Practice Description:
As both an attorney and an architect, I provide an integrated set of
skills to help our clients formulate new development projects, analyze
potential development, craft transaction documents, work with technical
consultants and assist in finding solutions to problems. My practice
focuses on helping clients with a wide range of real estate transactions
and property development, with an emphasis on the following :
Land Use and Zoning
Analysis:
My work in the Northwest and in New York City has concentrated on zoning
and land use analysis for complex mixed-use projects, environmentally
sensitive sites and a wide range of land use due diligence analysis.
Development of Landmark Historic Properties: I have worked in
both professions of law and architecture in assisting clients in the
commercial development of protected historic buildings and sites.
Historic properties rehabilitation and re-use presents a challenging and
rewarding area of real property development that plays a crucial role in
the development of our cities, towns and rural landscapes.
Transferable Development Rights; Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits.
I enjoy assisting clients in the utilization of transferable development
rights and historic properties rehabilitation tax credits. These tools
provide substantial economic benefits that can turn marginal projects
into successful ventures.
The Dynamic Between Law and Architecture. One of the reasons that
real property development is so exciting is that it pulls together
diverse strands of law, design, economics and culture. We help clients
take advantage of this dynamic mix to make their projects succeed on
many levels.
Background:
Tousley Brain Stephens, PLLC
1997 to 2001, Real Estate Department
J.D., with honors, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 1997,
Editor in Chief, Pacific Rim Law & Policy Journal
Professional Practice in Architecture, 1987-1995
New York City and Seattle
Master of Architecture, with honors, Columbia University, New York, NY,
1987, Assistant to Director, Housing Design Studio
B.A., Architecture, summa cum laude, University of Washington,
Seattle, WA, 1984, Assistant to Director, Architecture in Rome Program,
Rome, Italy
Member, American Institute of Architects, Seattle Chapter
Historic Properties Resources Committee
Member, Washington State Bar Association
Land Use and Environmental Law Practice Group
Commissioner, King County Landmarks Commission
President, Board of Directors, Northwest Institute for Architecture and
Urban Studies in Italy
