Business Details
Sustainable Architecture in Spokane, WA
Sam Rodell is a client-centric architectural firm dedicated to creating spaces that reflect the unique needs, values, and aspirations of each individual or family we serve. With decades of combined experience, our team specializes in high-performance, sustainable design, integrating cutting-edge technologies and materials to deliver buildings that are energy-efficient, durable, and harmonious with their environment. Our rigorous design process prioritizes collaboration, transparency, and innovation, ensuring that every projectfrom residential retreats to commercial structuresis tailored to the clients vision while adhering to the highest standards of architectural excellence.We are committed to advancing regenerative design principles, including net-positive energy use, biophilic integration, and carbon-neutral construction, positioning ourselves as leaders in the global movement toward responsible architecture. Our expertise extends to passive house standards, rammed earth construction, and advanced building science, supported by a team of certified professionals recognized for their contributions to sustainable design. By blending artistic creativity with technical precision, we strive to create spaces that enhance quality of life, foster community, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Services
Architectural Design
Passive House Consulting
Interior Design
Sustainable Architecture
Structural Engineering
Net-Zero Energy Planning
Rammed Earth Construction
Biophilic Design
Building Science Analysis
Regenerative Design
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of experience in sustainable architectural design.
- Our team includes certified passive house consultants and LEED professionals.
- We prioritize regenerative design principles to future-proof your investment.
- Our holistic approach integrates architecture, interior design, and engineering.
- We use advanced building science to ensure energy efficiency and durability.
Associations and certifications
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- Passive House Institute U.S. (PHIUS)
- LEED Accredited Professional BD+C
- WELL Accredited Professional
- RESET Accredited Professional
- Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC)
What people say
Innovative sustainable designs
Personalized service
Expertise in passive house
Durable, energy-efficient buildings
Collaborative process
Services
Passive House Design
Passive house design creates ultra-low energy buildings through advanced insulation, airtight construction, and heat recovery systems. Our team optimizes thermal performance to reduce energy use by up to 90% compared to conventional buildings. This approach ensures year-round comfort while significantly lowering utility costs and environmental impact.
Rammed Earth Construction
Rammed earth walls combine natural aesthetics with exceptional durability and thermal mass. Using compressed earth, we create structures that regulate indoor temperatures naturally, reduce carbon footprints, and offer timeless beauty. This method aligns with our commitment to regenerative, low-impact building practices.
Net-Zero Energy Planning
Net-zero energy buildings produce as much energy as they consume annually through renewable sources like solar panels. We analyze site potential, optimize energy efficiency, and integrate renewable systems to achieve carbon neutrality while maintaining design integrity and functionality.
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design connects occupants to nature through natural materials, daylighting, and organic forms. We incorporate living walls, green roofs, and strategic window placement to enhance well-being, reduce stress, and improve air quality in residential and commercial spaces.
Regenerative Design
Regenerative design goes beyond sustainability by actively improving environmental and social systems. Our projects restore ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and create positive community impacts through circular material use and energy-positive operations.
People
Sam Rodell
Principal Architect
Award-winning architect with over 30 years of experience in sustainable design. Licensed in 11 states, NCARB-certified, and a pioneer in passive house standards in the Pacific Northwest.
Nate Robinson
Project Architect
Licensed architect and Certified Passive House Consultant specializing in high-performance residential and commercial projects. Focuses on contextual design and energy-efficient building science.
Maren Longhurst
Project Architect
LEED and WELL Accredited Professional with expertise in thermal modeling and sustainable materials. Serves on the PHIUS board of directors and advocates for regenerative design practices.
Wendy Nolan
Interior Designer
NCIDQ-certified interior designer with global experience. Integrates holistic design principles to ensure interiors align with architectural vision and client lifestyle needs.
Tony Stenlund
Structural Engineer
Specializes in light-frame and passive construction. Combines practical engineering with sustainable design to deliver durable, energy-efficient structural solutions for residential and commercial projects.
Questions
What architectural services does Rodell Architects specialize in?
We specialize in high-performance residential and commercial design, passive house standards, rammed earth construction, net-zero energy planning, and regenerative architecture.
Do you work on projects outside the Spokane area?
Yes, we serve Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, Western Montana, and collaborate remotely on select national and international projects.
What is passive house design?
Passive house is a rigorous energy efficiency standard that creates ultra-low energy buildings requiring minimal heating or cooling through superior insulation, airtightness, and heat recovery.
How does your firm incorporate sustainability?
We use materials like SIREWALL rammed earth, prioritize net-zero energy goals, integrate biophilic design, and follow regenerative principles to minimize environmental impact.
What certifications do your architects hold?
Our team includes NCARB-certified architects, LEED Accredited Professionals, Certified Passive House Consultants, and WELL/RESET Accredited Professionals.
Reviews (6)
Bart Kelly
Dec 21, 2019
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Working with Sam has been an excellent experience. Sam is passionate about getting every detail just right, for the client and the specific project. Sam's experienced team continuously researches the latest building products and deploys only what has been tested and proven to be the highest of quality. With careful listening and planning, Sam consistently creates the homes that his clients envision, manifest, and then fall in love with.
Mary Murphy
Nov 18, 2019
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We are in the middle of a big project with Sam and I couldn't be more pleased. His attention to detail is amazing and is so responsive when I have a question. He is also a great listener. He is actively involved in all aspects of the project. He even went shopping with me for the plumbing fixtures and kitchen appliances! I highly recommend Sam Rodell and his amazing team.
Chris Reilly
Sep 28, 2019
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Sam is an exceptional architect, one who's work will stand out far into the future. He designed an office space for my company that was conceptually rich, but comfortable and inviting. His team custom-built furniture that plays well with the light in the space, as he always does. The project was on time and budget. Sam has brought rammed earth construction to the Northwest and Passivhaus architecture to the US, and fits them together with the land they sit upon thoughtfully and sustainably. Sit with him and you'll find yourself in the presence of technical mastery, sublime aesthetic, and more humanity
BlazeleaderVitale Vitale
Sep 07, 2019
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Sam Rodell and his team designed an extensive home remodel and addition with us. We took a pre-fabricated, 1960's rancher and Sam helped us turn it into a unique, mid-century modern home in honor of my dad, who passed away. Sam listened when we asked that our home be designed to be far more energy-efficient and he paid attention to our desire to use quality, natural and non-toxic materials. During the construction phase, Sam worked closely with us and our builder to bring his design vision to life. Sam's team also helped us to select appliances, furniture and blinds. We have moved back into our
Christopher Coons
Aug 28, 2019
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We have been working with Sam and his team for the past 3 years on a house remodel. They have been a delight to work with from beginning to end. Right from the start, Sam came out and looked at the house and it was really fascinating to watch him study the house. You could tell he was paying close attention to detail and thoroughly enjoys his work. We then had Nathan, their project manager, out to perform measurements. Very professional and always fun to discuss the before of a project. Especially, the oddities that were included in the original building of the house. Things like, placement of
Tim Davis
Aug 25, 2019
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My name is Tim Davis of Davis Homes LLC, I'm a General Contractor here in the Spokane area for over 18 years. I've been involved in several home projects with Sam over the years. His unique ability to incorporate the site, home placement, clients design wishes and overall scope of work involved with each custom home is very in depth. The detail in which he gives the customers during the course of design as well as the build process is unprecedented. During the course of construction he's always involved with the build and keeps in close communication with the customers as to what to expect during
