Stan Cole /Principal Emeritus + Founder
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… 😊