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Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA

Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA is the founder and managing principal of Studio Pacifica, an accessibility consulting firm in Seattle. She and her team provide consulting services to local governments, school districts, architects, engineers, companies and individuals concerned with complying with Federal laws and State codes, as well as simply creating spaces that work for the unique needs of individual users. Karen also leads presentations and workshops around the country to further educate professionals about codes, standards, and inclusion.

Early in her career, it occurred to Karen that as an architect and a wheelchair user, it was possible for her to make a unique contribution to the field. Her professional focus on accessibility and her advocacy efforts for inclusion have certainly done that!

As a registered architect, Karen was admitted to the prestigious College of Fellows by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). In 2010 she was appointed by President Barack Obama to the United States Access Board, a policy position that she still holds today. Most recently she was awarded the 2019 Whitney M. Young Jr. award by the American Institute of Architects in recognition of her leadership in civil rights for people with disabilities, social sustainability, public policy and universal design. In addition, Karen was named 2019 Person of the Year by New Mobility Magazine. Karen is also an active volunteer and non-profit board member.

we believe everyone deserves to live their best, barrier-free life.

Studio Pacifica has worked collaboratively with architects and built environment teams to help create beautifully designed, barrier-free civic, commercial, education, hospitality, medical, and multi-family residential projects since 1993.

Our specialized consulting practice is driven by a belief in universal design—a way of thinking about design that translates into built environments that work for people of all abilities and ages.

Today, Studio Pacifica consults with some of the most highly respected architectural firms (and their notable Pacific Northwest clients). Our firm’s continuously expanding role in public and private development reflects the focus on accessibility put in place by the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

Since that time, many built environment firms have experienced how inclusive design can enhance their core concept. As a result, some look to “go beyond” what is required by law. Studio Pacifica can help clients reach one—or both—of those goals. Our accessibility consultants have both architectural expertise and (in some instances) first-hand experience dealing with a world with physical barriers.

Studio Pacifica was founded by Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA. Today, Karen continues in her role as managing principal. In addition, she serves on the US Access Board, an independent Federal agency that provides leadership in accessible design public policy.

Studio Pacifica is a woman owned business and is licensed in Washington and Oregon.

our team brings architectural + first-person expertise to the table.

Thinking about accessibility early in the planning and design process is one of the most effective (and least expensive) ways to create beautiful, highly usable built environments in the civic, commercial, education, hospitality, medical, and multi-family residential markets.

Most design firms are certainly familiar with codes and regulations, but few have highly specialized accessibility professionals on staff.

Studio Pacifica fills that role when it comes to consulting on code compliance and regulations. It fills that role when it comes to showing how even a small design decision can have big ramifications for people with various physical limitations. And we’re happy to talk creative solutions—including thoughts from the members of our team who use wheelchairs.

Studio Pacifica consulting services include: