Tom Bates, FAIA, CSI, LEED® AP
Managing Principal

Mr. Bates began his career with BLRB Architects in 1981 and became a principal in 1987.  Since then, Tom has been responsible for the design of more than 30 new schools and over 50 school addition, modernization and historic renovation projects.   Leading a uniquely collaborative planning and design process involving the community, parents, students and staff; his designs have garnered 46 design awards.  Tom is actively involved in the Council of Educational Facility Planners International, the AIA’s National Committee on Architecture for Education, the Washington State Board of Education’s School Facilities Advisory Panel, and has served on the U.S. Energy Department’s Western United States Roundtable for Energy Smart Schools Sustainable Design Guidelines.

Tom believes we must be good stewards of the environment and strives to design high performance schools that are models of sustainability in our communities.  Each of his projects is grounded in the belief of architecture’s potential to teach and stimulate our children through their daily use of the facility.  Use of natural design elements, energy conservation techniques and environmentally responsive materials are always part of both site and building design considerations.