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Elevate the human experience

Uptic Studios is a multidisciplinary architecture and design firm dedicated to creating purposeful spaces that elevate the human experience.

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Uptic Studios is a multidisciplinary architecture and design firm dedicated to creating purposeful spaces that elevate the human experience. Founded in 2010 by Matthew and Julie Collins, our team works across residential and commercial projects, seamlessly integrating architecture, interior design, and procurement. Grounded in our core values—Connection, Altruism, Reasonableness, and Excellence—we approach each project with thoughtful collaboration, ensuring designs that inspire, endure, and positively impact the community.

Holistic Design Expertise: Comprehensive residential and commercial architecture services, seamlessly integrating interiors and procurement.

Collaborative Approach: Multidisciplinary team delivering thoughtful, purpose-driven solutions through clear communication and innovative design.

Sustainability: Commitment to environmental stewardship, incorporating energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and innovative construction practices.

UPTIC Logo Arch + Des
UPTIC (N):

A rise or improvement. A change for the better, boost, upswing, upward movement.

Fittingly named during the 2008 recession, Matthew and Julie chose the name Uptic to inspire growth and optimism in a time when many small businesses were losing hope.

Today, growth and optimism remain driving themes at Uptic Studios. We have been recognized regionally and nationally by top-tier publications including: The Spokesman-Review, Dwell Magazine, Contemporist, Mountain Living, Home Adore, and the Spokane chapter of AIA. We also continually expand our design footprint with projects across Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho.

OUr services

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Architecture

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interior design

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procurement

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OUr PRocess

Uptic Studios will be your guide through the entire design and construction process. We have established five phases through this journey that have clear transition points to deliver exceptional results.

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phase 00

Uptic Studio - Process

00 - initialize

The Initialize phase is the interviewing and onboarding with the clients, consultants, and contractors that make up the project team. This process is intended to gather all of the existing information about the project and what may be needed. Uptic Studios will introduce the proposed team members and the expertise they will bring to the project. This is also an opportunity to discuss Uptics’ services to define stakeholders roles and responsibilities. Through this phase we will clearly define the proposed scope, budget, and schedule. This will be used to provide a proposal for our services and solicit proposals from any consultants that we’ve identified.

phase 01

conceptualize

01 - conceptualize

The Conceptualize phase is the initial design stage of your project. Uptic Studios will get to know you, your vision, and your constraints and goals. Our team will work closely with you to understand your needs, analyze the site, and develop initial design concepts that align with your vision. Through bi-weekly meetings, we will refine the design with 2D drawings and 3D models, and designs are presented in sketches, renderings, and videos. Upon approval of the concept, we will develop a schematic design package for community, PUD, and municipality pre-development conferences and for your General Contractor to establish initial budgets.

phase 02

visualize

02 - visualize

In the Visualize phase, we transform the schematic design into a complete set of construction documents, the instruction manual to build the project. The phase starts by reviewing the SD set with the updated scope, budget, and schedule. Uptic Studios will collaborate with the clients, contractors, and consultants to evaluate the proposed design and construction methodology. Typically, there are features, products, or amenities that need to be developed further and evaluated to ensure the design is aligned with the client’s intended outcome. Once the schematic design has been approved from the design development project, we enter into the production of the technical drawings that will be used for permitting and as the construction documents. These two elements are separated because our clients often want to get into the queue for permitting as soon as possible. A permit set only has the information the permitting agencies require and is typically far less detailed than our construction document package. We can often use the time that the municipality needs to review the permit application to continue completing the construction documents.

phase 03

realize

03 - realize

The Realize phase is when your vision comes to life. With permits approved and construction documents completed, the contractor can solicit bids for construction and provide a proposal to build the project. Uptic Studios works with the client, consultants, and contractors to evaluate bids, respond to Requests for Information (RFIs), and assess alternative materials, products, or details that are submitted. Uptic Studios will continue to coordinate RFIs, Change Orders (COs), and shop drawing reviews and approvals throughout the construction process. The bi-weekly meeting schedule is maintained, and site visits are scheduled as needed. At the end of the project, Uptic Studios will conduct a final walk-through with the client and contractor to provide a punch list for any outstanding items before the project is turned over to the owner.

phase 04

finalize

04 - finalize

The Finalize phase is when you receive the keys to your castle. Uptic Studios will celebrate the completion of your project and continue to support you if any needs arise. Once the dust settles, we will follow up to gather your feedback and discuss next steps if there are any deferred tasks or elements of the project to be completed. We will also reconvene with the project teams to create a project narrative and schedule associated photography. All process documentation and photography will be compiled and made available to the client for future publications and award submittals.

meet our team

At Uptic we are passionate creatives who value innovation, teamwork, integrity and grit. Each team member has been hand-picked for their unparalleled talent, dedication to their craft, ingenuity, creative problem-solving ability and enthusiasm for design.

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Matthew Collins aia

principal architect

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julie collins

principal interior designer, Head of uptic procurement

Matthew founded Uptic Studios in 2010 to create a collaborative design studio. With expertise spanning product, nautical, interior, and architectural design, he emphasizes user-centered, needs-based solutions. He holds a B.S. in Architecture from Washington State University and pursued graduate studies at SCAD, focusing on ethnographic design. Active in the Spokane community, Matthew has served on the Design Review Board and Spokane Arts Commission. He is a registered architect in WA, MT, OR, and ID and a member of the AIA.

Julie leads Uptic Studios' interior design efforts across residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Her background in photography and set design in Savannah, Georgia, honed her keen eye for space and composition. She is passionate about crafting meaningful, regionally inspired spaces.

Together, Matthew and Julie have built a dynamic team of architects, designers, and project managers. More than an abbreviation for Uptic Studios, [us] reflects the collective spirit and collaboration that defines our work.

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Sarah Mcgovern

Interior Designer III

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Taylor Stevens

Project designer

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Cody rathbun

architect

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Spencer little

finance associate

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Antoni Carlson

graphic designer

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alyssa worlock

executive assistant to the creative director

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Jenni Niemann

Business development manager

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Elle Collins

project designer

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interior designer I