Now is the Time to Start a Design Project
Article Todd Smith Article Todd Smith

Now is the Time to Start a Design Project

In today's economic and political climate, many people may think twice about embarking on a new residential or commercial design project. High interest rates, rising building costs, and an uncertain political landscape can all create hesitation and seem like daunting obstacles. However, despite these challenges, there are good reasons to begin planning and designing your home or business starting now.

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Crafting “The Brewery” – The Evolution Of Icicle Brewing Company
Case Study Matt Porter Case Study Matt Porter

Crafting “The Brewery” – The Evolution Of Icicle Brewing Company

There are several breweries in Leavenworth, but when someone says, “let’s meet at the brewery,” you know exactly where they’ll be. Icicle Brewing Company, located on Front Street, was founded in 2010 by Pam and Oliver Brullotte. Whether celebrating a special occasion or meeting up after a day on the trails, the brewery has become the go-to hub for locals and tourists alike. What began as a dedicated production facility has morphed over time to include so much more.

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Designing Fire-Resistant Homes In Eastern Washington: Essential Tips And Strategies
Article Steven Booher Article Steven Booher

Designing Fire-Resistant Homes In Eastern Washington: Essential Tips And Strategies

As wildfire activity becomes more common and destructive, designing homes that can withstand these devastating fires is more crucial than ever. With increasing amounts of fuel on our lands and the unpredictable, fast-moving nature of wildfires, homes in wildfire-prone areas are at significant risk. Wildfires often attack the exterior of a home first, making it essential to incorporate fire-resistant design elements. This article means to lay out some considerations for building and renovating homes to help reduce the risk of wildfire.

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Q&A With Hannah Hering, Interior Designer
Employee Spotlight Syndicate Smith Employee Spotlight Syndicate Smith

Q&A With Hannah Hering, Interior Designer

“My intention when designing a space is to create something that feels inviting, timeless, functional, and completely unique to my client. I often draw inspiration from the surrounding environment and try to incorporate as many earth tones and natural materials as possible to create a sense of connection between the interiors of a home and its site.

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Nest Haus: An Outlier in a Region of Low-Cost Energy
Case Study Todd Smith Case Study Todd Smith

Nest Haus: An Outlier in a Region of Low-Cost Energy

Energy savings isn't the only reason to build energy-efficient homes. As climate change accelerates, sustainability and resilience must take center stage in architectural design. It's not just about cutting costs; it's about creating homes that are comfortable and sustainable in the face of more extreme weather patterns. Hotter, smokier summers and winters with unpredictable cold snaps are becoming increasingly frequent. This is where the concept of creating the best "jacket" for your home comes into play. Nest Haus, for instance, stands as an outlier in a region accustomed to cheap power. It was designed with comfort and efficiency in mind, using both passive and active systems to reduce energy consumption over the home's lifespan.

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Q&A Steven Booher, AIA Partner / Principal Architect
Employee Spotlight Syndicate Smith Employee Spotlight Syndicate Smith

Q&A Steven Booher, AIA Partner / Principal Architect

“I aim to create clarity when designing. For me this means that a design should make intuitive sense, feel like it belongs in a specific place and for it’s intended use. There is so much complexity in designing and constructing a building – so the goal is for the final building to look and feel timeless - like it’s the only way it could have been made.”

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Wenatchee River 02 in Custom Builder Magazine
Press Publication Author Press Publication Author

Wenatchee River 02 in Custom Builder Magazine

Edgy Escape

“The lot for this vacation home along the Wenatchee River in the Cascade Mountains offers several acres of wooded riverfront to enjoy, but only about 1,500 square feet of it allow for a reasonable construction area, and that flat pad comes right to the edge of a steep, rocky slope that drops dramatically to the river below.”

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