told about an opening at Gehry's office. I dropped off my portfolio and a week later got the call that changed everything.
At 25, I was the youngest person on Gehry’s team, working with brilliant people from all over the world.
Over six incredible years working for the world's most famous architect, I went from building models to becoming an associate, helping bring projects like the New World Center in Miami and the Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi to life. Working for Frank was every bit the dream I’d hoped it would be. But after six years I knew it wasn't what I wanted to do forever.
I decided to return to the Seattle area to work for another world renowned firm Olson Kundig, where I poured myself into residential projects in Taiwan, Idaho, California, New York, and Washington.
A young me on the left
Projects from my time at Olson Kundig
After four plus years of helping design finely crafted residences at Olson Kundig, I left to found Christensen Architects. Not long after that, I also bought and ran a design-build company, Estate Homes, which gave me a rare start-to-finish perspective on the building process. After three years of operating as my own general contractor I decided to return to focusing on what I love most: creating meaningful, beautiful designs as an architect.
Now, at Christensen Architects, I allocate my attention to every project we take on, large and small. I've been fortunate enough to see a dream come to life, and I’m here to help others make their dreams a reality too.
Let’s connect and build something extraordinary together.
C.J. Christensen | Principal
Christensen Architects
