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Architecture billings index highest since January 2008

Construction-activity leading indicator rises for third straight month

June 17, 2010

The American Institute of Architects announced last month that its architecture billings index, a leading economic indicator of construction activity, rose in April, marking the third straight month of such increases.The index reflects the nine-

Chinese UI students seek design balance

Big part of their focus is on blending new, historical elements in landscapes

June 17, 2010

Joni Kirk

Economic reforms in China over the last 30 years have generated significant and steady opportunities for growth in investment, consumption, and the standard of living there. Part of the growth is due to an increased state investment in even though

Architectural firm here seeks to deepen, broaden reach

Nystrom Olson Collins to launch project development unit

June 17, 2010

Jeanne Gustafson

Nystrom Olson Collins Inc., a young architectural firm here, says it's looking to boost its presence in the market by getting into development projects, is taking steps to become leaner amid the poor economy, and plans soon to change its name after

Designing smaller homes

Poor economy boosts call for more affordable houses, which triggers design challenges

June 17, 2010

Chey Scott

Architects and homebuilder design teams here say they're adapting to an economy-driven trend toward smaller, less expensive homes—a shift they say often forces them to focus on packing big homebuyer desires into not-so-big spaces.Amid the a

Two wine events planned here in May and June

May 6, 2010

The Spokane Winery Association plans to hold its annual Mother's Day Spring Barrel Tasting festivities this weekend, May 7-9, and the Washington Wine Commission will hold its annual Taste Washington! Spokane event on Sunday, June 6.The Spokane &

Townshend Cellar owner makes wines as he likes them

Winemaker aims for vintages with 'bang for the buck,' plans facility

May 6, 2010

Jeanne Gustafson

Spokane winemaker Don Townshend didn't set out to start what now produces more than 20,000 cases of wine annually in the Spokane area. He started out selling air-conditioning equipment to clients around the Northwest, including to Preston Premium a

Growth despite recession

Spokane-area wine industry enjoys strong sales of bottles priced under $20

May 6, 2010

Mike McLean

Some winemakers in the growing wine industry here say they've fared well through the recession and would even welcome more competition.Jim van Loben Sels, general manager at Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, one of the Spokane area's oldest wineries, 17