Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
2011 marks our 50th year of business in Whatcom County.
What is your primary product or service?
Architecture, space planning and interior design.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I took architectural drafting in my senior year of high school and never looked back!
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We focus on service first. Award winning designs are gratifying, but the customer comes first. We give 110% to every project. Probably 90% of our work is from repeat clients, and to us that is evidence of a job well-done.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
Our offices are in Bellingham. Expansion will take the form of additional employees. We can accomodate about 25% growth in our current location.
Provide detailed directions to your location
From north or south on I-5, take exit 253, Lakeway Drive. Proceed west on Lakeway Drive, which will turn into Holly Street, the main street into downtown. Turn right on Bay Street, immediately angle left onto Prospect Street. The historic old City Hall, now the Whatcom Museum of Art, is on your left, we are just past the museum, also on the left, 209 Prospect Street.
What type of payments do you accept?
Checks or cash.
Which areas do you service?
Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan Counties, but we have done projects in southeast and central Alaska, eastern Washington and coastal Washington.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
There are three corporate officers: Michael E. Smith, FAIA; Terry Brown, and Sharon Robinson, AIA.
What are your hours of operation?
M-F, 8-5.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
Repeat business!
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away." George Carlin