Michelle Couture AIA

Regional Manager and Senior Managing Architect

Contact Info

Department

Engineering

Phone

(206) 650-2429

Email

michelle.couture@yaeservices.com

Locations

Seattle, WA

Biography

Michelle is a licensed professional architect with over 16 years of experience in architectural evaluations of existing buildings, with a primary focus on evaluation of building envelope systems. Her experience includes roofing and cladding repair designs, construction document development, peer review of facade design detailing, facade and window condition assessments and testing, facade and roofing infrared inspections, pre-purchase surveys, development and documentation of destructive or diagnostic field investigations, and construction administration services. Michelle has provided damage assessments and water leakage source investigations for numerous condominium construction defect claims. Consulting services have included thorough documentation of destructive investigations, project and building code research, data analysis, and formulation of reports and presentations of expert opinions.

Publications and Presentations

  • Forensic Architecture, Couture, M., Morden, M., Kotulka R., Presentation to SeaBEC
  • Couture, M., Vorley W., Community Associations Presentation, WSCAI, Spring Maintenance
  • Couture, M., WSCAI, Facilitating Energy Conservation in Multifamily Housing, Community Associations Journal

Education

  • University of Minnesota  |  Twin Cities, Minnesota
    Bachelor of Science - Architectural Studies
  • Cornell University  |  Ithica, New York
    Certificate - Leadership Essentials

Professional Experience

  • 2023 - Current  |  Regional Manager and Senior Managing Architect  |  YA Engineering Services
  • 2021 - 2023  |  Project Manager  |  YA Engineering Services
  • 2019 - 2020  |  Senior Associate  |  YA Engineering Services
  • 2017 - 2018  |  Principal  |  Michelle E. Couture Architectural Consulting, PLLC
  • 2004 - 2017  |  Senior Associate/Architect:  |  Wiss Janney Elstner Associates Inc.

Areas of Practice

  • ADA Compliance Assessment
  • Building Code Upgrade Review
  • Building Envelope
  • Construction Administration
  • Historic Preservation
  • Infrared Thermography
  • Litigation Support
  • Repair and Rehabilitation Design
  • Sustainability

Representative Consulting Assignments

  • The Exchange Building
    Seattle, WA  |  Masonry facade assessment, repair design, construction observation and CA services.
  • Commercial and Residential Buildings (various)
    Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California  |  Building code upgrade analyses and evaluations.
  • Everett Group Health
    Everett, WA  |  Facade reclad design.
  • King County Courthouse
    Seattle, WA  |  Masonry facade assessment, repair design, construction observation and CA services.
  • Fremont Apartments
    Seattle, WA  |  Facade evaluation and reclad design.
  • Northgate Plaza
    Seattle, WA  |  Masonry facade assessment, repair design, construction observation and CA services.
  • Condominium Buildings (various)
    Seattle, WA and Portland, OR  |  Damage investigation and assessment of cause of water leakage in exterior building envelopes.

Affiliations

  • American Institute of Architects (AIA)
  • Seattle Building Enclosure Council (SeaBEC)

Credentials

  • AIA  |  American Institute of Architecture

Licenses

  • Hawaii  |  AR-19673  |  Registered Architect
  • Washington  |  11709  |  Registered Architect