Commercial.

At Selis Studio Architecture, we believe the most successful projects emerge from strong collaboration, thoughtful design, and a commitment to excellence.

Commercial architecture is a collective effort—requiring seamless coordination between architects, clients, consultants, contractors, governing bodies, and communities. We lead this process with clarity and efficiency, ensuring that every decision supports the project’s vision, timeline, and budget.

With deep expertise in zoning, permitting, and construction realities, we navigate complexity with precision while upholding the highest standards of design and quality. Our commitment to craftsmanship and technical rigor ensures that every project—whether a multifamily development, educational space, or commercial interior—is thoughtfully integrated into its surroundings and built to endure.

Clear communication drives everything we do—aligning teams, streamlining the process, and delivering exceptional results.

Let’s build something exceptional. Connect with Selis Studio Architecture to start the conversation.

Our Services.

Strategic Planning

  • Initial Consultation & Goal Setting

  • Space Planning

  • Programming

  • Feasibility Studies

  • Design Consultation

  • Laying the foundation for a successful project requires a deep understanding of objectives, functional needs, and site constraints. This phase identifies opportunities and challenges, considers broader social, environmental, and economic factors, and ensures the design is both visionary and achievable. Thoughtful planning leads to solutions that are responsive, efficient, and aligned with long-term goals.

Creative Design

  • Concept Design | Masterplanning

  • Design Development

  • Consultant Coordination

  • Interior Design (refinement of Palettes, Finishes, Furnishings, Fixtures and Equipment)

  • Translating vision into form, this phase focuses on the artistry and functionality of a space. Through an iterative and collaborative process, ideas are explored, refined, and developed into a cohesive design that balances aesthetics, practicality, and context. Attention to detail—from spatial flow and materiality to furnishings and finishes—ensures a design that enhances daily life while feeling timeless and inspired.

Design Management

  • Construction Documentation

  • Coordination with Permitting Agencies

  • Bidding & Contractor Selection

  • Construction Administration

  • Bringing a project from concept to reality requires seamless coordination and technical expertise. Effectively navigating the complexities of permitting, documentation, and construction oversight keeps the process efficient, cost-effective, and true to the original design intent. Clear communication and collaboration with stakeholders help ensure a final product that meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

Experience.

Throughout her career, Katie has been instrumental in shaping impactful projects across Washington, DC, and beyond.

Over her 15 years at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture, first as a project manager and later as a principal, Katie played a pivotal role in design development, project coordination, and execution across a wide range of building types. The following selection showcases notable projects she led or contributed to, including multifamily housing, institutional buildings, and master planning initiatives.

Now, as the founding principal of Selis Studio Architecture, Katie brings this depth of experience to new projects—offering strategic design leadership, technical expertise, and a collaborative approach to create spaces that are innovative, context-driven, and built to last.

(Expand each project for details on Katie’s role, project type, and scope as well as more information from Studio Twenty Seven Architecture’s website.)

    • Project Type: K-12 Charter School

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Size: 142,000 SF

    • Role: Project Architect while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services

    • Certifications: LEED Silver

    • Description: Renovation of a 1950 public school into a “campus” to serve Pre-K through high school students.

    • Project Type: Non-profit Community Outreach

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Size: 50,000 SF

    • Role: Project Architect while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services incl. FF&E

    • Description: Adaptive reuse of an aging community movie theater into a public outreach venue that includes seminar space, offices, a cafe, and kitchen.

    • Project Type: Long-Range Educational Facilites Planning for Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)

    • Location: Alexandria, VA

    • Role: Project Manager for master plan efforts while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Facilities Assessment, Master Planning

    • Description: Led city and district representatives in the development of a Long Range Educational Facilities Master Plan to guide ACPS while it expands and modernizes its schools.

    • Project Type: K-12 Charter School

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Size: 65,000 SF

    • Role: Project Manager while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services

    • Certifications: LEED Gold

    • Description: Renovation of a 1964 public school into a weekday boarding school. Academic and residential spaces housed within a singular building provide a stable environment for students.

    • Project Type: Multifamily Residential | Historic Preservation

      Location: Washington, DC

    • Size: 108,000 SF

    • Role: Project Architect while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services

    • Certifications: LEED Gold

    • Description: Renovation and adaptive reuse of a historic stable and coal garage into modern and sustainable housing. Includes a new housing addition at the rear of the site.

    • Project Type: Residential

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Size: 1,080 SF

    • Role: Project Manager while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Full A/E Services

    • Description: Conversion of retail storage space into a one-bedroom apartment in Georgetown’s commercial district.

    • Project Type: Short-Term Family Housing

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Size: 53,000 SF

    • Role: Shared Project Management responsibilities while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services, incl. FF&E

    • Certifications: LEED Silver

    • Description: Short-term family housing facilities funded by the District of Columbia government for women and children seeking safe and stable housing.

    • Project Type: K-12 Public Charter School

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Role: Project Manager while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services

    • Certifications: LEED Gold

    • Description: Redevelopment of a city-owned site to include a new high school, recreation center, and outdoor recreational facilities.

    • Project Type: Educational (Early Childhood)

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Role: Project Manager while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services

    • Description: Conversion of a residential house into a two-classroom schoolhouse, facilitated by the addition of two staircases and meeting rooms at the rear.

    • Project Type: Higher Education | K-12 Charter School | Historic Preservation

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Size: 75,750 SF

    • Role: Project Manager while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services, incl. FF&E

    • Certifications: LEED Gold

    • Description: Renovation of a 1908 Howard University building on the National Register of Historic Places. The singular building will house the Howard University School of Education and the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science.

Howard University Miner Building (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

Howard University Miner Building (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

KIPP DC Somerset College Prep (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

KIPP DC Somerset College Prep (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

The Aya (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

The Aya (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

Chapman Stables (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

Chapman Stables (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

KIPP DC Somerset College Prep (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

KIPP DC Somerset College Prep (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

M Street Apartment (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

M Street Apartment (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

Chapman Stables (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

Chapman Stables (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

Monument Academy (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

Monument Academy (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

FHI 360 Theater (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

FHI 360 Theater (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

KIPP DC Douglass Campus (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

KIPP DC Douglass Campus (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

The Riverseed School (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

The Riverseed School (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)