Profile

Founded in 1976, Studio Meng Strazzara is a dynamic and innovative architecture firm that provides diverse designs to a variety of markets. Our long history of technical excellence is built on the lasting professional relationships we’ve fostered through our collaborative and responsive work ethic. By listening intently to our clients, we mutually discover the personality of each project, creating inspired designs where communities can live, learn, and grow.

History

Origin
After graduating from the University of Washington, Studio Meng Strazzara founder Eric Meng acquired his architect license in September 1976. Eric’s first projects began with a few residences and small commercial buildings, and in 1978, he secured a contract with the Bellevue School District for 30 small modernization projects. This contract was extended in 1979, and Eric began designing projects for other school districts and public agencies, leading to the hiring of the firm’s first permanent employees. The firm capitalized on that momentum, beating out established studios to win projects such as the design of AIA’s Seattle Chapter Office.

For many years, education and public facilities comprised the bulk of the firm’s work. The studio fostered long-term relationships with clients such as Western Washington University, Central Washington University, Seattle Public Schools, and the Lake Washington, Highline, and Northshore School Districts. The firm also embraced value engineering, research, and analysis, and began incorporating those philosophies into design work.

Growth and Expansion
Charles Strazzara joined the firm in 1995, and the studio branched out into the private sector with retail, commercial, and residential projects. Early projects included the Redmond Town Center, various Rite Aid stores, and luxury condominiums in Queen Anne. This success meant the firm could offer diverse services in both the public and private sectors, fostering stability regardless of economic shifts. In 1999, the firm split its design studio and analytic practice into two separate, fully independent firms: Studio Meng Strazzara and Meng Analysis.

2014 saw further diversification in the design portfolio with the introduction of transit work. Contracts with Sound Transit, Pierce Transit, and King County Metro have been an increasing component in the firm, creating a strong foundation for continued growth.

Present Day
After a long and productive career, Eric Meng retired in 2018. Studio Meng Strazzara continues to provide architectural design services with Charles Strazzara as president. Core markets include PreK-12 Education, Higher Education, Mixed-Use, Residential, Retail and Office, and Public Facilities. The firm also provides design services for a variety of theater, government, civic, judicial, military, and other projects.

With a diverse group of architects, Studio Meng Strazzara continues to provide technical expertise and problem-solving skills while delivering inspirational designs.