--- title: "Sam Rodell | Architect AIA — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sam-rodell-architect-aia-pfvwus-pf~377672988 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~377672988.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Sam Rodell | Architect AIA" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/bad3686a009c0afc_7841-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "159 South Lincoln Street, Suite 222, Spokane, Washington 99201, United States" latitude: 47.6665 longitude: -117.4365 phone: "(509) 939-7007" website: http://www.rodell.design rating: 5 review_count: 25 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 169 last_updated: 2026-09-21 --- # Sam Rodell \| Architect AIA Original Houzz profile: [Sam Rodell \| Architect AIA](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sam-rodell-architect-aia-pfvwus-pf~377672988) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Spokane, WA - **Serves:** Big Sky, Blanchard, Bozerman, Careywood, Clark Fork, Cocolalla, Coeur D Alene, Colburn, Coolin, Dalton Gardens, Dover, Fernan Lake Village, Gallatin Gateway, Hayden Lake, Hope, Kootenai, Laclede, Nordman, Oldtown, Ponderay, Post Falls, Priest River, Sagle, Sandpoint - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (25 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2013–2017), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves We are an award winning architectural design firm with over 30 years of experience. We provide thoughtful, site inspired architectural design, and specialize in Passive House and Net Zero Energy design. Our intention is for our clients to enjoy a highly productive and gratifying experience they will remember with favor in the years to come, having solved immediate challenges even as they create a meaningful and valuable legacy. Each project is a unique opportunity informed by the context of the land and client needs, aspirations, and priorities. We aspire to make the very most of it. We welcome clients who will challenge and empower me to do my best work. For them, we respectfully deliver well-researched and conceptually substantial design work with attentive service. We see our ultimate potential for long term success founded on deeply satisfied clients. ### Services Provided - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - Home Additions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building ### Areas Served - Big Sky - Blanchard - Bozerman - Careywood - Clark Fork - Cocolalla - Coeur D Alene - Colburn - Coolin - Dalton Gardens - Dover - Fernan Lake Village - Gallatin Gateway - Hayden Lake - Hope - Kootenai - Laclede - Nordman - Oldtown - Ponderay - Post Falls - Priest River - Sagle - Sandpoint ### Typical Job Cost $1,000,000 - 5,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Sam Rodell \| Architect AIA | | Address | 159 South Lincoln Street, Suite 222, Spokane, Washington 99201, United States | | Phone | (509) 939-7007 | | Website | http://www.rodell.design | | License Number | Washington: 5100 | | Followers on Houzz | 169 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/rodell.architect - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/samrodell - Blog — http://rodell.design ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Sam Rodell \| Architect AIA](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sam-rodell-architect-aia-pfvwus-pf~377672988) - **Website:** http://www.rodell.design - **Phone:** (509) 939-7007 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - National Council of Architectural Registration Boards CertifiedRegistered Architect licensed in CA, OR, WA, ID, MTCertified Passive House Consultant, PHIUSLEED Accredited Professional BD+CExecutive Board Member and Past President, A.I.A./SpokaneExecutive Board Member, SIREWALL - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2013–2017), for Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 25 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — User, July 2016** > Sam Rodell’s extensive architectural experience is highlighted by a meaningful understanding of the importance of sustainable building technologies. Our company provides high performance window systems designed to adhere to passive house standards and it has been a pleasure to work with Sam Rodell and his team in creating rigorously energy efficient and beautiful building envelopes. **★★★★★ — caroltevenan, April 2016** > Sam Rodell has been working with my husband and me for the past year on the design of our new passive home. In the beginning of the process, Sam presented a wide variety of styles and options, and together with his team of experts we have refined our choices down to the smallest detail. > > Our plan reflects all of our unique needs in a design that is energy efficient, wise in its use of space, and beautiful to look at and live in. They include a musical performance space that features room for a small audience that is separated from the bedroom area, all fitting into a modest footprint. > > Throughout the unfolding of the design, Sam has been a careful listener who responded to all we said and remained flexible to allow needed changes which helped us to meet our budget. Sam has exhibited the highest of professional standards in this extraordinarily enjoyable and informative process. As we conclude the design phase and move into construction, Sam promises to be present to insure that construction meets his high standards. This past year has been so much fun that the time spent in the development of the project will be missed. > In short, I can heartily recommend Sam Rodell and his team for any residential or commercial design venture. > Carol Tevenan, Spokane **★★★★★ — kathryndrew, March 2016** > Sam Rodell, and his fine team of Associates, has helped us nearly realize a long envisioned project. This will soon be a retirement home, an aging in place, Passive House. Our site is challenging, yet, Sam wasn't daunted. He encouraged us with his technical skill, commuicative style, creative thinking. He has been respectful of budgetary constraints and nuanced notions we have about our style of life. He wants this project to work for us and he and his exceptional team collaborate to create confidence in the outcome we envision. Sam brings informed inspiration, state of the art technology, teamwork, artful architectural awareness, and sound building practices to our planning process. We are in good hands. **★★★★★ — Cronin Construction, Dec. 2014** > I can’t say enough about the positive experience of working with Sam Rodell and his team. He is very thoughtful and knowledgeable with his design and never comprising the long-term goal of high performance building. Sam