Connect With [us] this May

Our Proc[us]: Perfectly Procured

At Uptic Studios, we believe the finishing layers of a space are just as important as the structure that holds them. Our styling and staging services are a natural extension of our design proc[us], offering full procurement and curation of the elements that bring your environment to life.

From early concepts to final placement, we’ll lead the visualization, selection, and sourcing of furniture, textiles, artwork, decor, and custom pieces that elevate both the function and aesthetic of your space. Every decision is made with intention- balancing quality, style, and purpose.

We approach styling as a deeply collaborative effort. Our goal is to reflect you! Your story, your lifestyle, your brand, all within your environment. The result is a space that feels connected, complete, and uniquely yours.

We treat procurement as a key part of the design journey. Whether we’re outfitting a single room or an entire home, our styling and staging services are built to elevate form and function. From early concepts to final install, we lead the process with care- balancing quality, budget, and beauty every step of the way.

And we mean every step:

  • Consultation + strategy
  • Budgeting on the fly
  • Tracking + quality control
  • Storage + white-glove installation

No project is too small. One room. Full house. We bring the same attention to detail that defines our architectural work.

Our Procurement Services Include:

  • Space Planning
  • Material & Finish Selection
  • Custom Furnishings
  • Curated Furniture & Art

Whether we’re outfitting a modern office, or a private residence, we take pride in creating interiors that feel as thoughtful and intentional as the architecture itself.To learn more about [us] and our procurement team, visit our website.

Our Projects: Vantage

This cliffside home in Browne’s Addition started with a near-impossible challenge: just a 15-by-15-foot buildable pad, a hillside filled with buried debris, and a slope that couldn’t bear any more weight. We partnered early with Doric Inc. and TD&H Engineering to excavate over 500 tons of soil and engineer a solution that allowed us to build down, and then out, using massive steel beams suspended above the bluff overlooking the Spokane River. And we brought in the largest crane Spokane construction saw that year to make it all happen.

Project Zero, as we often refer to it, set the foundation for how we approach design today. It helped establish our core values—determination, inspiration, gratitude, integrity, and talegination.

Inside, the home is airtight, energy-efficient, and built with wellness in mind. Our clients wanted clean air, comfort, and protection from wildfire smoke, so we designed a super-insulated envelope, airtight detailing, and energy recovery ventilation.

“My favorite things about our Riverside home are the things you don’t see,” said the homeowners. “Taylor worked diligently on designing the envelope and mechanicals to function as a net zero home.  This included the solar arrays and energy efficient design and mechanicals. I am grateful for Taylor’s follow through on the details as the standard build/ return on investment mentality needed to be bent a little to achieve my goals for this home.”

From the street, the home looks modest. But step inside, and it opens into a cantilevered structure with uninterrupted views of Spokane. This project pushed the limits of what’s possible, and we’re proud of how it turned out.

Watch our recent video highlighting this residence now.

Our People: Taylor Stevens

This month, we’re highlighting Taylor Stevens, an Architectural Designer II with [us], and the lead designer of the VanderWilde project. Taylor’s presence helped shape key design decisions, from window placement and insulation details to material choices and finishes. His deep understanding of the neighborhood, paired with a hands-on design approach, helped turn a challenging site into a beautiful, functional, and high-performing home.

But there is more to Taylor than just his talent.

Taylor’s path to architecture is as diverse as his design skills. Before joining Uptic in July 2019, he worked in logistics for the 92nd Medical Group at Fairchild AFB, gaining early experience in operational support and project management. Later, he took on finance and inventory roles at WSU Spokane Nursing, supporting medical training programs. During grad school, he conducted research on Net-Zero elementary schools across the nation, helping develop a guide for sustainable school design. A perfect fit for his interest in high-performance, energy-efficient architecture.

Outside of the studio, Taylor is enjoying the outdoors. He spends his time riding bikes, camping, traveling with his girlfriend, and of course, sketching. As an avid biker, Taylor has biked through Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands, studying infrastructure and urban planning. Taylor has a strong work ethic and likes to push himself personally and professionally. He is a perfect fit with [us], as he is inspired by mass timber, modular design, and the forward-thinking architects shaping the future of sustainable building.

Our Events

First Friday with Anna Boswell

Thanks for coming to First Friday!As a reminder, Anna’s work will be in our office until September. Schedule a private viewing with Jenni at niemann@upticstudios.com. View more of Anna’s work at https://www.annaboswellabel.com/

Sustainability

Last month, we hosted a forum featuring Jim Simon, Director of Sustainability at Gonzaga University, who shared insights on how institutional mission can drive sustainable design and development.

The session covered:

  • How Gonzaga’s mission shapes its sustainability efforts.
  • The impact of documents like Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum on institutional strategies.
  • Practical ways to align personal and professional values with sustainable practices.
  • Real-world examples of Gonzaga’s sustainability projects.

Our quarterly forums connect professionals from architecture, engineering, construction, and education, fostering collaboration around mission-aligned design.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this inspiring discussion!

To learn more, visit our website: https://upticstudios.com/purpose-into-practice/

Technical Terms Glossary

Ready to speak our language? Check out our glossary of commonly used terms we might use when discussing your project!

(ADU) Accessory Dwelling Unit:
A fully functional living space that can fall into one of three categories:

Interior, within the primary residence and often is converted space in a basement or attic, for example.
Attached, built as an addition to the main house.
Detached, a stand-alone structure located on the same lot as the main residence, such as a backyard cottage or converted garage.