Downtown Talks Recap: Shaping the Place & Skyline
March 13, 2025 - by Rachel Pfalzer
THE BACKGROUND
On Tuesday, March 11, the BDA held the first Downtown Talks Breakfast of 2025. The event featured an in-depth conversation among architects reshaping Downtown through intentional design choices to create a more connected neighborhood experience.
The panel featured:
- Martin Brückner, Principal at Arcadis
- Kevin Cleary (Moderator), Principal at Baylis Architects
- Robert Miller, Principal at Robert Miller FAIA Architects
- Matthew Somerton, Partner, Cultural & Civic Practice Leader at NBBJ
Following an introduction by moderator Kevin Cleary, the panelists discussed how their inspirations, methods, and how they are learning to adapt to an ever-changing skyline.
THE EVENT RECAP
Miller began by expressing his joy surrounding the process of design and how each feature in a building is catered to the people it will serve. Miller’s firm has transitioned along with the fast-growing density of Downtown Bellevue, contributing well-known buildings such as SOMA Towers, Brio, and Fire Stations 5 and 10. Each of these buildings was thoughtfully planned to meet the needs of the community by utilizing a variety of cultural perspectives.
Somerton said his greatest inspiration comes from his fellow architects who seek to make the world a better place. His work on the long-awaited Bellevue 600, a 600-foot tower designed to accommodate Amazon employees, is deeply ambitious and pushes the envelope of what people expect from architecture. He recognized the need for community-oriented spaces and sustainability as a priority. The building will be 100% electric, powered by off-site renewable energy sources, and will feature ground-level retail activations.
"Bellevue's reaching a new level of sustainability from a building aspect," Somerton said.
Brückner emphasized the collaborative nature of urban development, highlighting Bellevue’s unique vision for connectivity beyond just car-based transport. He pointed to the Grand Connection, a pedestrian and bike-friendly corridor development in the works, as a prime example of how infrastructure can integrate seamlessly with urban design.
"What makes cities livable and safe is having a powerful place to walk on sidewalks and public spaces," said Brückner. "I think [Bellevue's] really meeting the bar on this to make it a really interesting place, not just for people living and working, but also for the community at large."
Miller echoed this sentiment, describing Bellevue as a city with a strong commitment to quality development. He praised its "city in a park" concept, where urban density coexists with green spaces and pedestrian-friendly streets. Unlike many cities, Bellevue’s downtown remains highly walkable, ensuring that connectivity extends beyond transit infrastructure into everyday life. With the upcoming expansion of transit options, including the light rail’s two-line opening, the panelists agreed that Bellevue is poised for a new era of urban growth.
The panelists agreed that Bellevue’s development process stands out for its collaborative approach. Somerton highlighted the city’s commitment to rigorous but transparent permitting processes, fostering a more predictable and cooperative environment for large-scale projects. This has allowed developers and architects to work closely with city officials to bring visions to life efficiently. Such predictability is crucial in a field where sudden delays can derail even the most well-planned projects.
When asked about their approach to urban design, the panelists emphasized context. Each project must fit into its surroundings while also pushing the boundaries of innovation. For example, the Bellevue 600 project was designed with solar access in mind, utilizing shading techniques to optimize daylight while reducing glare. Such thoughtful design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also contributes to the well-being of occupants.
The conversation concluded with individual examples of how creative thinking can transform setbacks into positive outcomes. Somerton shared how a temporary pause on the second tower of the Bellevue 600 project led to the creation of an interim open space, providing an unexpected public amenity. Similarly, a gymnasium initially planned for a back alley was reimagined as a prominent, community-facing feature that residents now see as a pivotal part of their daily lives. However, not all ideas come easily. Behind every completed building lies a rigorous creative process including countless attempts before a design is finalized.
"I sleep with a sketchbook next to my bed and I lay awake at night thinking of things," Miller admitted. "For Brio...we probably went through a good 30 or 40 iterations of that building. Each time you're just nudging it forward."
The panelists expressed optimism about Bellevue’s trajectory, emphasizing the importance of continued innovation and strong public-private partnerships in shaping its next chapter. With a commitment to thoughtful urban design and community-focused development, Bellevue is poised to remain a leader in sustainable and inclusive city-building.
(See gallery here; all photos taken by the Bellevue Downtown Association)
