Nate is a licensed architect and a Certified Passive House Consultant. He holds a Master of Architecture degree from Washington State University and an NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) certificate. His history with our studio dates back to when Sam first knew him as an exceptionally dedicated and talented student.    Nate's passion is design as a means to enrich our built environment whilst designing projects woven to their natural and cultural context. He is both steadily responsible and artistically creative.  

Maren is a licensed architect focusing on high performance architecture empowered by emerging technologies.  She uses advanced thermal and spatial modeling to design beautiful, efficient buildings that perform reliably, elegantly, and reliably.  Maren holds a Masters in Architecture from Academy of Art University, and is a Certified Passive House Consultant, certified LEED and WELL Accredited Professional, and a RESET Accredited Professional. Maren serves on the PHIUS (Passive House Institute U.S.) board of directors and also as Vice Chair on the PHIUS Alliance executive council. 

Roger is all business. An integral and invaluable part of our team for over twenty years, Roger joined the firm with a high level of experience in construction accounting and management. He works mostly behind the scenes to maintain rigorous tracking and management of studio operations and construction pay requests as well as wholesale purchasing for clients.  There are no greys in Roger's world - it's all black and white.  Got a bill to submit without proper documentation?  Don't even bother.  (We know he's not perfect... but to date, we have nothing to document that.)

Tony is a practical, solutions-oriented structural engineer with a strong understanding of how buildings are actually constructed. He is known for producing clear, efficient technical documents and for being responsive and easy to work with. His experience includes light-frame construction, concrete design, foundations, and precast systems, with a focus on delivering efficient and constructible solutions.  Tony began his career working in construction in Oregon in 1999, providing him with a hands-on perspective that continues to inform his engineering approach. He earned his Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Brigham Young University in 2007.  After nearly two decades at TD&H Engineering — where he built and led the structural department — Tony founded Axia Structural, where he now serves clients throughout the region.

With decades of experience in civil engineering and consulting, Chad excels at sensitive site development, sustainable design, and excellent collaboration and communication skills. He has worked in a wide range of environments in various markets throughout the United States; each project presents unique challenges which inspire him to approach every project with a fresh viewpoint and enthusiasm for understanding the nuances of the project at hand. Chad is a principal with Coffman Engineers, a regional multi-disciplinary engineering firm.

Mechanical systems are an integral part of passive building design, and Mark enjoys the challenge of balancing comfort with energy savings. As principal engineer of Kartchner Engineering Mark has had a broad range of experience with many types of projects around the country, and has found great satisfaction in saving energy through unique and standard mechanical systems. It takes a team to make a great building, and passive building brings everyone together to create the best.

Electrical systems are an important aspect of well designed, high performance architecture, and we take a particular interest in being certain we are integrating current and emerging technologies at their highest potential. With over 40 years of experience and a strong interest in the work we are doing, Jim adds both the technical depth and creative energy required to assure our clients optimal outcomes rather than just another project 'wired to code' however it may fall together on the construction site.

Gary has been intimately involved in energy efficiency and renewable energy since 1974, and is a nationally recognized leader in plumbing technologies. Hot water systems include the heaters, distribution piping, plumbing fixtures and appliances, and waste heat that runs down the drain. Gary focuses on practical measures proven and provide high performance hot water systems.

With 30 years of experience, Albert has a wide range of experience in the USA, Canada, and Asia. He brings deep technical expertise paired with passion for the importance of business and value analysis in design.  His belief in the value of more robust design concepts is at the heart of this quote:  "Consider this….Creativity, necessity, and resourcefulness designed and built the Ark.  Advanced engineering and state of the art technology designed and built the Titanic."