Architectural Design Services for Fisher Pavilion Decarbonization and Revitalization

The City of Seattle is requesting qualifications for architectural design services for Fisher Pavilion Decarbonization and Revitalization, with submissions due September 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., and a pre-submittal conference scheduled for August 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Seattle Center Armory. A Women and Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) inclusion plan, submitted via a mandatory template, is evaluated as 15 of 100 Phase 1 points, indicating preference weighting rather than a hard set-aside.

The scope encompasses comprehensive architectural design services including schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding support, construction administration, and project closeout over two years. The Fisher Pavilion, a 21,000-square-foot civic facility completed in 2002, requires decarbonization by decoupling from the natural gas-powered Central Utility Plant and electrifying all building systems, combined with accessibility improvements, life safety upgrades, structural enhancements, and facility repairs. The consultant team must assemble subconsultants specializing in alterations and decarbonization, structural design, electrical systems (lighting and building controls), and plumbing and fire protection systems.

Minimum qualifications require a licensed architect as lead consultant; a valid Washington State and City of Seattle business license; experience providing design services for civic or institutional buildings with at least two completed projects in the last ten years; demonstrated experience on projects of similar scale, construction type, and sustainability goals with at least two completed projects in the last ten years; and ability to meet City insurance requirements, including Commercial General Liability of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million combined single limit, plus Professional Liability of $1 million.

Key performance milestones are schematic design commencement by November 1, 2026; schematic design completion by March 1, 2027; design development completion by June 1, 2027; construction documents completion by September 1, 2027; construction permits by January 31, 2028; and construction administration completion by February 1, 2029. Phase 1 evaluation allocates 30 points to team experience and staffing capacity, 30 points to quality and relevant sustainable design work, and 25 points to professional practice and claims history. Phase 2 interviews of top-ranked firms, estimated for September 21–22, 2026, provide an additional 100 points. Questions are due September 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. through the City's e-procurement portal. Pricing will be negotiated following selection of the highest-ranked qualified consultant.