Who Is Graphite?

We are a group of designers dedicated to the idea that thoughtful design has the ability to positively impact everyone who touches it - owners, developers, builders, tenants, and neighbors.

Our backgrounds with other firms have provided us with priceless experience across a myriad of projects and an array of continents. That experience informs the way we’ve structured Graphite, focusing on edifying, collaborative, and drama-free relationships with our clients and each other, along with a commitment to both personal and corporate responsibility.

In the years since our founding we’ve continued to refine what we value as persons, as well as how best to maximize our value to our clients. We’ve also managed to do a sizable amount of gratifying work for some of the world’s most prestigious companies while operating and innovating alongside some of tech and retail’s biggest names in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. As we move forward, we’re excited to design more spaces that inspire both those who fund and those who exist within them.

Martin L. Hill, AIA, NCARB

Founding Principal

Whether building an island in Dubai or an ATM in a wall, Martin’s depth of knowledge and experience is integral to Graphite’s success. If you need something designed and built, it’s probable that Martin has not only built it, but also developed a program to build it better. His career spans multiple continents, thousands of projects, and long-running relationships with giants such as Nike, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon Retail. Martin is licensed in 49 states and 5 Canadian provinces. Martin’s team-oriented focus has helped him build a resourceful and tight-knit organization, while his sharply analytic mind allows him to recognize issues others miss and solve them before they mature into problems. This attribute helps Martin develop experience-driven solutions that help Graphite’s clients save money on projects and increase speed to market.


email: martin.hill@graphitedesigngroup.com

Peter Krech, AIA, LEED A.P.

Founding Principal

Peter’s approach to architecture is centered around two beliefs: that the most difficult problems contain elegant solutions, and that if you’re going to build something, endow it with balance, grace, and beauty. Over the past two decades, he’s used this approach to lead projects that transform neighborhoods and span continents, from Seattle’s South Lake Union, to Shanghai’s Nanjing Road, and boast notable tenants such as Amazon, Google, and Facebook. This portfolio of over 5 million square feet is the product of his intense desire to understand his clients’ needs, preferring to uncover the right question rather than presume the right answer. With his colleagues at Graphite, he continues to emerge as one of the region’s thought leaders in design.

email: peter.krech@graphitedesigngroup.com

Patrick DiStefano, LEED A.P.

Principal

If Patrick’s genuine, personable nature is immediately apparent upon meeting him, his 20 years of experience and mastery of his work becomes clear shortly after. While he often performs the role of project manager, his depth of knowledge - gleaned in some of the world's most demanding markets - makes him truly cross-discipline, understanding not just the complexities of design and execution, but also the economic drivers that permeate clients’ desires. He tirelessly anticipates and advocates for clients’ priorities while tackling the most challenging undertakings, manifesting order from apparent chaos, and focus from complexity.


email: patrick.distefano@graphitedesigngroup.com

Marc Oplinger, AIA, NCARB, LEED A.P.

Principal

With more than thirty years in the design profession, Marc Oplinger is a seasoned project manager in both institutional and commercial projects. His portfolio includes life sciences, healthcare, corporate offices, mixed-use and educational facilities.

An expert in project delivery from inception through construction, Marc’s emphasis is on inspired team leadership and collaboration. Since joining Graphite in 2014, Marc has led the design of projects for a range of clients, including RED Development, Vulcan Real Estate, Mary's Place and Northwest Administrators.


email: marc.oplinger@graphitedesigngroup.com

Brian Ochs, LEED A.P.

Principal

An experienced design leader with projects found throughout the country, Brian Ochs brings a people-first mentality to his work, whether it be an urban tower, boutique hotel, mountain resort or retail center. Brian’s designs inspire clients and communities through creativity and insight, and his practical knowledge ensures successful delivery of the design vision from beginning to end. As Graphite’s residential market lead, Brian is making his mark in the Pacific Northwest with projects such as Clise’s 40-story McKenzie tower and the Parque Kirkland with Henbart Development.


email: brian.ochs@graphitedesigngroup.com

Our Team

Alex Hedges

Alina Pinchuk

Amy McCurdy

Brian Moe

Associate Principal

Brian Ochs

Principal

Caroline Graham

Chris Jensen

Cindy Hill

Cory Ackerman

Eric Foulke

Garrett Kealalio

Gil Jaffe

Hyunjin Im

Isabella Wu

James Sundstad

Director, Brand Strategy

Jasmine Seaman

Administrative Assistant

Jay Thoman

Jessica Wenger

Associate Principal

Jim Fiege

Joe Marek

Director, Project Delivery

Karen Lee

Katelyn Bristow

Senior Associate

Kim Krech

Marc Oplinger

Principal

Martin Hill

Principal

Matt Marek

Director, Retail

Michael Medina

Principal Emeritus

Nick Place

Parag Sharma

Senior Associate

Patrick DiStefano

Principal

Peter Krech

Principal

Rachel Abbott

Senior Associate

Rachel Cui

Ryan DiRaimo

Director, Sustainability

Sabrina Gaul

Savannah Hovingh

Sonia Young

Takeshi Okada

Associate Principal

Zenifer Macalino