Design Review Board

Shoshana Cohen - Chair, Houghton Neighborhood

Shoshi moved to Kirkland five years ago from Israel. She graduated with her BS degree in International Relations and East Asian Studies from the Hebrew University.  After several years, she shifted from her international Marketing and Business career to pursue her passion: boutique architectural design in 2014. Currently the owner and operator of a local interior designs studio since 2016, and has worked on projects throughout Kirkland and the northwest, with emphasis on elevating current home structures to match the latest global design trends, using an affordable pricing model.

Shoshi and her family chose Kirkland as a home away from home due to the unique characteristics of our quaint city. She began to see Kirkland as a small town with a large urban context, and started seeking opportunities to participate in ways to keep the Kirkland Vibe; safe, beautiful, and pedestrian friendly while embracing the rapid changes the area is going through. 

Shoshi enjoys hiking, painting and learning languages. 

Adam Crain, - Vice Chair, Finn Hill Neighborhood

Adam moved to Kirkland in 2018, transplant from Washington DC. He maintains an architectural practice there while enjoying Kirkland's lifestyle and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Specializing in multifamily and mixed-use development, he was drawn to the Design Review Board to engage with the local community on projects that define the future of the city. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech's College of Architecture and Urban Studies, is a licensed architect and LEED AP.

Along with serving on the DRB, he is obtaining his Commercial Real Estate Certificate from the University of Washington. In his free time he enjoys trail running, hiking and volcanology.

Tim Olson - Norkirk Neighborhood

Tim has lived in Kirkland’s Norkirk neighborhood since 1986. He received a BS in Economics from University of Nevada-Reno and a Master of Architecture from University of Washington, and has been in private practice since 1992, focusing on residential projects. He was appointed to the Board in 2013 and will complete his two terms in March 2021.

Tim has volunteered in the community over the years, on the Norkirk Traffic Task Force in 2001, the Lake Washington School District Modernization Task Force, and LWSD Technology Advisory Committee. He was an active PTSA volunteer while his daughter and son attended Peter Kirk Elementary, Kirkland Junior High, and Lake Washington High schools, receiving the Golden Acorn award from Peter Kirk in 2001. He was instrumental in developing and implementing the plans and facilities for Emergency Preparedness at each school.

In his spare time Tim enjoys woodworking, hiking, golf, and bicycling. 

Carlos Castaneda, Norkirk Neighborhood

Carlos is an active member of Kirkland’s Design Review Board where he reviews projects for consistency with applicable business district design guidelines.  

He moved to Kirkland from Mexico City in 2016 and has been drawn by the nature, outdoor activities (multiple trails) and the tranquility that the City of Kirkland offers. Carlos holds a B.A. in Architecture, he is a registered architect in Mexico, a LEED Green Associate and is currently seeking licensure in the United States. Prior to his relocation, he collaborated with multiple architecture firms working on residential and commercial projects in Mexico and the United States. 

Beyond his current professional experience with Architecture leading commercial roll-out programs, he focuses on building strong relationships with clients, colleagues and teams. Carlos is an avid salsa dancer, runner and enjoys painting and riding anything that has two wheels on it. 

Randal Brand, Norkirk Neighborhood

I have been extremely fortunate to have lived in Kirkland for the better part of 42 years. I arrived in Kirkland following my graduation from the University of Nebraska with degrees in Architecture and Construction Management, and later obtaining my MBA from Seattle University.

My wife, Juanita, and I have raised our two children here in Kirkland. As they grew up, we remained active at Kirkland Junior High and Lake Washington High School, Little League, Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, church, and other community events and activities across the eastside. We have enjoyed our many years raising our children and living in Kirkland.  

I am a Registered Architect and have worked in the design, construction, and real estate development industries throughout the western United States. I have had the opportunities to present to many Design Review Boards, Planning Commissions, and City Councils up and down the West Coast. This expertise, education, and my many years of living in Kirkland are what I have sought to bring to the City of Kirkland Design Review Board to serve Kirkland residents for a better and bright future for our community. 

Brad Brown, Rose Hill Neighborhood

Brad has served on the Kirkland Design Review board for the past seven years. He holds a Master of Architecture degree and has worked in the design and construction industry for 11 years.

He is dedicated to serving his community, and loves volunteering for a variety of groups. Brad believes that well-designed cities, neighborhoods, and buildings improve the lives of their community. 

Ting Chen, Rose Hill Neighborhood

Ting Chen was born and raised in China and moved to Kirkland in 2009.  She studied Architecture and Urban Design, graduating from the University of Washington with a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning.  After graduating, Ting worked as a project engineer in the construction field and gained experience in the building process; she has worked for local general contractors managing the construction of both residential and commercial projects.  Ting is currently a project manager with MN Custom Homes LLC.  While learning the means and methods of construction, Ting has realized the importance of integrating people, design, and construction to make a project successful. 

Ting lives with her husband and two boys in the Rose Hill neighborhood.  Ting enjoys reading and outdoor activities with her family.