Advanced technology helps architects better communicate with clients By Natasha Nellis The flood of technology over the past 10 years has changed the day-to-day operations of Inland Northwest architecture firms, and up-and-coming technology advances have the potential to change the industry even more, experts say. A growing industry of design and building information modeling software,…

Architect to respect Italian stylings on exterior of Yakima Valley Farm Workers’ newest clinic The Tri-Cities’ newest health clinic will respect design standards of the Port of  Kennewick’s neighborhood on the outside.  On the inside, the newest Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic will offer state-of-the-art medical services to its patients.  The nonprofit broke ground this month…

Michael Marley recalls when Tri-City school officials cautioned architects to avoid anything fanciful in their designs for new buildings.  Districts need voter approval to raise taxes to build and remodel schools. They feared “fancy” would come across as “wasteful.” Decision-makers relied on plain buildings to convey stability and frugality, said Marley, principal with CKJT Architects, a Kennewick firm focused on public sector projects.  It’s an ethos that informed much of the region’s…

A Milton-Freewater elementary school recently earned an outstanding project award from Learning by Design magazine. Architects West, with offices in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane, designed the first all-new school facility constructed in the Oregon city since 1923. Architects West worked with design consultant Opsis Architecture of Portland on the project. The $20 million Gib Olinger…