Architect Katie Selis, founder of Selis Studio Architecture, portrait.

Katie Selis, AIA

Founder & Principal

Katie is the founder and principal of Selis Studio Architecture, a Washington, DC–based practice focused on residential, educational, and community design. With more than 15 years of experience working in the District, she brings a clear, thoughtful approach to projects of all scales — from rowhouse renovations to early-childhood centers and adaptive reuse.


“I believe that thoughtful design has the power to strengthen communities and enhance daily life.”

Katie’s work is shaped by a deep understanding of spatial relationships, context, and how people move through and experience their environments. She is drawn to projects that improve how people live, learn, and gather - designing spaces that feel intuitive, connected, and rooted in place.

Before founding SSA, Katie spent over a decade at Studio Twenty Seven Architecture, where she contributed to award-winning projects and developed a strong foundation in design leadership, technical coordination, and project management. She holds degrees in architecture from the University of Virginia (B.S. Arch) and the University of California, Berkeley (M.Arch).

Katie lives on Capitol Hill with her family and is active within the local design and school communities. She also participates in local design juries and community panels, sharing insight on architectural practice, creativity, and balancing professional and family life.

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