Business Details
12 Years
experience
Commercial Architects in Anchorage, Alaska
Founded in 2014, Determine Design provides commercial architecture services across Alaska. Our boutique firm specializes in custom-tailored solutions for building design, renovation, and permit acquisition. With deep expertise in Alaska's unique building codes and zoning requirements, we manage projects from initial concept through construction support. Our portfolio includes medical facilities, restaurants, retail spaces, industrial buildings, and multifamily housing. We coordinate engineering services, submit plans for approval, and maintain transparent communication throughout the process.Our Anchorage-based team combines local knowledge with technical proficiency to deliver functional, code-compliant spaces. We prioritize efficiency in navigating regulatory challenges while maintaining design integrity. Our experience with adaptive reuse projects addresses Alaska's evolving commercial needs. Clients benefit from direct access to licensed architects with hands-on project involvement. We serve both Anchorage and statewide clients seeking professional architectural solutions.
Services
Commercial Architecture
Building Design
Permit Support
Engineering Coordination
Multifamily Design
Site Evaluation
Construction Documentation
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- Founded in 2014 by Alaska-licensed architect Daniel Clift
- Full-service design-to-permit process management
- Specialized knowledge of Alaska's building codes and climate challenges
- Direct principal involvement in all projects
- Proven track record with adaptive reuse and new construction
Services
Commercial Architecture
Providing comprehensive commercial architecture services for new construction and renovations. Our Alaska-specific expertise addresses climate challenges and code requirements while creating functional spaces. Clients receive end-to-end support from concept through construction documentation.
Permit Acquisition
Navigating Alaska's complex permitting process with professional submittal packages. We coordinate with local authorities to secure building permits efficiently, ensuring compliance with state fire marshal requirements and municipal zoning ordinances for commercial projects.
Engineering Coordination
Managing multidisciplinary engineering requirements for commercial buildings. Our team procures structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering services, integrating technical systems into cohesive construction documents that meet Alaska's environmental standards.
Adaptive Reuse Design
Specializing in transforming existing structures for modern commercial use. We optimize building functionality while maintaining code compliance, addressing unique challenges of Alaska's aging commercial stock through creative design solutions.
Site Evaluation
Assessing property viability for commercial development through detailed site analysis. Our evaluations consider zoning restrictions, environmental factors, and structural capacity to determine project feasibility in Anchorage and statewide locations.
People
Daniel H. Clift
Principal Architect
Licensed Alaska architect with 10+ years of regional experience. Graduated from University of Idaho with Master's in Architecture. Specializes in commercial building systems and code compliance for northern climates.
Motasem Albdour
Associate Architect
Experienced designer with expertise in commercial interiors and adaptive reuse projects. Provides technical leadership in creating functional spaces that meet Alaska's unique environmental requirements.
Jenson Seifert
Assistant Architect
Supports project teams with construction documentation and detailing. Focuses on ensuring technical accuracy in drawings while maintaining design intent across diverse commercial project types.
Angel Alvarado
International Draftsman
Provides technical drafting support from Peru, collaborating on construction document preparation. Applies international design standards to Alaska-specific building challenges through digital collaboration tools.
Gary L Spreng
Architect Emeritus
Retired professional offering advisory support based on decades of Alaska architectural experience. Provides mentorship to project teams while maintaining industry connections across the state.
Questions
What commercial building types do you design?
We design offices, medical facilities, restaurants, industrial buildings, multifamily housing, and mixed-use spaces throughout Alaska.
Do you handle building permit processes?
Yes, we prepare and submit complete permit packages to local authorities and track approvals for Anchorage and statewide projects.
Can you work on existing buildings?
Yes, we specialize in adaptive reuse and renovation projects, optimizing existing structures for modern commercial use.
How do you handle engineering requirements?
We coordinate all necessary engineering disciplines, integrating structural, mechanical, and electrical systems into cohesive construction documents.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily Anchorage with statewide Alaska capabilities for commercial architecture and design projects.
Reviews (6)
Chad Burgess
Sep 16, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Great staff, the communication is top notch!
Great staff, the communication is top notch!
Brian Riggan
Sep 01, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
Working with Daniel's team is always a great experience. Determine Design takes care of the Owner as well as the design team, to make a successful project a reality.
Working with Daniel's team is always a great experience. Determine Design takes care of the Owner as well as the design team, to make a successful project a reality.
Marcia Chambers
Aug 21, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
They are great people and understand that sometimes you make more than or two or three changes to a design. I really appreciate how fast they can turn a design around. Also, working with the muni can be so frustrating and infuriating, with Determine Design they make it so easy!
They are great people and understand that sometimes you make more than or two or three changes to a design. I really appreciate how fast they can turn a design around. Also, working with the muni can be so frustrating and infuriating, with Determine Design they make it so easy!
Dan Rogers
Aug 20, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Ive had determine design work on a number of projects for me. Great guys, good value, and good work product. Id definitely recommend!
Ive had determine design work on a number of projects for me. Great guys, good value, and good work product. Id definitely recommend!
Anchor Baptist Church
Sep 24, 2017
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We hired Determined Design early this year after we realized we were out of compliance with the fire marshal during our construction. Daniel worked diligently to design as-builds and set us on the right path towards compliance. Daniel put us in contact with engineers and really went the extra mile for us. I recommend Determined Design to everybody, They work fast and are highly professional. Thank you so much Determined Design
Will S.
May 11, 2016
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Daniel Clift of Determine Design was a pleasure to work with. He was very detailed and quick to address any comments or concerns I had throughout the project. Mr. Clift was very patient with me and my project as it shifted course several times. The final drawings from Determine Design were exactly what I pictured. Thanks for turning my imagination into reality.
