Our Team
John DeForest, AIA, Principal
A native Seattleite, John DeForest received architectural degrees from Yale and from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. After working with firms in New England, San Francisco, and Seattle, John founded DeForest Architects with a vision of developing a more collaborative, client-inspired approach to design.
FUN FACT: John ran his first marathon at age 13 in gale force winds.
Brett Smith, AIA, Principal
Brett Smith, AIA, manages our California studio. He began his career working as a carpenter and construction superintendent. Brett joined da+ while pursuing his Masters in Architecture at the University of Washington. He spent 4 years in our Seattle studio before returning to his native California to open our studio there. Brett and his wife, daughter, and dog take every opportunity to explore the mountains around their Tahoe home by ski, bike, boat, and boot.
FUN FACT: Brett was a certified search-and-rescue dog handler for five years.
Rosie Donovan, Principal
Rosie Donovan, a licensed Architect, earned her undergraduate and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Washington. She enjoys three-dimensional problem-solving and the fact that architecture is a mixture of art and science. Rosie has 20+ years of experience with residential, commercial and institutional projects, including renovations of landmark buildings. Having worked in New York City for several years, Rosie returned to her native Seattle where she enjoys gardening, creative endeavors, and traveling with her husband and two children.
FUN FACT: Rosie belongs to a modern quilting guild.
Meredith Kelly, Associate, LEED AP
Meredith Kelly grew up in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Seattle to attend graduate school at the University of Washington where she received her Master of Architecture degree. Her experience includes residential, industrial, recreational and commercial projects and as a LEED A.P., she has particular interest in sustainable modern design. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, restoring her mid-century home, making things and spending time with her family.
FUN FACT: Meredith won an award for her wheel-thrown miniature teapot.
Mark Slivka, Architect, LEED AP
Mark Slivka came to Seattle via Hawai’i and grew up in Massachusetts. He earned his BArch degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. Spending his college summers working for design-build firms gave him an appreciation for the building side of things. His favorite part of the job is working with clients and contractors during the construction phase. Mark has experience with custom residential and commercial projects, including renovations to historic Fenway Park.
FUN FACT: Mark won a roshambo contest that pitted him against other Honolulu professionals including the Fire Chief and Mayor.
Michael Knowles, Architect
Michael Knowles has over 25 years of experience with residential and commercial projects. He believes that good design is a result of balanced simplicity and consistently demonstrates an attention to detail reflective of his interest in the craft of building. Michael is a graduate of Washington State University where he received his Bachelor of Architecture degree. He is a licensed architect in the states of Washington and California.
FUN FACT: When Michael was 11 years old he came in second place in the northwest regional soap box derby. The car that won was only inches ahead at the finish line. He’s not bitter about it anymore, seriously.
Julie Kim, Architect
After growing up in the Boston area, Julie Kim studied Human Development and Psychological Services at Northwestern University before venturing into the world of architecture. She earned her Masters in Architecture from the University of Michigan and particularly enjoys getting to know clients and seeing projects from early concept through construction. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and traveling.
FUN FACT: She spent some time working at a bakery and still enjoys taking on a good baking project in her spare time.
Casey Jones
Casey Jones grew up in Palm Springs, CA and earned his BArch from the University of California, Los Angeles. He has worked on over 30 residential, commercial and multifamily projects and is committed to becoming a licensed architect in the state of California. When out of the office he spends time enjoying sunny Lake Tahoe, visiting friends and learning new skills to use in the office.
FUN FACT: For three years Casey volunteered as a camp counselor at Camp Kesem, a summer camp dedicated to supporting children impacted by a parent’s cancer at no cost to families.
Claire McDermott, Architect
Claire grew up in Chicago and earned her Master of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before moving to the west coast. Claire has several years of experience working in residential design in the Seattle area, including single-family, multi-family, and mixed-use projects. When she’s not at work, you can likely find her on her bike exploring the Pacific Northwest or racing in local events.
FUN FACT: Claire also has an affinity for sewing. In her spare time, she designs and creates bicycle bags for herself and friends to use on their two-wheeled adventures.
Riley Coghlan
After growing up across the lake, Riley settled into Seattle while earning degrees in architecture and construction management at the University of Washington. After graduating, Riley explored the fields of commercial and residential construction and eventually landed on custom residential design. His favorite part of the job is the creative problem-solving required to meet the unique goals each client and project bring to the table. Outside the office, he loves skiing, biking, and most of all sailing.
FUN FACT: During the month of October, you can find him building props and preparing for a legendary Halloween party thrown atop Capitol Hill every year.
Zach Zielke
Zach grew up in Chicago but has been perpetually heading West since attending the University of Kansas. After spending seven years working on various commercial and mass-timber projects in Denver, Zach switched to custom residential design. His favorite part of the job is creating lasting spaces that people can connect with. Outside the office, you can find Zach trying out new recipes at home, hanging at the local brewery, or hiking with his wife and dog.
FUN FACT: Zach has spreadsheets and maps made for each vacation he takes and can always provide a recommendation for somewhere to eat or drink.
Kirk Blakley
Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Kirk earned his degree from the University of Kansas before moving to Seattle. He enjoys designing intimate spaces that emphasize natural beauty. With an adventurous spirit and a calm demeanor, Kirk brings an enthusiastic approach to life. Away from the office, you’ll find him climbing and skiing Washington’s peaks or longing for some good BBQ.
FUN FACT: Kirk learned how to surf in Kansas!
Sarah McCain, Office Manager
Sarah grew up in the Pacific Northwest. She graduated from the University of Washington and from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. After many years of working in commercial and residential design, Sarah is now pleased to be serving as the Office Manager at DeForest Architects.
FUN FACT: Sarah recently took up Dragon Boating. ‘Paddles Up’ as they say in my newly found passion!
