Hi! I’m Cynthia Carpenter, and I’m an architect on Bainbridge Island. During one of my studios in graduate school, we were tasked to come up with a name for our eventual architectural practice – it was a given. I created the name – Archiments, a contraction of architectural environments. Then and now, to me, design isn’t just about a form or exterior shell or solely making space; it is about making a whole environment. It is about forms / spaces and how they function symbiotically to make a whole home, office library, hospital… It is about the light and views that open the forms to the outside and enliven the space. It’s about the colors that influence moods and emotions. It’s about the textures and materials that are touched and experienced. And it’s also about the context and the surroundings. The experience of one’s home isn’t just the inside, nor does it start at the front door. It’s about the approach and arrival. It’s what happens when you walk out the back door and the possibility of oasis.
When I start thinking about a project, I consider all of these things: the form and function, the interiors, furnishings and landscape as well. I work closely with the client to understand and create a program and aesthetic that fits their wants and needs. I don’t have a particular style other than to take cues from the context, my clients aspiration and my experience. My scope can range from providing a design and handing it over or I can oversee the project through construction and coordinate and arrange furnishings so your home is move-in ready. I am here to help you achieve your goals. I have even been known to cover switch plates with wallpaper for my clients!
My career took shape on the East Coast. I grew up on Cape Cod and worked in Boston. I’ve worked in various sized offices and firms, from sole practitioners to international corporations. These experience offered me opportunities to work on many projects and in several countries and states. For a while, I also had my own practice – Archiments. I invite you to review my experience on my Linked-In profile for a more detailed account.
In 2017, I had the opportunity to move out here to Bainbridge and fell hard for this Island and the PNW. After working for a couple of established architects and learning the lay of the land I decided to branch off on my own. Thus Archiments 98110 came to be. I have been very fortunate to have been embraced by a few contractors who have recommended me to clients and therefore my work has predominantly been through word of mouth. My husband and I recently renovated a small house and yard, visible from the highway. I have received a few new clients from people driving by keeping an eye on the developments and stopped to inquire if there was a designer involved in the project and if so, who. I receive this as a welcome compliment.
You will see that most of the project photos are not polished or professional and quite a few in the “pending” category. That is because they are still in design, going through the permitting process, in construction or just finishing up. The other non-project related photos are ones I’ve taken locally. I hope you’ll enjoy looking through this site and that you’ll be inspired to work with me.
ARCHIMENTS 98110 