R. W. Thorpe & Associates, Inc.

7438 Se 27th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040
ph: (206) 624-6239 / fax: (206) 625-0930
rwta.com | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

R. W. Thorpe & Associates, Inc. (RWT/A) is a Seattle-based urban and regional planning firm with expertise in land use management, comprehensive plans, critical areas and shorelines management plans, landscape architecture, environmental (SEPA) and economic analysis, permit expediting, and expert witness testimony. We have offices in Denver, Anchorage, and Winthrop, Washington and have provided services to clients throughout the US, Central America, and Asia.

Over its more than 34 year history, the firm has been involved in several large comprehensive plan contracts for public jurisdictions in Washington and the Pacific Northwest. A key element in the scope of these contracts was the development and implementation of innovative, “leading edge” zoning, land use, critical/sensitive areas, subdivision and landscape ordinances and regulations. RWT/A has been retained by agencies and permit applicants to administer, critique, defend and challenge land use regulations that are poorly crafted. The firm has developed economic models to assess the financial benefits to cities of annexations and proposed developments.

RWT/A is recognized for its multi-disciplinary approach to land use planning and environmental analysis. In this capacity, the firm has prepared over 400 SEPA Environmental Impact Statements, land use and zoning feasibility studies for large-scale commercial, residential, industrial and recreational projects. We have successfully helped implement over 2,000 comprehensive plan amendments and rezones, Planned Unit Developments, Conditional Use Permits and other land use permit applications.

A majority of the firm’s members have public agency experience in writing and administering land use guidelines and regulations. All have extensive first-hand experience working with public agencies, elected officials and citizen groups, with several being qualified expert witnesses. The firm utilizes its own staff as well as on-call consultants for specialized expertise and technical research and analyses. Often the firm will take the lead on a project, ensuring efficient project management, quality control, and budget management. One of our strongest attributes is the ability to assemble a team of highly qualified sub-consultants whose expertise is specifically suited to best serve the needs of the project at hand. Our expertise has achieved an approval rate of over 96% in more than 7,000 land use permit applications, appeals, mediations and litigation, specifically in the following areas:

RWT/A can assist you to bring virtually any project to a successful conclusion, with attention to citizen’s environmental concerns. Our Staff and Project Managers’ detailed involvement in Public Sector Projects has resulted in a continuous 34-year history of letters of recommendation. Please contact us during the early stages of your RFQ Process or in the feasibility stage of your private project.