Latest News

Company creates co-working space for architects

Design Collaborative is intended to encourage idea sharing, owner says

November 3, 2011

Design Collaborative LLC, a newly launched business in downtown Spokane, is leasing shared work space to solo-practicing professionals in the design and building industries. The company opened its doors Sept. 1 and is located on the first and of

Hottest design firms rely on traditional marketing

In recent survey, industry leaders said they found most success using phone

November 3, 2011

The fastest-growing firms in the design industry are relying on traditional methods to achieve marketing results, according to ZweigWhite's 2011-12 Successful Firm Survey of Architecture, Engineering, Planning & Environmental Consulting Firms.In

Architecture billings drop after August uptick, AIA says

Though overall activity is down, some regions, sectors said to improve

November 3, 2011

After an encouraging uptick in August, the American Institute of Architects' Architecture Billings Index retreated again in September, falling to a score of 46.9. Since any score below 50 indicates a decline in billings at architecture firms, this

MW designed Kibbie Dome tech upgrades

Spokane engineering firm tasked with modernizing safety, audio, TV systems

November 3, 2011

Mike McLean

A Spokane engineering firm says recently completed safety and technological upgrades that it designed for the Kibbie Dome, on the University of Idaho campus in Moscow help elevate the 36-year-old structure to a state-of-the art multipurpose firm, a

Small firms see steady stream

Solo, two-designer offices land more work this year; competition stays strong

November 3, 2011

Treva Lind

Many architects here who operate solo or with only two licensed designers say they're busier with projects this year than they were in 2010, despite widespread competition for the few available jobs.Some of those architects say they've made has

GeoEngineers regains strength through diversity

Principals say rising workload might precede broader growth

November 3, 2011

Mike McLean

GeoEngineers Inc., which has operated a Spokane office for 20 years, is seeing a rise in work and revenues and is looking to add to its staff, its principals here say.The Seattle-based firm has a staff here of 25 people, up one from last year. a

Bankruptcies are on downward trend, statistics show

Decline in filings, though, doesn't necessarily signal improvement in economy

November 3, 2011

Andrew Leckey

Stressful economic periods lead to stressful family finances, which in turn can lead to bankruptcy filings.Bankruptcy is not a panacea to lift up all your financial troubles and put a smile on your face, as late-night television commercials have

Ag lender's new top exec bullish on cooperative's outlook

Northwest Farm Credit expects sustained gains despite market volatility

November 3, 2011

Kim Crompton

Phil DiPofi has been president and CEO of Spokane-based Northwest Farm Credit Services for less than a year, but he says he's already feeling pretty settled in and optimistic about the outlook for the federally chartered ag-lending very bullish a a

Angel investing increased in first half of year, study says

Total investment climbed 4.4 percent to $8.9 billion; ventures funded also rose

November 3, 2011

News Wise

The angel investor market in the first half of this year showed signs of stabilization since the 30 percent market correction in the second half of 2008 and the first half of 2009, with total investments totaling $8.9 billion, according to the for

odd Radwick, president of Radwick Financial Group LLC, of Winthrop, Wash., is an insurance and financial adviser. He can be reached at 509.996.3425 and at todd@radwickfinancial.com

Insurance-backed buy-sell agreements key for partners

Policies are used to buy business from inheritors if one of the owner dies

November 3, 2011

Todd Radwick

When you think of life insurance, you may think of it in its most basic fundamental form—the kind that pays off the mortgage, covers funeral expenses, and can provide income to those you love. But what about in the business setting? That's