Ware Malcomb announced Jan. 30 that Shannon Suess has joined the firm’s Seattle office as director of interior architecture and design. In this role, she will focus on the growth of the office’s interior architecture and design practice and overall business development within the Seattle market and beyond.

“Shannon has become an integral member of our Seattle leadership team, and her character and focus on mentoring and collaboration is an ideal fit with our company culture,” said Jonathan Thomas, principal in Ware Malcomb’s Seattle office. “As we expand our presence in the Pacific Northwest, we look forward to the team’s accomplishments under her guidance.”

Suess brings more than 28 years of unique experience and exceptional leadership skills to Ware Malcomb. Her background includes design and project management roles with some of the world’s largest design firms on projects in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as the United States. She is versed in all phases of architectural work from concept design to contract administration, with an emphasis on design, project leadership, client interface and consultant coordination.

Most recently, she served as principal at another Seattle design firm, where she spearheaded business development, conducted due diligence and led interior architecture and design efforts for hospitality, retail, multifamily and office projects.

Suess studied interior design at California State University Long Beach and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental design from ArtCenter College of Design. Additionally, she received a Commercial Real Estate Development Certification from the University of Washington. For over a decade, she has been active as a member of the Urban Land Institute, participating in two invited product councils for Travel Experience and Trends and Responsible Property Investment, along with being an active member of CREW and NEWH.

Seuss has been published in various magazines and journals and worked on award-winning projects. That includes the 2021 LIV Award winner for Architectural Design of the Year and the 2021 NAIOP Night of the Stars Winner for Historic Renovation of the Year.