Party goers dressed in gowns and tuxes were greeted with champagne in a Cirque De Glace’ winter wonder land complete with aerial acts, ballerinas, stilt walkers, contortionists, falling snow flakes and rolling fog. Illuminated ice luges dispensed refreshments while guests lined up to receive exquisite watercolors on faces and limbs. One of the evening’s highlights was the dramatic appearance of a 45 pound python with its handler, who made the rounds for photo opportunities with guests and entertainers.
Matthew Coates, president of Coates Design Architects on Bainbridge Island, hosted the 10 year anniversary celebration to thank community members and clients for their support during his first decade in business. The event, at the Clearwater Suquamish Ballroom, took on a momentary quiet tone when Coates spoke of his gratitude for the opportunity to pursue his passion for responsible architecture – which he defined as “work that in some way improves the world we live in.” He cited his firm’s projects for the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, KiDiMu Kids Discovery Museum, LifeWire domestic violence shelter, S’Klallam Tribe Youth Center, Westsound Wildlife Shelter, Aberdeen Visitors Center and North Kitsap Fishline.
Fishline Board President, Tom Eckmann, described the work that Coates is performing for the organization, which is the largest food bank in North Kitsap. Eckmann thanked Coates and urged the crowd to support Fishline’s vital role in the community.
Coates closed with special recognition to his long-time colleague, Bob Miller-Rhees, and he recognized his team of designers and staff, noting “they are the best of the best.”
He raised a toast to the next ten years, alluding to upcoming exciting work on the boards. Dancing and music resumed, the python made its rounds, and party goers celebrated with Coates and his team.