Our team consists of seven licensed architects, a certified interior designer and support staff. With a vast diversity of backgrounds and expertise, we are pleased to have assembled for our clients a well-balanced collaborative crew. Beyond our credentials, however, we’re a dynamic team made up of some pretty rad individuals. Get to know us a little better. Feel free to contact us any time — we'd love to answer your architecture and interior design questions.
Having worked on hundreds of projects in 35 states, Matt knows a thing or two about problem solving. Since obtaining his master’s degree in Architecture from Montana State University, he has fine-tuned his leadership skills managing design teams throughout the U.S. He brings these strengths to the Cole Architects team, demonstrating how to transform raw ideas and ambitious objectives into feasible structures that are simultaneously functional and elegant. Additionally, he sees a project’s constraints as opportunities to “move beyond predictable design solutions.” And while Matt enjoys a good challenge, he also believes the simplest solution is usually the best one.
Through extensive travel, Matt has gained appreciation for the composition and aesthetic appeal of structures he’s seen around the world. This perspective informs his 24 years as an architect, and it guides our processes at Cole. One of his most rewarding projects was a university library renovation at a small liberal arts college in Colorado — for which his team won a national AIA design award for the expansion of a 40-year-old building and modernization of its systems and façade.
When Matt isn’t working or traveling, he’s typically on the trails (mountain biking) or the slopes (skiing). He might also be immersed in his latest obscure research project. If you should see him scooting around town on his Triumph Bobber, be sure to say hello.
Learn more about Matt — in his own words.
What is your design philosophy?
My overall focus is simplicity in design with the goal to avoid an overwhelming and unneeded number of visual elements. I always attempt to get across one strong idea instead of incorporating several — which requires having discipline to edit down any ideas that are not needed. Every successful concept will have an overriding story which will help center the entire design process to a single focus allowing all team members a solid wall to bounce the ideas from.
In five words or less, describe your design aesthetic.
Modern, minimal, clean, edgy, industrial.
How does that aesthetic inform your work?
I believe design should be purposeful and continue to be relevant over time — which leads one to simplicity. The underlying effort should be to have fun with a project and continue to push the limits of what is traditional and accepted.
Share a little-known fact about yourself.
I competed in two Division I collegiate sports (football and track) while attending architectural school.
Since establishing Cole Architects in 1995, Stan hasn’t spent much time sitting still. Over his 40 years in architecture, he has attained licensure in 13 states — and his designs have won many local and regional awards. He was the past president of the Idaho Central Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, a past board member of the Idaho's architectural licensing board, and also contributes to civic organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County, Urban Land Institute, Ronald McDonald House, and BOMA.
Stan’s motivation is both creative — whether it’s through art, photography, engineering, or technology — and philanthropic. Architecture allows him to integrate these elements into a fulfilling profession. For us and for our clients, the feeling is mutual: Stan’s insight, diversity of experience, and altruistic mindset make him a tremendous asset to our team.
As Cole Architects continues to grow, Stan has been able to ease into semi-retirement. He remains an integral part of our firm, but now devotes more attention to his creative pursuits: sketching and playing his guitar, bass, or piano (he’s a self-proclaimed “wannabe rock star”). He also enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, and skiing.
Learn more about Stan — in his own words.
What is your design philosophy?
Design and creativity require a combination of learning from our clients and the integration of solutions that uniquely address their needs and wants.
In five words or less, describe your design aesthetic.
Creative, modern, sustainable, and unique.
How does that aesthetic inform your work?
Form follows function — the building has to be functional first and foremost. The aesthetic follows form and is framed by art, technology, and creativity.
Share a little-known fact about yourself.
I am an identical twin. Scary, but there are two of us… 😊
Erik’s earliest architectural tools were construction paper and scissors, from which he created fantastical house plans — the reimaginings of building sites near his childhood home in Paraguay. During his teen years in Canada, a Parade of Homes event inspired an elaborate model of a dream house using only X-ACTO blades, chipboard, and Elmer’s glue. Today, his tools are a bit different, but Erik’s vocation as an architect continues to be fueled by a love for creating dynamic spaces.
One of Erik’s favorite projects? The Mesa Court Towers at the University of California, Irvine. This housing project, won by design competition, received LEED Platinum certification and was a recipient of an AIA COTE® Award of Merit and the DBIA Regional Building of the Year Award. Not too shabby for the kid who started his career with construction paper.
To feed his creativity, Erik listens to music and attends arts and cultural events with his wife and two young children. In his free time, you might also find him running, mountain biking, or skiing.
Learn more about Erik — in his own words.
What is your design philosophy?
To create memorable buildings and spaces in a way that leaves a lasting, positive effect on the people and the world.
Describe your design aesthetic in five words or less.
Authentic, natural, clean, and simple.
How does that aesthetic inform your work?
