As an architect, I had a rare opportunity to contribute new building designs to a 1930s-era state park in Washington State.

Part of the project scope was to restore Cama Beach State Park’s existing one-room cabins. So, it was important to make any new designs contextual.

Because visitors were drawn to the history of the park, my colleague and I were inspired to create buildings that were minimal and incorporated materials from the site.

This led to the design you see here for the visitor’s center. Its columns are round logs that echo the surrounding cedar trees. Expansive windows allow light to flow through the building. Yet the design is humble enough to blend in with the setting’s natural beauty.