December Connect with [us]

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 Cara Healing Center, where we were warmly welcomed into a relaxing space to unwind and reset. The day wrapped up at Ruins with a family dinner and a gift exchange. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, share a new experience, and kick off the holiday season as a team.

We’re deeply grateful for the people and places that helped make these moments meaningful. Thank you to Flying Goat, Anam Cara, and Ruins for hosting us and contributing to an experience rooted in warmth, generosity, and community. As we look ahead, we carry forward the energy of this year, grounded in collaboration, clarity, and a shared commitment to elevating the human experience together.

Process: Phase 3 Realize

The Realize phase is where design becomes structure. Your team at Uptic Studios coordinates with builders and consultants to review drawings, evaluate materials, and guide the construction process to completion. Throughout construction, we continue coordinating RFIs, reviewing shop drawings, and managing change orders as needed.

Our team remains closely involved by keeping bi-weekly meetings going, scheduling site visits when necessary, and staying connected through the entire process. This phase transforms drawings into built reality through clear coordination, careful review, and consistency from concept to completion.

Projects: Crystal View at Schweitzer

Perched along the slopes of Schweitzer Mountain, the Crystal View Estates lots offer a rare combination of ski-in/ski-out access, panoramic alpine views, and generous sites designed for custom mountain homes. Each lot varies in size and scale—supporting homes ranging from approximately 2,400 to over 4,300 square feet—but they share a common thread: direct connection to the mountain landscape and an emphasis on elevated, year-round living. From intimate cabins tucked into the trees to larger residences designed for gathering and entertaining, these lots are shaped by topography, views, and access to the ski runs, making each site uniquely positioned within the larger development

To help communicate the potential of these sites, we created a series of AI-generated images, using Uptic designed AI tools, that act as conceptual visualizations rather than literal representations of final designs. Using AI image generation allowed us to explore massing, materiality, and atmosphere quickly—testing how architecture might step with the slope, frame distant mountain views, or glow warmly against winter snow.

For those interested in learning more about Crystal View Estates or exploring the potential of a specific lot, we encourage you to connect with the project team directly. Marcello Conigliaro, Owner/Broker, and Alison Murphy, Associate Broker with Northwest Realty Group, are available to answer questions, provide additional details, and guide next steps for interested buyers. You can also visit the SMP Discover Center in the Selkirk Lodge at Schweitzer Mountain for more information and an on-site look at the opportunity.

Our Events: Foster Kids First

For many years, Uptic Studios Founder and Interior Designer Julie Collins and her family have been deeply involved with Embrace Washington—an organization formerly known as Foster Kids First. Over time, the program has grown and evolved to support foster children and families throughout the year, with an especially meaningful impact during the holidays.

When Uptic Studios moved into its current U-District location, the timing aligned perfectly to open the studio warehouse as the annual home for Embrace Washington’s holiday gift-wrapping party. Each year, the organization collects hundreds upon hundreds of gifts for children of all ages, wraps them, and delivers them to foster families during a special holiday celebration. Beyond the gifts, families enjoy breakfast together, a visit with Santa, and a chance to vote on one-of-a-kind curated family experiences donated by community partners.

This year, Uptic Studios gathered and donated 300 gifts from family, friends, and team members, along with five family experiences, including two Spokane Chiefs games, a Gonzaga Men’s Basketball game, a North Pole Cruise night, and a Mini Golf Night Out. Special thanks to the Spokane Chiefs, Fig.1 Patents, and PLS for helping us provide the family outings. Thanks to generous donors, each experience also included gas, food, and other essentials to ensure a convenient and memorable outing.

We look forward to this event every year and extend heartfelt thanks to the many friends, family members, and incredible volunteers who make it possible. Embrace Washington offers a variety of programs that support and uplift children in foster care, and we’re honored to play a small part in their mission.

Learn more at: embracewa.org

Our Events: [us] at schweitzer

Mark your calendars! This winter, we’re hosting artist Christy Branson for our artist exhibition at Uptic Studios. In addition to the in-studio exhibition, Christy will host a special pop-up shop at Schweitzer Mountain Resort on January 17. More details coming soon, we look forward to seeing you!

We’re Hiring!

Project Architect
Uptic Studios is looking for a licensed Project Architect (8+ years experience) to lead the delivery of thoughtful, design-forward architecture across custom residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.

You’ll:

• Oversee documentation, coordination & technical execution
• Manage client relationships and guide projects through CA
• Mentor staff & steward technical quality across the studio
• Collaborate with a Senior Project Designer to turn strong design intent into exceptional built work
• Help shape architecture that balances creativity with disciplined execution across the Northwest and beyond

Designer I
Join Uptic Studios in producing well-crafted drawings and models that bring meaningful design to life & elevating the human experience.

You’ll:

• Work closely with Job Captains and Project Architects to learn project delivery
• Use industry-leading tools like Revit, Enscape & Adobe
• Gain hands-on experience across all project phases
• Contribute to projects where design rigor and technical precision go hand-in-hand
• Build toward Designer II through mentorship and technical growth

Bachelor’s/Master’s in Architecture preferred — or Architectural Technologist degree with strong BIM skills.

Apply with your resume + portfolio:
hiring@upticstudios.com