The Pullman branch of Design West Architects has been running for 41 years since its establishment in 1983, said Ned Warnick, Design West principal and partner.
“We are really grateful to be in a small town,” Warnick said, noting Design West works across eastern Washington from the Cascades to Idaho.
Warnick explained that Pullman was purposely chosen for its proximity to WSU, the University of Idaho and the Eastern Washington market.
As a company, Design West focuses on architecture for educational clients, including higher education projects and K-12 schools, Warnick said.
Design West has remodeled existing schools such as Lincoln High School, which has been renovated twice, and recently built Kamiak Elementary School, Warnick said.
They have also completed numerous projects for WSU, including the indoor practice facility, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, the Public Safety Building and the Palouse Ridge Golf Course Clubhouse, Warnick said.
Sustainability is a core principle in Design West’s architectural work, Warnick said. The company prioritizes fulfilling client needs related to budget, ideas and vision.
“Our work is about delivering the client’s dreams, and every client now wants sustainability,” Warnick said.
He said they have been fortunate to work with forward-thinking clients who value sustainability and energy efficiency.
“The reason we get to incorporate sustainability is because clients want it,” Warnick said.
Warnick mentioned that “the bubble,” an upcoming facility for football and soccer practices, is an exciting project in the works. They are also involved in the Pullman Regional Hospital expansion.
“Human-healthy design is incredibly important to us,” Warnick said, adding that Design West values its healthcare clients for the role they play in the safety and betterment of the community.
Looking back over the years, Warnick said the design industry has become more integrated, leading to more teamwork between contractors and architects as opposed to the traditional bidding process.
“Design-build is more common now, where contractors and architects come together without a bidding process,” he said.
For students on the Palouse, Design West offers internships and job-shadowing opportunities. The firm usually hires one or two interns and offers summer internships with potential full-time opportunities.
“We don’t do volunteers, but we do hire interns,” Warnick said.
