Architecture for Community.

At Selis Studio Architecture, we believe the most successful projects emerge from strong collaboration, thoughtful design, and a commitment to excellence.

Selis Studio Architecture partners with schools, early-childhood programs, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations to create spaces that support learning, connection, and community life. Our work includes classroom reconfigurations, early-childhood centers, adaptive reuse, and small commercial or community-focused renovations throughout Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland.

Every project begins with understanding the program’s mission and the people it serves. Through a collaborative design process, we develop environments that are flexible, intuitive, and aligned with long-term goals.

We aim to create spaces that enhance teaching, strengthen community engagement, and support growth over time.

Selis Studio Architecture LLC is a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) in the District of Columbia.

Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) badge for Selis Studio Architecture, Washington, DC.

What We Do.

We help clients reimagine spaces to better support the people they serve—whether in educational, community, or mission-driven settings.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Classroom and learning environment design

  • Early-childhood centers and pre-K facilities

  • Small campus improvements and phased renovations

  • Adaptive reuse of existing buildings for community or educational programs

  • Test-fits and master planning for growth

  • Commercial tenant fit outs and renovations

How We Support Community Clients.

Educational and community projects often require clarity, coordination, and sensitivity to schedule and budget.

We work closely with clients to:

  • Plan renovations and improvements in occupied buildings

  • Coordinate with consultants, facility teams, and governmental approval agencies

  • Navigate jurisdictional zoning, permitting, and code requirements

  • Deliver clear documentation for fundraising, approvals, and construction

Contact Us

Experience.

Throughout her career, Katie has helped shape impactful projects across Washington, DC and beyond.

During her 15 years at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture—first as a project manager and later as a principal—she led and contributed to a wide range of work, including multifamily housing, institutional buildings, educational facilities, and master planning efforts.

As the founding principal of Selis Studio Architecture, Katie brings this depth of experience to every project, offering strategic design leadership, technical expertise, and a collaborative approach rooted in context and long-term value.

(Expand each project for details on Katie’s role, project type, and scope as well as more information from Studio Twenty Seven Architecture’s website.)

    • Project Type: K-12 Charter School

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Size: 142,000 SF

    • Role: Project Architect while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services

    • Certifications: LEED Silver

    • Description: Renovation of a 1950 public school into a “campus” to serve Pre-K through high school students.

    • Project Type: Non-profit Community Outreach

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Size: 50,000 SF

    • Role: Project Architect while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services incl. FF&E

    • Description: Adaptive reuse of an aging community movie theater into a public outreach venue that includes seminar space, offices, a cafe, and kitchen.

    • Project Type: Long-Range Educational Facilites Planning for Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)

    • Location: Alexandria, VA

    • Role: Project Manager for master plan efforts while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Facilities Assessment, Master Planning

    • Description: Led city and district representatives in the development of a Long Range Educational Facilities Master Plan to guide ACPS while it expands and modernizes its schools.

    • Project Type: K-12 Charter School

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Size: 65,000 SF

    • Role: Project Manager while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services

    • Certifications: LEED Gold

    • Description: Renovation of a 1964 public school into a weekday boarding school. Academic and residential spaces housed within a singular building provide a stable environment for students.

    • Project Type: Multifamily Residential | Historic Preservation

      Location: Washington, DC

    • Size: 108,000 SF

    • Role: Project Architect while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services

    • Certifications: LEED Gold

    • Description: Renovation and adaptive reuse of a historic stable and coal garage into modern and sustainable housing. Includes a new housing addition at the rear of the site.

    • Project Type: Residential

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Size: 1,080 SF

    • Role: Project Manager while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Full A/E Services

    • Description: Conversion of retail storage space into a one-bedroom apartment in Georgetown’s commercial district.

    • Project Type: Short-Term Family Housing

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Size: 53,000 SF

    • Role: Shared Project Management responsibilities while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services, incl. FF&E

    • Certifications: LEED Silver

    • Description: Short-term family housing facilities funded by the District of Columbia government for women and children seeking safe and stable housing.

    • Project Type: K-12 Public Charter School

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Role: Project Manager while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services

    • Certifications: LEED Gold

    • Description: Redevelopment of a city-owned site to include a new high school, recreation center, and outdoor recreational facilities.

    • Project Type: Educational (Early Childhood)

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Role: Project Manager while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services

    • Description: Conversion of a residential house into a two-classroom schoolhouse, facilitated by the addition of two staircases and meeting rooms at the rear.

    • Project Type: Higher Education | K-12 Charter School | Historic Preservation

    • Location: Washington, DC

    • Size: 75,750 SF

    • Role: Project Manager while at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

    • Services: Programming, Full A/E Services, incl. FF&E

    • Certifications: LEED Gold

    • Description: Renovation of a 1908 Howard University building on the National Register of Historic Places. The singular building will house the Howard University School of Education and the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science.

Howard University Miner Building (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

Howard University Miner Building (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

KIPP DC Somerset College Prep (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

KIPP DC Somerset College Prep (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

The Aya (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

The Aya (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

Chapman Stables (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

Chapman Stables (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

KIPP DC Somerset College Prep (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

KIPP DC Somerset College Prep (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

M Street Apartment (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

M Street Apartment (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

Chapman Stables (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

Chapman Stables (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

Monument Academy (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

Monument Academy (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

FHI 360 Theater (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

FHI 360 Theater (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

KIPP DC Douglass Campus (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

KIPP DC Douglass Campus (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

The Riverseed School (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

The Riverseed School (*completed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture)

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