About Us
We’re a design-build firm founded in Spokane in 1985 by Gerry Copeland, an architect who was as passionate about the planet as he was about craft; a realist who understood that forward-thinking design was pointless unless it got built – and built better. More than three decades later, we’re still a little obsessive about the idea of architecture grounded in construction and informed by the rigorous standards of Passive House design.
Our licensed architects, experienced construction managers, and carpenters are all on the same team – both practically and philosophically. Because ultimately, we believe that architecture, at its core, should be both simple and creative; that construction, as a craft, should be not only sustainable, but also lasting.
Constantly learning and improving, our experience ranges from custom homes to commercial projects, including new construction, remodels, and additions. Always striving for perfection, our aim is to combine client-focused creativity with expert craftsmanship toward energy-efficient, site-sensitive projects. We like to think of it as “Copeland quality”: design-build done better.
Leadership
How do you choose a design/build partner, someone you are going to spend a significant amount of time with (not to mention the expense) and have any hope the process will be an enjoyable one? Start with a team that has the experience and expertise to take you from bubble diagrams to popping bubbly on the patio.
Austin Dickey, AIA
As early as grade school, I’ve been captivated by the practice of architecture. Finding the right blend of the empirical worlds of math and science together with the emotional and intuitive elements of art has been the primary motivating factor throughout my career. After receiving my architectural degree from Washington State University, I spent seven years doing exclusively commercial architectural work in Spokane but always yearned to add residential design, and the more personal aspects of designing for a family, to my workload. When the opportunity arose in 2007 to join Copeland, I didn’t hesitate to jump on board and within a few years became part owner of the company and later broadened my role to include construction management.
A lot of our commercial work is with local non-profits, which helps me hold on to the view that architecture is for everyone, regardless of budget. At another scale, one of my interests lies in furniture design, which helps me remember that creations both large and small benefit from thoughtful design. Combining these mindsets gives me the compass and the energy to bring quality design to everything we do.
Jeff Fountain, AIA
To be fair, my design-build career started with LEGO and I’m forever thankful. More practically, I started my career path in construction during summers in high school before going to Kansas State University to receive degrees in both Architecture and Construction Management. I followed my dream to a job in Spokane in 1998 before moving to Copeland and becoming an owner in 2005. After 20 years, I took the career leap to open a branch office of Copeland in the San Juan Islands in the charming town of Eastsound, Washington.
In life as well as work, I endeavor to develop meaningful connections. Most recently, I have learned to appreciate the notion of whether you choose the island or the island chooses you—it’s the connection between that’s important. It’s similar with clients as the connection works both ways to find the right fit for a great project. Many connections involve living simple, commitment to community, possibly an interest in best-practice construction techniques or maybe if I’m lucky, I might even share my interests in travel or tennis. Truly, I’m infinitely grateful for the many clients through the years who continually remind me of the reasons why good design is important as it connects us to each other and to our environment.