Considered by many to be home to the more traditional architecture of quaint cottages and farm houses, the West Sound region consisting of Bainbridge Island, greater Kitsap County, and parts of Jefferson County on the west shore of Hood Canal, boasts a hidden collection of fine modern residential architecture from many of the iconic northwest masters such as Lionel Pries, Wendell Lovett, and Ira Cummings, who opened his first design office on Bainbridge Island. In addition, there were a number of talented local architects such as Hal Moldstad and William Isley who practiced almost exclusively in the West Sound region and put their own unique island twist on modern design. Building on this rich tradition, a growing cadre of young, nationally recognized designers working in the modern genre, particularly on Bainbridge, are at the forefront of the sustainable design movement.

Prior to improvements in the ferry service in the 1970's, these modern homes were primarily built as vacation getaways and often feature acreage, spectacular views and seafood-abundent beaches. Just a thirty five minute ferry trip from Seattle, Bainbridge Island now functions as a bedroom community for those who desire a simpler rural life but wish to remain in close proximity to the city for work or cultural activities. Even the gritty and industrial Navy town of Bremerton, just a forty five minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle, has evolved into a model of small urban, pedestrian / business friendly design. This forward looking transformation of the downtown core was implented by former Bellevue Mayor Cory Bozeman over the past decade. Many of the modest modern homes built here in the booming post WWII years remain in pristine original condition and are a bargain when compared to similar homes on the Seattle side of Puget Sound.

For those willing to think outside the box, West Sound offers much for the modern home owner who would like the opportunity to work or play in the city while enjoying a bit more elbow room, or for those looking to make a more permanent lifestyle change from urban to country living.