Instead of developing the land, as many builders do, we need to learn to co-exist with it, Bainbridge architect Jim Cutler says.

To do that, an architect needs to investigate all aspects of the site, the client and the materials, then integrate those observations into the design.

“Our philosophy is to bring out the finest qualities of what something is about,” Cutler said. “Each project yields a different response to the situation.”

Cutler will present some of his ideas at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Playhouse, in a lecture titled “Making Things Fit.” The event kicks off a three-lecture series to benefit the Housing Resources Board. Cutler said the talk will be a chronology of what he has learned on various projects.

“You basically know all you’re going to know when you’re young,” he said, “but then you find out which of those ideas work.”

Cutler studied at the University of Pennsylvania under the legendary Louis I. Kahn. He finished first in a limited-enrollment master program, his credentials such that his first Seattle project was the southern portion of the Pike Place Market.

Cutler and his wife came to Bainbridge in 1974 “because the campground at Fay Bainbridge Park was the closest one to downtown Seattle,” and lived in a tent before settling onto the island’s west side.

Founded in 1977, the Cutler/Anderson firm has won six National Honor Awards from the American Institute of Architects – twice as many as any other West Coast firm – and has an international practice.

“Our philosophy of making design fit into the living world isn’t for everybody, but those who do want it feel like they really, really want our firm,” Cutler said.

He has designed a number of homes on Bainbridge, but may be best known for the Medina home of Bill and Melinda Gates, for which he was chosen after an international search.

Among his current projects is Grace Episcopal Church off Day Road, which Cutler says “in some respects may be our finest building. It reminds me of Aaron Copland – classic, American contemporary.”

While Cutler admits the firm is “world famous,” he said the philosophy of co-existence with nature “hasn’t really rubbed off, and I’m sad about that. We’d like to change the culture.”

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The lecture series “Design, Community, Affordable Housing” will feature Jim Cutler April 10, Michael Pyotak on affordable housing May 12 and Johnpaul Jones on indigenous design on June 5. Ticket prices are $12 for students and seniors, $15 for adults and $40 for the series. Information and reservations: 842-1909.