I try to work spaces out in a logical, efficient, and most useful manner — using the natural expression of materials and celebrating their organic and sometimes mottled state (think of unfinished concrete and repurposed wood).
Share a little-known fact about yourself.
I was a DJ prior to being an architect, a hobby I carried through into my architectural career. I worked at my university radio station (KGLT) in Bozeman, Montana, producing many rave-like shows and later DJing in clubs in Seattle and a dive-bar in Los Angeles. I still satiate my passion for mixing music with my computer and a DJ mixing program, creating my own personalized mixes of varying types of music — from goth and industrial to indie and EDM.
Ian is living proof that Legos aren’t just for four year olds. He credits these colorful building blocks with sparking his interest in architecture, and for contributing to his playful yet pragmatic approach. After graduating from the University of Oregon, Ian worked in the macro and micro aspects of urban planning and architecture and developed a special interest in sustainable and regenerative design. A true champion of the Northwest, he hopes to use his skills to add to Boise’s reputation as one of the nation’s most livable cities.
Outside of the office, Ian is happiest in the Idaho outdoors with his wife and two Labradoodles, Charley and Ruby. (We also suspect he has a massive Lego collection he’s not telling us about.)
Learn more about Ian — in his own words.
What is your design philosophy?
I want to create places that have a positive impact on their surroundings — not just for the end user, but those walking, biking, and driving by. I want to design places that will last, will have minimal impact on the environment, and are aesthetically pleasing.
In five words or less, describe your design aesthetic.
Intentional and sustainable.
How does that aesthetic inform your work?
I think it differs on every project and with every client. I know what I like; sometimes just being able to express your opinion is the best that you can do.
Share a little-known fact about yourself.
I used to have dreadlocks…
From an early age, Tim was both an observer and an investigator of the world. He was interested in the inner workings of things (leading to the destruction of several toys), but also appreciated the outer beauty of his surroundings. His father suggested architecture as a potential fit, and he hasn’t looked back since. Since graduating from the University of Idaho with a Master of Architecture degree, Tim gained experience in commercial, public works, residential, light industrial, and educational design. Today, he finds satisfaction in seeing his ideas “become part of a built reality that improves the quality of life for others.”
When he’s not at the office, Tim enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids, exploring the outdoors on his motorcycle, hunting and fishing, and starting new projects around the house (even though he still hasn’t finished the last several he started).
Learn more about Tim — in his own words.
What is your design philosophy?
Design is solving problems, beautifully. Design should always leave things better than they were before and should never be more about the designer than the client.
In five words or less, describe your design aesthetic.
Intelligent, efficient, simple, and subtle.
How does that aesthetic inform your work?
I am always looking to reduce and simplify. I try to put myself in the shoes of the end user and imagine how they will exist in and interact with the spaces I am designing. I also try to put myself in the shoes of the contractors who will end up building the project and look for ways to make things more efficient for them.
Share a little-known fact about yourself.
I have been known to design and build my own furniture.
Drawing and painting were some of Crystal’s earliest hobbies — and her high receptivity to her surroundings formed a strong foundation for her architectural career. She graduated with her Masters of Architecture from the University of Idaho in 2016, and completed the final year of her graduate studies at the Tampere University of Technology in Finland. Crystal has participated in a variety of commercial and civic projects, and nurtures an interest in innovative materials and environmental design. No matter the size of the project or her role in the process, she is an eager and informed architect who brings passion and perspective to our team.
Outside of work, Crystal finds inspiration close to home and beyond. She enjoys hiking the Boise foothills and spending time with her husband and their Chocolate Lab, Denver. Traveling, specifically exploring different cities, exposes her to new ideas in design and urban planning. She also still makes time for her art (watercolor is her medium of choice).
Learn more about Crystal — in her own words.
What is your design philosophy?
Architectural design is about creating distinct experiences and designing spaces with empathy for the user in mind. Great architecture is both beautiful and functional, and produces an emotional connection to a physical space.
Describe your design aesthetic in five words or less.
Natural, contemporary, purposeful, and inviting.
How does that aesthetic inform your work?
By conveying a building’s or space’s purpose through the use of basic geometric forms, sustainable materials, natural light, and other thoughtful design elements.
Share a little-known fact about yourself.
I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa.
For Kalyn, design is more than just her career — it’s a way of life. After graduating from the University of Idaho, she’s spent the past few years expanding her repertoire of interior design skills. She continues to channel her ambition and curiosity into creating unique spaces that are functional and beautiful. Kalyn also finds fulfillment in giving back to the community. She has particularly enjoyed her work with the Ronald McDonald House Charities. These projects afford her opportunities to support families undergoing difficulties — by using her abilities to create welcoming environments for those in need of rest and healing.
