Often a foreign client will hire a local architect in addition to the American one, with a local firm frequently working on the engineering side of the project. The American firm does not always erect an office at the new site. Technology has offered architects and engineers greater freedom than ever before. They can often work from their main offices now, using special Web cameras. William Lacey, a principal with Callison, is similarly awed by the advances.
Most firms believe the work is worth the investment.
The city's history and mutual interests led them there, she says. The Asian economic crisis caused many firms to turn toward home again, a trend that still continues for many. With the Puget Sound economy so good, many firms are choosing to keep their focus on their home state and country. When they're lucky, as they often are, everything comes together. A beautiful building is created.