Explore Design

A memorable building often starts with a memorable entrance.

Features like this dramatic cantilever do more than create visual interest. They establish a building's identity, highlight the main entrance, provide shelter from the elements, and create a sense of arrival before you even step inside.

At MSB Valley Pathways, the bold geometry gives the school a distinctive presence while creating a welcoming first impression for students, staff, and visitors. It's a reminder that thoughtful design can make even everyday moments, like walking into school, feel intentional.

Meet Heather Ortega - one of our BIM Technicians!

For Heather, every project is an opportunity to learn something new. Whether she's coordinating complex models or exploring new visualization tools, she brings curiosity, creativity, and technical precision to every stage of the design process.

Outside the office, you'll find her camping, hiking, or working on her next creative project. 🥾💡🎨

Wrapping up the week with a little entertainment from Michael Carlson, Co-Founder and Principal Architect 🎸🎵

Happy Friday!

Sketching isn't just how we draw.

It's how we listen.

Every sketch, diagram, and model represents another question asked, another idea explored, another conversation shared. It's where curiosity meets collaboration.

Those early moments may never be seen by the finished building, but they're woven into every presentation and every design decision that follows.

Great design starts with curiosity.

A big thank you to Alaska Architectural Lighting for stopping by the studio to share the latest in decorative lighting, emerging products, and design innovation. We always appreciate the opportunity to learn from our industry partners and discover new ways to bring thoughtful solutions to our projects. 💡

DID YOU KNOW? ☀️

Some of the most innovative solar farms aren't built on land at all.

Floating solar is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy solutions, turning reservoirs and lakes into dual-purpose infrastructure that produces clean energy while helping conserve water and reduce land use.

As the built environment continues to evolve, solutions like this show how thoughtful design can create benefits that extend far beyond a single purpose.

What's one skill that only comes with experience?

For us, it's knowing that the best solution isn't always the first one. The best projects are shaped by curiosity, patience, and a willingness to keep refining until it feels right.

What's yours? Share in the comments.

We're hiring!

Great design begins with great relationships.

That's why we're excited to announce we're hiring a Business Development Manager to help grow our partnerships, strengthen our community connections, and support the incredible work happening at Explore Design.

If you're energized by people, strategy, and storytelling, this might be your next adventure.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://www.exploredesign.com/careers/

This is an exciting moment for the design community in Alaska.

With the passage of House Bill 314, qualified interior designers are now recognized as regulated design professionals in commercial practice. It’s a milestone that reflects years of advocacy and acknowledges the education, experience, and expertise interior designers bring to the built environment every day.

We’re proud to work alongside an incredibly talented team of interior designers at Explore Design, and we’re thrilled to see this achievement for the profession across our state.

Congratulations to everyone who helped make this possible.

Read the full ASID article here: https://www.asid.org/news/alaska-establishes-interior-design-regulation-and-independent-practice-rights