Kalyn’s penchant for design is also apparent in how she spends her days off — exploring thrift stores in search of antiques or hanging out at local craft fairs hunting for handcrafted and vintage items. She also enjoys being in the great outdoors alongside her two pups: Jax, the Frenchie, and Bug, a Chihuahua mix.
Learn more about Kalyn — in her own words.
What is your design philosophy?
My design philosophy is based upon creating interior spaces that are both timeless and functional and uniquely reflect the client’s desires and personality.
In five words or less, describe your design aesthetic.
Modern-farmhouse, contemporary, bohemian, rustic-industrial.
How does that aesthetic inform your work?
Design aesthetics are always evolving but the materials that shape each of these aesthetics remain timeless. I strive to design interiors that clients will be happy with over a long period of time. I love to incorporate raw wood with metal accents as well as vintage and antique finds combined with clean, simple lines — all of which create a comfortable and relaxed environment. Incorporating plants and nature and accentuating daylight into the space are important design elements to me, while pattern and color are typically brought into the design through furniture.
Share a little-known fact about yourself.
My great grandmother graduated from the University of Kansas in 1922 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. In that time, women in architecture were very rare. She moved to Moscow, Idaho and over the years drew many home plans for area residents. I recently inherited plans of homes she not only designed but also hand-drafted and have enjoyed looking through and admiring her work.
Jennifer always knew she wanted to be an architect, but her love of the outdoors prompted an interest in sustainable design. She graduated with her Masters of Architecture from the University of Tennessee in 2014, and for her master’s thesis, generated design guidelines that help promote carbon-neutral performance within a district or neighborhood — which showed promising potential for energy surpluses to be available in some situations. In other words, she’s already pioneering just the kind of design thinking that’s needed in our industry now and in the future.
Jennifer is a fan of pretty much any outdoor activity — whether it’s trail running, mountain biking, hiking, camping, or backpacking. But she enjoys these excursions the most when alongside her husband and their dog, Eddie.
Learn more about Jennifer — in her own words.
What is your design philosophy?
An architect should be constantly learning and evolving – always open to new ideas, methods, and technology.
In five words or less, describe your design aesthetic.
Minimalist and functional.
How does that aesthetic inform your work?
To create spaces and use materials in a simple, functional way and look for thoughtful solutions with given restrictions, limitations, or requirements.
Share a little-known fact about yourself.
I used to be a trip leader for wilderness and rock climbing trips.
Like many of us Colesters, Allison developed a passion for design at an early age. As a child growing up in Moscow, Idaho, she spent many hours with her dad in his workshop, tinkering with scrap wood or helping him with projects. She also loved to draw and especially enjoyed creating blueprints for dream homes, schools, and cities. After obtaining her undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Idaho, Allison attended a study-abroad program in Italy and eventually landed a gig as a teacher’s assistant. After returning stateside, she attended the University of Idaho Urban Design Center for her graduate degree. She is proud to have worked on the St. Luke’s hospital expansion, a complex project that has been influential to her professional growth.
In the months ahead, Allison is looking forward to getting her architect’s license, but in the meantime, she's happy to be out of school and is taking her time to explore Boise. She particularly enjoys hiking, reading, painting, playing volleyball, and cooking.
Learn more about Allison — in her own words.
What is your design philosophy?
My goal as an architect is to never be complacent and always be improving—not only through actively learning and working hard, but through the daily thrill of solving challenging design problems.
Describe your design aesthetic in five words or less.
Simple, functional, warm, intriguing.
How does that aesthetic inform your work?
My work often focuses on light and comfort in spaces through the integration and manipulation of materials, form, lighting, and furniture.
Sarah’s interest in architecture sparked from watching her dad hand-drawing building plans on his drafting table at their home in Argentina. She was always fascinated how these drawings turned into real buildings and loved to visit their construction sites and seeing new spaces come to life. When it came time to choose her field of study, architecture was the obvious choice. Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Utah. Since then, she has applied her architectural education to marketing and design. Her goals are to provide current and future clients the best experience possible and share Cole Architects’ people, company, and process in the clearest way.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys exploring the beautiful city of Boise, watching a great movie, and checking off her travel bucket list — usually accompanied by her husband and son.
Learn more about Sarah — in her own words.
What is your design philosophy?
I believe design should be clean and minimal without being boring. Places where people live, work, and spend their time should connect to the outdoors as much as possible through natural light and views of the surroundings.
In five words or less, describe your design aesthetic.
Clean, simple, approachable, vibrant.
How does that aesthetic inform your work?
I look to find simple solutions that communicate function and intent clearly. I apply these principles both to architecture and other design work. I hope to make it easy for people to experience space and to learn and become informed.
Share a little-known fact about yourself.
I was “Student of the Year in Mathematics” in 8th grade, which was the first year I lived in the United States. One of my most treasured awards.
