Blog

Projects: Blockhouse Blockhouse began with a question about how density and livability can coexist — and how a neighborhood like Spokane’s Perry District can grow without losing the character that makes it worth living in. The answer came not from building bigger, but from building smarter. The project sits on what were originally three single-family…

Projects: Ponder Point Ponder Point is a waterfront residence on Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, Idaho. The character of the project is shaped by its site. The home sits on low-lying wetlands with saturated soils and a high water table, requiring a careful balance between structural performance and environmental responsibility. To support the building, the…

Projects: Medical Lake rebuild This project began not with a blank site, but with loss. After a wildfire devastated communities in Medical Lake, Four Lakes, and Cheney, our clients lost the home they had just finished building, along with nearly everything they owned. What followed was an intensely personal, emotionally raw process of rebuilding. For…

This year, our people remained at the heart of everything we do. From day-to-day collaboration in the studio to moments of pause and reflection outside of it, 2025 was defined by connection, shared purpose, and growth. Our retreat began at The Flying Goat with meaningful conversation, games, and great lunch. We then headed to Anam…

Process – Phase 2 Visualize In our Visualize phase, we take the conceptual ideas shaped through site analysis, client collaboration, and early modeling, and transform them into a complete, coordinated set of technical drawings. This is the moment when the project becomes fully “real” and ready to be built. We begin by reviewing the approved…

Projects: Cannon Hill Remodel This remodel tells the story of transformation—taking a dated, compartmentalized home and reimagining it as a warm, modern sanctuary. Originally built with traditional finishes and small, closed-off rooms, the house felt constrained in both layout and light. Our team was tasked with expanding the home by nearly 1,800 square feet, while…

Sending off Anna Boswell-Abel Over the past few months, our studio has been home to Profusity, an exhibition by local artist Anna Boswell Abel. Her work, constructed from discarded clothing and transformed through collage, has reshaped how we think about waste, sustainability, and creativity. These pieces haven’t just decorated our walls—they’ve invited conversation, reflection, and…

Our Proc[us]: At Uptic Studios, we believe architecture shouldn’t be confusing or intimidating. It should be something everyone can understand and get excited about. That’s why we’ve broken our design process into four clear phases. This month, we’re highlighting Phase 1: Conceptualize. Phase 1 is all about listening. We start by sitting down with you…

At Uptic Studios, we pride ourselves on being more than just designers, we’re guides. Matthew, one of our co-founders, often describes our role as being the sherpas of the design world, carrying the baggage, navigating the valleys, and guiding our clients to the peak of completion and beyond. This hands-on approach means we’re not just…