RFM Announces Grand Opening of New Office in Spokane, WA
November 4, 2024: Spokane, WA – Rice Fergus Miller (RFM), an employee-owned architectural, interior design, and planning firm, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new office in downtown Spokane, Washington. The grand opening will take place on November 13th, with an open house from 4-7pm. Members of the community, clients, and partners are invited to join us in celebrating this exciting milestone. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 5pm, with members of the Greater Spokane, Inc. in attendance to commemorate the occasion.
Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Bremerton, WA, RFM has dedicated over three decades to creating meaningful spaces that enhance and enrich communities. With a focus on strong design concepts grounded in place, culture, and authenticity, RFM specializes in a diverse range of projects, including housing, healthcare, hospitality, fire and emergency services, civic, and educational facilities. Additionally, RFM is the only Certified B Corp architectural firm in Washington, a testament to the firm’s commitment to using business as a force for good.
The launch of RFM’s second location is the result of a growing team of talented Inland Northwest-based designers, coupled with the firm’s vision to reach more communities. The firm currently has 6 employees in the region who have been working remotely. They all have extensive experience working in the region for healthcare, commercial, residential, Tribal, and government clients. RFM has over 60 team members living and working throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Team members can choose to work from home, the office nearest them, or a combination. Each year, the entire firm comes together in person for our annual Days for the Practice in addition to market-based team building that takes place year-round.
“We are excited to expand our firm’s footprint to Spokane,” said Jennifer Fleming, a Senior Principal leading the Hospitality Studio at RFM. “It’s ironic, in a sense, because we are fully supportive of remote work. But our employees here feel strongly about having a physical place to connect, so we listened.” This new office location came to fruition thanks to the requests and input of the firm’s Spokane-based team.
“We love to collaborate, and this new space will support the culture of our team here in Spokane, which really thrives on in-person connection,” said Michaela Weaver, one of the firm’s Interior Designers. “This region has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant community that aligns perfectly with RFM’s mission. This space will allow us to work alongside our local clients and stakeholders to design distinctive, community-focused projects that reflect the unique character of the Inland Northwest, and beyond.”
The grand opening event on November 13th will be hosted by RFM’s Spokane-based team, the firm’s Senior Principals, and several other firm leaders. Recent project work will be on display, and attendees will have the chance to engage with RFM’s talented team of designers and architects and the greater Spokane design community. A variety of local beverages will be available, and catering will be provided by Indigenous Eats.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, November 13th, 2024
Time: 4-7pm; Ribbon Cutting at 5pm
Location: Rice Fergus Miller, 1011 W 1st Street, Suite B, Spokane, WA 99201
Individuals from the Spokane design and construction industry are encouraged to attend, as well as local business leaders and professionals. “We look forward to growing our relationships in this region with existing clients and partners, as well as those we have not yet worked with,” said Gunnar Gladics, a Senior Principal leading the firm’s Civic Studio. “It will also provide an ideal space for us to engage with the local arts and design community. This is the first of hopefully many open houses.”
With a commitment to sustainability and a collaborative approach, RFM aims to foster long-lasting relationships that result in inspiring and functional spaces. This second office location will serve as a satellite to the firm’s Bremerton headquarters, which is a LEED v3 Platinum Certified adaptive reuse of a 1940’s Sears automotive service center. The expansion to Spokane represents a new chapter in the firm’s evolution, and a commitment to bringing this passion for community-centric design to an expanded geographic range.
“We’ve been synonymous with Bremerton for decades, but the reality is we’ve grown our reach to the entire Pacific Northwest and beyond. This second location helps reinforce our vision and commitment to putting down roots in the places our staff and clients call home,” added Jennifer. “We’re committed to this region for the long haul.”
For more information about RFM and the firm’s commitment to serving community, please visit www.rfmarch.com.
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About Rice Fergus Miller
Rice Fergus Miller, Inc.—a B Corp., is an architecture, interior design, and planning firm that uses business as a force for good. Established in 1987, the firm is committed to performing meaningful work that builds and strengthens communities. The firm’s headquarters in Bremerton, WA is housed in one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the United States. The firm opened a second office in Spokane, WA in 2024. Rice Fergus Miller blends the personal aspirations of its 60 employees with a vision for a more sustainable future. Learn more at www.rfmarch.com.