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Demetriou Architects
KIRKLAND, WA
Principal Vassos Demetriou began his career designing and building sets
for plays during high school in his native Cyprus. He earned his architectural
degree with graduate studies in cinematography from the University of
Oregon, and after first practicing architecture in Europe, established the
firm in the Seattle area in 1978. Michelle Demetriou Cozza grew up around
the business, enjoying drawing, painting, and all things creative. Wanting
to go into a field that would allow her to both be creative and contribute
something meaningful, she also earned her degree in architecture at the
University of Oregon, and specializes in interior architecture and design.
Together, Vassos and Michelle manage Demetriou Architects, a full-service
design firm specializing in custom residential architecture and interior
architecture and design.
The firm was among the first to introduce international style architecture to
the Seattle/Eastside area. The clean lines, open interior spaces, and use of
large expanses of glass with steel structure were natural complements to
the Northwest's trees, water, and quality of light, and maximized the indoor/
outdoor connection in a way new to the region. Though the firm's projects
span a wide range of styles and locations, these tenets of the international
style continue to embody their design vision.
