November Connect with [us]

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 schematic design alongside the updated scope, budget, and schedule. With the big-picture vision established, our team collaborates closely with clients, contractors, and consultants to evaluate each component of the design. Features, products, and amenities that emerged in Phase 1 now receive deeper attention, ensuring they perform as intended, align with the client’s goals, and meet both functional and aesthetic expectations.

As decisions sharpen, we enter document production. This is where the Visualize phase distinguishes itself: we separate the creation of the permit set from the full construction document package.

For many clients, moving into the permitting queue as early as possible is crucial. The permit set includes the exact information required by the jurisdiction, and allows us to initiate that review while the project continues to evolve behind the scenes.

Rather than waiting for the permit approval process to run its course, we use that time strategically. While the permit applications are reviewed, we advance the production of the much more detailed construction documents, coordinating with engineers, refining details, integrating specifications, and preparing the instructions builders will rely on. This overlapping workflow keeps the project moving continuously forward, reducing downtime and maintaining momentum without compromising thoroughness.

By the end of the Visualize phase, clients have a fully coordinated document set—precise, comprehensive, and ready for bidding, construction planning, and execution. It’s a phase defined by collaboration, intelligent sequencing, and the thoughtful refinement that elevates good ideas into exceptional architecture.

In Phase 1 we learned why a project should be built.

In Phase 2, we define how it will be built—with clarity, detail, and purpose.

Projects: Indaba

Located in downtown Spokane, Indaba is a mixed-use project that blends hospitality and co-working spaces into a unified experience. The design reflects Indaba Coffee’s warm, community-centered identity while elevating it within a modern urban context through steel, durable cladding, and expansive glazing.

Inside, the light-filled café serves as a welcoming neighborhood hub, with crafted casework and a refined material palette. The building’s upper levels offer co-working spaces that support Ignite Northwest’s entrepreneurial spirit. Indaba is a testament to how thoughtful design supports daily rituals, small business, and the continued revitalization of Spokane’s urban core.

Indaba stands as a testament to how design can enhance daily rituals, support small business growth, and contribute to the continuing revitalization of Spokane’s riverfront district. It’s a project rooted in community and crafted with intention, where architecture becomes the backdrop for connection, creativity, and everyday life.

Our People: Spencer

Meet Spencer, our Finance Associate who joined Uptic Studios in June 2024. His background is rooted in real estate, earning his broker’s license right out of high school and later expanded his experience as a showing agent for Redfin while attending Whitworth University. That early exposure to homes and client needs gave him a strong understanding of how people live and interact with their spaces.

Outside the studio, Spencer enjoys the outdoors. He’s into running, hiking, being on the water, and anything with a great set of wheels. One of his favorite things about Spokane is how easy it is to get to nearby trails and lakes, especially for a post-work run.

He also draws a lot of motivation from the mentors in his life, whose tenacity, character, and faith inspire him to keep growing. Looking ahead, Spencer hopes to travel more—both locally and abroad—and true to his car-enthusiast roots, he’s got his eye on adding a sports car to the garage. We support both goals wholeheartedly.

Our Events: Sustainability with Cameron Rippy

On November 20, our studio came together for an evening of conversation and collaboration as we hosted our latest sustainability forum focusing on building better and more efficient homes.

This forum featured Cameron Rippy of Rippy Homes, whose experience in high-performance construction and durable, energy-efficient building set the stage for an inspiring discussion. Cameron shared practical strategies, lessons from the field, and a compelling case for why intentional, long-lasting home design matters—especially in a region with such diverse climate demands.

Events like these remind us why we host forums in the first place: to spark meaningful dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and encourage a shared commitment to building homes that perform as beautifully as they’re designed. Stay tuned for more conversations ahead.

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 acro ss 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