Help Create an Official Flag for Kirkland

Kirkland Flag Advisory Group Photo

Project Update

Flag design submissions and community engagement feedback are closed. The Kirkland Flag Learners Advisory Group (K-FLAG) has reviewed all the flag design submissions and feedback. Staff presented to the May 20, 2025 City Council Meeting. Linked is the memo. Below are the six semi-finalists that will be reviewed by the North American Vexillological Association later this year.

Flag Details

Flag Design 

The Map - Simplified by Kurt Dresner*

Artist Description: An abstract depiction of Kirkland's downtown on Lake Washington. The flag is symmetric so cannot be flown upside down and uses a simplified color palette with more standardized colors. The blue triangle represents both Lake Washington as well as an arrow pointing forward for progress. Downtown is symbolized by a compass rose to pay homage to our history as a shipbuilding town and our connection to the water. Lines radiate out from downtown to symbolize both how Kirklanders come from all over the world and also how Kirkland's influence extends to the whole world.

*Note that K-FLAG identified this flag design to be very similar to another, and wanted NAVA to consider them as one semi-finalist.

kirkflag3a.png
 
Guided by the “K” by Yasin Merchant

Artist Description: This flag design is a bold visual representation of Kirkland’s identity—its natural landscape, civic values, and forward-looking spirit. It features a horizontal division: sky blue above to represent Lake Washington and the city’s deep connection to water, and deep green below to reflect Kirkland’s parks, forests, and environmental stewardship.

At the hoist side, a stylized chevron made of layered blue, green, and metallic white lines forms the shape of the letter "K"—a subtle yet intentional nod to Kirkland. The chevron points inward to signify movement, direction, and unity. Its angular design evokes progress and collaboration—key traits of the city’s dynamic growth and civic engagement.

From the heart of the “K” shape emerges a metallic white starburst, symbolizing a compass rose or guiding light. This radiant design element represents Kirkland’s prosperity, rich culture, and shared direction. It highlights the city’s foundational pillars: vibrant neighborhoods, a sustainable environment, inclusive and welcoming communities, connected infrastructure, safe and healthy people, and a transparent, equitable government.

The use of metallic white throughout the design is intentional—it represents not only light and clarity, but also prosperity, peace, and the cultural richness that define Kirkland as a thriving, diverse city. This flag honors both the spirit and the structure of Kirkland: grounded in nature, rooted in community, and moving confidently toward a shared and inclusive future.

Yasin-Merchant-Guided-by-the-K-Flag.jpg
 
Green, Blue and You by Heather Cooney

Artist Description:

  • AK for Kirkland (Because the rules state “no lettering”, the left column of the white K has been removed. If “lettering” were acceptable, then we would put it back in)
  • Green section represents Kirkland’s hills
  • Lighter blue section represents the Lake Washington which runs along a border of Kirkland
  • Dark blue represents open space where you can be whoever you want to be (the sky’s the limit)
  • Blue and green colors also nod to Kirkland’s close connection with all of Seattle’s pro sports teams
 
green-blue-and-you_Cooney-K-Flag-submission.jpg
(Not Titled) by Nicole Gallacher

Artist Description: This flag symbolizes the city’s natural beauty and strong community spirit. The tree's reflection in the lake mirrors the city's close connection to Lake Washington, emphasizing Kirkland’s waterfront identity. The blue upper half signifies the sky and water, while the green lower half reflects the city’s parks and forested landscapes and commitment to sustainability. Together, the design evokes harmony between urban life and nature, celebrating Kirkland as a vibrant community.

 
Kirkland-Flag-Design.png
Kirkland Harmony by Luisa Furtado

Artist Description: What makes Kirkland’s identity, and us all proud? The top of the list certainly includes: a unique sense of community, its ample culture scene, a strong technological character, the prominent waterfront, our cherished parks, and ultimately, a deep connection to nature. Can you find it all in the new flag?

A kite soars just above our green parks and blue waterfronts, representing both community and craftsmanship. Its tip forms a north-pointing triangle, which, together with the lightning bolt-shaped tree silhouette, symbolizes not only for progress and technology but also Kirkland's continued responsibility to harmonize these with nature. Looking at everything together, the composition of foreground and background resembles an iconic painting, nodding at our art scene, where the kite reveals itself once again: this time as a diamond, for Kirkland is a true jewel of Washington State.

kirkland_harmony.png
 
The Heron’s Path by Agustin Da Fieno Delucchi

Artist Description: This flag honors the natural spirit of Kirkland through the elegant silhouette of a great blue heron, a familiar resident along Lake Washington’s shores. The heron symbolizes grace, observation, and connection to the local ecosystem. It soars across a gently winding white band that represents both the lake and the flow of community life— peaceful yet ever-moving. The deep blue above evokes the sky and Kirkland’s forward- looking vision, while the green below reflects the city’s parks, forests, and environmental commitment. The design is minimal, rich with symbolism and distinctively tied to Kirkland’s identity.

Flag_Option2.png
 
The Map by Kurt Dresner*

Artist Description: The overarching theme is a very abstract map of Kirkland. The blue is the water and the various bays (Juanita Bay, Moss Bay) that border Kirkland. It forms an arrow signifying progress. The Compass Rose shows where our downtown is while alluding to our history as both a shipbuilding town and a ferry suburb. The alternating shades of green represent the many hills in Kirkland, and our commitment to sustainability. The squiggly white line represents the much-loved Cross-Kirkland Corridor, the paths that bring us together, and also helps the flag be recognizable when the wind is not blowing.

*Note that K-FLAG identified this flag design to be very similar to another, and wanted NAVA to consider them as one semi-finalist.

KirklandFlag_TheMap_KurtDresner_and_BobMyers.png