Not Going Back to the Way It Was / August 21, 2021 by Erik Hagen

As we move back into the office, we are working 9-5. That includes lunch, breaks, errands, etc. We are aiming to work less than 40 hours a week, and live more than 80 hours a week! We’re taking long lunches and coffee breaks. We’re stopping to watch the people out the window. We’re stopping to smell the flowers. Were taking better care of ourselves, and at the same time, taking better care of our clients.

Morgan is another proud Idaho native, coming to us all the way from Melba south of Kuna. Aside from architecture, Morgan likes to spend her time with her family, staying in Silver City, creating works of art, listening to music and generally being awesome.

Another future architect coming to us from the University of Idaho College of Arts & Architecture, please join us in welcoming Morgan Monson to the team. As she completes her studies for graduation later this year, Morgan will be spending most of her time getting to know all the ins and outs of an architectural practice. From proposals and code investigations to design, documentation & construction.

As part of her architectural education, Morgan had the opportunity to create a special project for Style Her Empowered (S.H.E.) in Togo, Africa. Including an in-person, hands-on design & construction experience.

“The project goal was to design spaces for young women to go, learn, feel safe and enjoy life.”

— Morgan Monson for S.H.E.

Always looking to use her hands in the name of architecture and design, we’ll definitely have to take Morgan up on her physical model making skills for some of those hands-on client meetings. Below is one that she created out of cardboard for the Elysian Natatorium project as part of her 5th year of studies. Manipulating light for moody spaces to come alive with beauty, peace and divinity.

We are proud and excited Morgan has chosen to start her architectural career here with us at Erik Hagen Architecture. Welcome Morgan!

Portland Redevelopment Site Massing & Use Study Model

Employee 001 / May 26, 2021 by Erik Hagen

Even through a global pandemic, the last year has been anything but boring. Projects have been piling up and we needed to expand. After a few weeks of interviews, we are excited to announce our first employee! Please welcome Kayla Duclos to the fold as Architectural Associate.

Hailing from Cottonwood, Idaho (the Dog Bark Park hotel). Kayla just graduated with a Masters degree from the University of Idaho College of Art & Architecture (congratulations!), where her thesis Urban Transect through time was located right off the Greenbelt @ Fairview. A mixed-use, organically grown, phased urban, housing, office taking the brownfield and using bio-sparging to dissipate the petrol-related contaminants.

Kayla comes to us after interning at notable local firm Slichter | Ugrin Architecture during her Masters education. She brings with her a creative flair, awesome visualization skills, a passion for growth and a head full of ideas.

Welcome Kalya! We’re so very glad to have you on board.

City of Boise Planning & Zoning Commission Unanimously Approves Planned Unit Development / May 4, 2021 by Erik Hagen

All over the country, the cost of housing is soaring, while the availability is dropping. Boise is far from the exception here, more like leading the race for housing shortages. Converting 88 fairly unused hotel rooms in a rundown Howard Johnsons into brand new efficiency studio apartments is the next wave of housing. Soon to be The Prospect, we’ll be improving the property, adding in more trees and landscaping, BBQ areas, bocce ball, cornhole. And on the inside, doing a full gut and remodel. Rearranging things a bit to get a small sink in the bathroom so that the vanity can become a kitchenette, With the adaptive reuse of this structure, the cost savings over building from scratch are enormous. Not to mention the savings on raw materials and diversion of potential landfill. Focusing also on resident health, safety and welfare, providing new high efficiency, high rating air conditioning units, seals on doors and windows along with greater sound attenuation, long-term retention of residents being the focus. Installing products and materials that don’t have harmful off-gassing, no formaldehyde, low VOC’s, new Low-E glazing.