Icon Awards – Stan Cole – Cole Architects

After Stan Cole graduated from Washington State University with degrees in architectural studies and architecture, his career started to take shape initially in the aera of custom residential, multifamily and commercial projects. He was able to put his creativity and training to good use working as the lead designer for Richard Lawson Architects, where he designed an award-winning luxury condominium project in Seattle.

In 1990, he and his wife moved to Boise to escape large metropolitan life and enjoy smaller urban living. Here, he worked for a custom home builder as a designer, the State of Idaho, and then a mid-sized architectural company. All of these points in his career gave Cole the expertise he needed to open his own architectural practice, so in 1995 he made that leap.

Today, Cole Architects, which was purchased in 2017 by Matt Huffield and has now expanded from Boise to two other locations in Bend, Oregon, and Gilbert, Arizona, continues to thrive. Cole shared that he was thrilled to see the growth of the firm, which he continued to work for, and some of his biggest highlights in his career have been partnering with nonprofit organizations. Some of these include Ronald McDonald House, Boys and Girls Clubs of Ada County, Ikastola Basque Day Care and more. The company also completed work on the Ahaveth Beth Israel campus.

While there have been many incredible business highlights over the years, Cole explained that learning how to run a successful company has meant asking for advice and leaning on others.

Cole shared, “Starting and managing an architectural company has many inherent challenges including managing growth, implementation of innovative technologies and the obvious challenges of business development and project management. Business skills are not normally taught as part of the architectural curriculum, or as part of an architectural internship, so it was important to rely on consultants such as attorneys and accountants to assist with developing a strong business foundation. Every project requires a ‘village’ of professionals working together with a common goal.”

Some of the people in that village include Richard Lawson, an employer and mentor who gave him confidence to use his designing skills, and Robert Stasny, who instilled sound design and technical skills into Cole’s early career. Rock Jones and Nancy Armstrong were Cole Architects‘ first landlords and provided sound advice in business development and infrastructure.

“As I look back on my career, I am very aware that I was fortunate to have many people that supported me in many different ways throughout my career,” he recalled.

Cole is inspired by Boise – its beauty, its people and its thriving communities. But home – with his loved ones – are where he finds true happiness.

“My personal joy comes from my family and friends,” he said. “I have found Boise to be a wonderful place to live and raise a family.”

For the younger generation looking to make their mark in the world, Cole believes finding a passion and pursuing it is key.

He said, “Find out what you have a passion for. Your passion will sustain you through the challenges you may have throughout your career. My initial passion was art. My artistic passion developed into architecture which is an interesting combination of art, technology, and science (materials, engineering, technology). Be prepared to see your career evolve as technology evolves. Embrace technology and change.”

On the horizon, Cole is looking forward to enjoying retired life and will continue to “watch from the sidelines,” and will assist Cole Architects as needed.