February Connect with [us]

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 foundation utilizes rammed aggregate piers. This system strengthens the existing soils and distributes loads more effectively, reducing long-term settlement while limiting the amount of excavation required. Site work was coordinated to manage runoff, stabilize disturbed areas, and protect the adjacent shoreline throughout construction.

From above, the home reads as a series of linear volumes arranged parallel to the lake. The layout follows the edge of the water, with the main living spaces oriented toward long views across the surface. A detached structure anchors the entry sequence, while a dock extends outward, reinforcing the connection between house and lake.

The exterior combines dark wood siding and metal cladding. Large expanses of glazing open toward the water, and upper volumes project subtly to create depth and shadow. The massing steps with the terrain
to reduce visual impact and respond to the natural grade.

Inside, exposed timber beams and wood ceilings define the primary living spaces. The kitchen features integrated cabinetry, concealed appliances, and a large island that anchors the open plan. Light-toned millwork and concrete flooring create a restrained material palette. The living area opens directly to an exterior terrace, with full-height windows framing views of the lake and surrounding trees.

Ponder Point reflects a coordinated approach between structure, site, 
and architecture. The result is a modern lakeside home that responds directly to challenging ground conditions while maintaining a strong relationship to its setting.

Contractor: Ramey Construction
Photography: Oliver Irwin

Our Events: First Friday

Our Sustainability Forum is next week! Join [us] Thursday, March 5th, 5:30-7 pm.

Our guest speaker is Mike Hanson of Watson Furniture. Mike will 
present “LEVEL by BIFMA: The Definitive Certification Program for Sustainable Furniture,” an accredited course that outlines how LEVEL certification evaluates environmental impact, material health, and social responsibility across furniture products and manufacturing processes. 
The presentation will also provide context on material transparency, lifecycle performance, and how third-party certification supports sustainable specification decisions.

This event is Co-sponsored by Contract Design, a Spokane based furniture supplier that partners with Watson Furniture to provide high performance, sustainably certified commercial furniture in the region.

Join us for a little networking, collaboration, and continued 
education credits.

Please RSVP on Eventbrite!

Light bites & beverages. Hope to see you there! 

Uptic Studios
402 E Sprague Ave
Spokane, WA 99202

Our People: best of [us]

We did a quick poll around the studio, asking our team to share their favorite local spots. From go-to coffee shops to lunch breaks, and weekend rituals, these are the places that came up most in conversation. We hope you’re enjoying restaurant week (now through March 7th!) and discover a new local favorite of your own.

Café: Little Garden Café, Chaps, Rockwood Bakery, Kindred +Co (Post Falls)
Restaurant: Luna, Sorella
Libations: Hogwash Whiskey Den, Latah Bistro Bar
Happy Hour: The Union Tavern ($5 Burger night on Tuesday!), Perry St. Lantern (Wine Wednesdays)
Pizza: Perry Street Pizza, Embers on the Lake (Hauser Lake)
Sushi: The Wave, Umi Sushi
Lunch: Soulful Soups, The Grain Shed, Main Market
Spokane Garden/ Retail/ Events: Barn & Blossom
Check out the Restaurant Week Guide – https://archive.inlander.com/books/02-25-2026-IRW-Guide/#p=1

Join [us] for a First Friday opening reception on Friday, February 6, featuring the work of Christy Branson, an encaustic and mixed-media artist known for her layered, process-driven work exploring form, material, and abstraction.

The exhibition will be held at Uptic Studios, 402 E Sprague Ave, from 5:00–7:00 PM as part of Spokane’s First Friday Art Walk. Light bites and refreshments will be provided.

We’re seeing summer interns

We are currently seeking summer interns in Architecture and Interior Design to join our team at Uptic Studios. Interns will work alongside our architecture, interior design, and procurement teams, gaining exposure to projects across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. 

Responsibilities may include design development support, documentation, material research, rendering, and coordination tasks across various phases of our process. This is a paid, hands-on opportunity for students who are detail-oriented, collaborative, and interested in contributing to thoughtful, well-executed design work.

Applicants should submit a resume and portfolio to

hiring@upticstudios.com

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

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