The Architect

In the fall we were driving through Peaceful Valley, an eclectic neighborhood in downtown Spokane, and discovered the latest project of Nystrom Olson Collins’ Architecture firm. Architect Chris Olson’s was working on his latest design and build project, a 4 unit apartment buildings dubbed “C4”. Well, the units were brilliant, his exterior work on the striping of the siding showed us his good taste, and so we called him the next day. On such a limited budget we had not previously considered hiring an architect, though now faced with the challenges of HOW to build on our lot as well as WHAT, we thought it might be time to bring in the professional. From our first meeting, we immediately liked Chris as well as his off the cuff design ideas. We were able to negotiate an affordable rate to have NOC design the exterior of the building as well as the floor plan. Our experience working with Chris has completely changed our views on hiring an architect. Though we once thought of it as an option, we now see it as a necessity.

Below is a link to learn more about Chris’ C4 units. He did this project for around $85 per square foot, which is amazingly affordable. We are hoping to do our house for about $100 per square foot. We feel really lucky to have caught Chris in this budget-minded phase.

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/oct/02/modern-apartment-units-rising-in-peaceful-valley/