At Blue Water Design Build, our story stretches back over a century—through three generations, countless projects, and a deep-rooted connection to the communities we serve. Now, that legacy has been beautifully captured in paint thanks to local Seattle artist Andy Miller, whose new mural on the side of our Crown Hill office brings our past, present, and Pacific Northwest spirit to life.
A Mural That Tells Our Story
More than just a splash of color, this vibrant mural is a tribute to the values that have guided Blue Water Design Build from the beginning: craftsmanship, community, and a deep appreciation for the place we call home. Painted across the length of our building,
Andy’s creation features iconic imagery from Ballard, Crown Hill, and the greater Pacific Northwest, complete with snow-capped mountains, evergreen forests, boats, and familiar wildlife like Orcas and Salmon. But look closer and you’ll spot something even more personal. In the upper corner of the mural there is a brick home. This Gronvold family home was built in 1953 by Kenneth Gronvold Sr., a second-generation Gronvold Ballard builder, he started with his father in 1923. The boat that is featured reflects the fishing and boating industry in Ballard that brought so many Norwegians to the area. Blue Water Design Build is led by third generation builder Kirk Gronvold and is truly a family business with his 3 children and wife they continue the family story of creating quality homes with craftsmanship and dedication to each home.
Andy, a seasoned muralist known for his storytelling approach to public art, included a few special “Easter eggs” as a nod to our family-owned legacy. Nestled among the waves and trees are subtle tributes to the people and memories that have shaped our company over the decades. These touches, while small, hold deep meaning for us and perfectly encapsulate the pride we feel in being a local, family-run firm.
Meet the Artist: Andy Miller
Andy Miller is a Seattle-based artist whose hand-painted murals are beloved for their whimsical detail and deep sense of place. From Ballard to North Beach, Andy has brought walls to life with scenes that connect people to their neighborhoods and spark curiosity and joy. His work blends elements of storytelling, history, and fantasy—making him the perfect match for a project that means so much to our team. You can learn more about Andy and his work here.
Proudly Local, Proudly Blue Water
We’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings more than 100 years ago. Today, as Blue Water continues to design and build homes across Seattle with the same integrity and care that have defined us for generations, we’re reminded that our roots are just as important as our projects.
This mural is a public celebration of that legacy—and a warm welcome to all who pass by. We hope it inspires a sense of community, sparks a few smiles, and reminds everyone that behind every structure we build is a story.
Stop by our office at Crown Hill and take a look—you just might spot a few surprises.
