How NW Lifestyle Homes can overcome even the most complex challenges  

Having spent 20 years building homes in the Bellevue Mercer Island area of Washington State, NW Lifestyle Homes (NWLH) stands today as an expert creator of custom builds designed to deliver the dreams of its clients. The company’s Founder, Michael Burke, shares the company’s origins: “In 1989, a friend introduced Linda Mawer to me because it was evident we would create a good business partnership. Three years later, we married, bringing with us 38 years of combined experience in the design-build business. We were both designers and builders, had an eye for the unique, and we each had three kids. Two of Linda’s children were twin boys, Matt and Mason. The stepsons are now, after 36 years, business partners with me, their stepdad, and the company is NW Lifestyle Homes. 

“Matt, the company’s lead architect, is a master at simplifying and floor plan efficiency. Mason, the construction manager, works with an acute attention to detail. At 81 years of age, I still operate as the visionary, willing to take on challenging projects with a lot of unknowns.”

Michael, Matt, and Mason’s personal characteristics and collective desire to provide the client with an enjoyable experience that delivers everything they want are the reasons clients seek out NWLH. The high-touch style of communication and management of the entire team at NWLH makes it highly professional and fun to work with. 

Megan Atkinson, CEO, then elaborates on the full range of services the company provides: “We provide high-end custom design and construction as well as site feasibility services for residential homes and landscapes. We design and build from the ground up or remodel outdated homes with cosmetic refreshes as well as perform structural changes or construct additions. We are particularly adept at working on challenging sites. 

“Our design services include conceptual, design development, drafting, engineering, and 3D renderings. We also work extensively and exhaustively with local cities and municipalities to obtain the necessary permits for each project. Our design team remains available to the client throughout construction. 

“Our construction services include all aspects of the build from demo through final finishes on the interior and landscape, including bringing utilities to the site. We pride ourselves on the quality of our craftsmanship. 

“We provide a custom experience for each client. We are highly communicative and work hard to listen and deliver what each client wants. We recognize building or remodeling a house can be an intense experience, so we do everything we can to make it a smooth, enjoyable process, a process the homeowner will think of fondly as the years roll by while they are living in their dream custom home.” 

Michael shares an example of the company’s work that required overcoming significant challenges: “One project that stands out is a home on the shores of Lake Washington. It started as a standard remodel of an outdated home, but during the process, we discovered several significant deficiencies that caused the project to double in construction time and budget. 

“Because NW Lifestyle Homes is transparent, knowledgeable, and nimble, we were able to pivot and address each one of the issues. The problems the house presented included animal infestation, structural concerns, and allergy/medical issues. Through careful problem-solving, NWLH was able to continue the remodel without interruption and turn over a brand ‘new’ house with no deficiencies, leaving the clients extremely satisfied. Aesthetically, structurally, and from a health and safety standpoint, the house was improved in every way. Surprises will always be found in remodeling projects. It’s how they are handled that makes the difference to the outcomes.” 

Megan reflects on the evolving trends that NWLH has seen over the years: “Although the business has been designing outdoor rooms for relaxing and exercising for a long time, outdoor living has been exceptionally popular in the last five years. Our landscapes feature hot tubs, cold plunge pools, swimming pools, swim spas, saunas, fire pits, pickleball courts, veggie gardens, fountains, bocce courts, cutting gardens, and patios. We are also seeing an increase in homeowners asking for ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and DADUs (detached accessory dwelling units). In fact, one of our clients is designing a DADU for a golf simulator. Providing maximum livability for homeowners is what NWLH enjoys doing the most, including optimizing the use of their outdoor spaces.” 

Partnerships and collaborations are an essential element of delivering a successful project, as Megan goes on to outline: “As a design and build firm, we have always had our own architectural design team in-house. Recently, however, we have been nurturing a collaboration with a local Seattle commercial architect, Anthony Perez, the Principal at Modular Design CoLab PLLC. Anthony has brought us several remodel clients who had reached out to him to do residential architectural concept work. NWLH has taken Anthony’s early design work, further developed it with each client, put a budget to it, and we are now building these projects to the delight of all parties. We love the synergy of this collaboration, and we plan to continue this work together in the future, which may include more DADUs.” 

NW Lifestyle Homes continues to thrive by blending decades of expertise with a commitment to innovation and client satisfaction. Its ability to tackle challenging projects, adapt to evolving trends, and foster meaningful collaborations sets it apart in a highly competitive industry. With a focus on high-quality craftsmanship, transparent communication, and personalized service, NWLH ensures every project reflects the unique vision of its clients. As its looks to the future, the company remains dedicated to creating dream homes and outdoor spaces that enhance livability, while building lasting relationships with homeowners and partners alike.  

www.nwlifestylehomes.com