Karen Chiu
Karen (she/her) began her professional career as a lawyer, but she fell in love with architecture during a sabbatical and hasn’t looked back. As an architect, Karen has worked on a variety of typologies including custom single-family residences, dental offices, K-12 schools, and higher education buildings. When not architecting, Karen works in her garden and is an avid participant in the Seattle social partner dance scene.
Hometown: Youngstown, OH
First Day at Scharrer AD: April 28, 2025
Favorite Building: No one favorite, but sacred spaces hold a special appeal, and I am fascinated by the intricate concrete façade of the Baha’i Temple in Wilmette, IL.
Current Obsession: I love to learn new kinds of partner dances, and I can’t get enough time on the social dance floor. My dance obsession changes all the time, but I keep coming back to cross step waltz, west coast swing, Balboa, and Argentine tango.
Favorite Thing about Seattle: You are never far from a view of mountains, water, or forest.