Architecture & Engineering

States are changing fire codes to make housing cheaper. Some safety experts are worried

rsequeira@stateline.org — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400

States and cities are loosening building code requirements in an effort to lower construction costs and boost affordable housing. But critics have raised safety concerns, noting that existing rules were shaped by past tragedies and aim to prevent future harm.

PNNL, partners release guide for data center development

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

As data centers increasingly dominate conversations around the country, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and two partners have published a one-stop shop to help guide development.

Rising construction costs push CBC project $8 million higher

ty@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

The price tag for Columbia Basin College’s future arts building has increased $8 million.

Business owner pushes back on automatic AI rollouts

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:30:00 -0400

How many times a day do artificial intelligence summaries of emails or Google searches pop up, unasked for and without the option to turn them off?
How often do users engage with images and videos generated by AI with no tags to identify the content as fake?
For one local business owner, the answer is: too much.

Bateman Island causeway removal commences

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:00:00 -0500

Crews have begun removing the causeway linking Bateman Island to the Richland shoreline, restoring waterflow that has been blocked for decades.

Architect, contractor insurer push back in defective school lawsuit

ty@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500

The insurer for a Tri-City architect firm and construction contractor sued by Moses Lake School District over the new elementary school that suddenly closed in spring 2025 are denying responsibility. They argue that the school district knew about potential problems and took actions that limit the insurers’ liability.

Design firms look to 2026 with confidence as clients keep building

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Overall, the outlook for 2026 is a positive one, with a relatively steady flow of work going into 2026, according to local design firms who are frequently working on projects months before any dirt is moved on the ground.

Finding a home with real curve appeal

ty@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Despite the quirks of dome home life – or perhaps because of them – these two homeowners say they wouldn’t trade their curved walls for traditional ones.

New arts building to balance unique design, modern needs

ty@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500

CBC is working toward replacing the 55-year-old structure after receiving $54.5 million from state lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session. And while it’s too early to say what that new home for the college’s arts and humanities departments will look like, college leaders stress that their intent is ensuring it is just as unique as it is functional.

A passion for the past endures at one of Richland’s oldest homes

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500

For this shop owner now in her 70s, her business combines her two loves: framing and selling antiques.

Landscape designer acquires local native plant nursery

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500

A Tri-Cities specialty nursery was recently acquired by a local landscape designer and general contractor who focuses on hyper-local native plants.

Largest Engineering Firms

nathan@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:00:01 -0500

WSU Tri-Cities student housing complex listed for sale

ty@tcjournal.biz — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 21:00:00 -0500

The 154-unit apartment complex just north of the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus in Richland, which largely caters toward its students, is on the market.

Nuclear power ventures heat up around Washington state

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 21:00:00 -0500

Washington is once again trying to become a hub for nuclear power. But instead of monster-size reactors, the state is now home to multiple ventures involving smaller reactors – all using technologies unheard of in the 1970s and 1980s.

Restoration of historic Connell building earns state award

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 21:00:00 -0400

A largely community-funded effort to bring a historic building in downtown Connell back to life is getting noticed.

This roofing company offers solutions designed for durability

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0400

A local roof coating business focused solely on commercial projects gives businesses an alternative to expensive reroofing.

Cutting corners in design always comes at a price

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Investing in proper architectural planning upfront always costs less than dealing with problems later.

AI-powered indoor pickleball courts coming to Richland

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Kennewick couple is designing and launching a unique indoor pickleball facility powered by artificial intelligence.

Capitol building named for Congressman’s dad earns top green rating

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0400

A building on the state Capitol Campus in Olympia and named for a longtime public servant from Sunnyside has earned a platinum certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Home-like features for the workplace can help to lure workers back

ty@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0400

“The old idea of putting as many people in a space as possible is gone.”

Q&A with Kyle Lepper

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Q&A with Kyle Lepper, principal architect, LPR Architecture.

Downtown Kennewick buildings eligible for historic designation span a variety of styles

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:32:02 -0500

Though downtown Kennewick doesn’t qualify for a National Register of Historic Places historic district designation, several of its buildings are eligible for the register.

AtkinsRéalis selected for small modular reactor work

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:32:02 -0500

Energy Northwest’s small modular reactor project has moved one step forward with the announcement of the owner’s engineer for the project.

Recovery center partners engineering new life for an old hospital

ty@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:32:02 -0500

The goal is to have much of the work finished by the end of December 2025 with some work being finished up in early 2026.

80-year-old alphabet homes remain backbone of Richland neighborhoods

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:32:02 -0500

Richland’s alphabet houses, also called ABC houses, continue to anchor north Richland’s residential neighborhoods where many owners take pains to stay true to their homes’ original architecture.

Tri-City engineer helps elevate the profession

ty@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:32:02 -0500

This Kennewick engineer has worked to elevate the profession in the Tri-Cities and was recognized with a lifetime service award.

‘Very special house’ on the market in Richland

sara@tcjournal.biz — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0400

A one-of-a-kind home is on the market in north Richland.

Report: Architecture business conditions decline nationwide

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Architecture billings nationwide declined in May, according to the American Institute of Architects.

Five questions with MMEC Architecture & Interiors

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0400

The Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business spoke with MMEC to ask five questions about commercial design.

Kennewick construction company puts clients in the spotlight

sara@tcjournal.biz — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Hummel Construction & Development does its best to shine the light on clients and not itself.