is an innovator and is much appreciated in this industry. **★★★★★ — gabel woodworking and construction LLC, Dec. 2014** > I am a Contractor here in Spokane WA. and have worked with Sam Rodell on several occasions. Sam genuinely cares about his Customers, his Projects and his Contractors, he is always striving to bring us all together to form a cohesive quality orientated team. > > Shawn Gabel > Gabel Woodworking and Construction LLC **★★★★★ — weinmike, Dec. 2014** > Sam Rodell is the consummate professional. His sense of design is one of his great strengths and he is able to communicate this to the client in a thoughtful manner. Because he is a contractor, even though he doesn’t practice, it shows up in his work and hence the end product is superior. I particularly like his cutting edge understanding of new technologies in the building industry, specifically as it relates to energy efficiency. Sam’s use of computer aided design tools makes the process and timeframe for creating the end product that much more efficient. **★★★★★ — jeffreyrichardson, Nov. 2014** > When I first met Sam, I was immediately impressed with the expertise and passion he has for his work. His ability to not only explain the various elements of architecture, but listen to the needs and ideas of the client is a balancing act that few possess. Sam's thoughtful designs are unique in that they reflect the natural environment in which they are built. The structures seem to melt into their surroundings while still maintaining their own aesthetic beauty and functionality. His advocacy for the Passive House concept has brought the technology to the attention of the Inland Northwest community and highlighted its financial, environmental, and functional benefits. He did this while very few other architects in the region even knew the technology existed. He is a true professional and takes pride in what he does. Every aspect of his projects have been carefully calculated and are based on his thoughtful, site-inspired design. I would highly recommend Sam to anyone looking for a true expert who puts the needs of the client first. > -Jeffrey Richardson **★★★★★ — Lois Bruce, Nov. 2014** > Sam Rodell intuitively understood and honored this land that I love from the first day he set foot on it. Sam patiently guided the process with a gentle, reverent sensitivity that allowed an evolution of design work and the natural setting to work in tandem. The finished results that I enjoy immensely on a daily basis are binding and timeless. Sam Rodell made this possible and I will be forever grateful. **★★★★★ — Advanced Building Consultants, Inc., Nov. 2014** > Sam Rodell has provided design, drawings, details, and complete energy calculations for a new construction residence for our clients in Issaquah, WA. He is an expert in energy efficient and high performance construction techniques. His design for this house is in the Passive House category of high performance buildings. His drawings and details are clear and logical. Even though this is a relatively new & complex construction technique, he passed the County's plan review process without a single correction. We look forward to breaking ground in 4 - 6 weeks. I would highly recommend Sam to anyone looking to build a high performance or Passive House building. > > Glenn Carter > Advanced Building Consultants, Inc. **★★★★★ — ciccaj7, Nov. 2014** > Sam is the best in the business. He is a brilliant mind with unmatched talent, and also has a big heart and social conscience. He is a rare breed. My experience with him has been nothing but positive. Rodell Architecture has many innovative design ideas (materials, structure technology, etc.); very much an "out of the box" approach to structure and style. Whether you are in the market for a residential or commercial architect, Sam and his team will surpass your expectations. Being a novice to the commercial building process, and having very specific needs, I was overwhelmed with where to start. There is a lot information on the internet, and I spoke with several different companies, but Sam was the only one who sat down with me and thoroughly, respectfully, and patiently went through the process and options with me. I learned many things during the design phase and am very pleased with the high efficiency design and optimal usage of the land and natural resources. I am grateful to Sam for helping me through a daunting process. He truly deserves the professional recognition he has earned. **★★★★ — natodeet, Nov. 2014** > Architectural services. Sam provided blue print design for and architectural drawings for a 24,500 sf building expansion that replaces a 1914 building on our campus. Sam designed the building in a Passive House design that is beautiful and energy efficient. **★★★★★ — PLACE Landscape Architecture, Feb. 2014** > It is not very often that you come across an individual so dedicated and knowledgeable about his trade. Sam is extremely passionate about the design process. His ethics and commitment to fundamental principles are something others should model. ## Selected projects - [Quietly Tucked into the Forest](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/quietly-tucked-into-the-forest-pj-vj~1702381) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: We designed and built this home, which straddles and adjoins a beautiful creek that flows into Mica Bay, Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Materials from the land - sand from the natural beach, rocks from the lake bed and land, bark and branches from the trees - were taken to the studio and used to develop the exterior material selections, which are all fire resistant and low or no maintenance. Rather than place the home as close to the water as possible with a huge deck, we built far enough from the w… - [Estate for an Adventurer](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/estate-for-an-adventurer-pj-vj~114100) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 42 - Description: If you live with a pack train of mules, but also want fast access to good schools, an international airport, and the symphony, the place to start is finding the right land. Finding the right place is the most important decision our clients make. The other defining selection is their choice of a design team. Happily for us and for our client, Steve had plenty of history with us, and after many years of partnership on successful institutional projects for his company, we were blessed with the oppo… - [Residence for Two Artists](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/residence-for-two-artists-pj-vj~114068) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 30 - Description: Nestled into a quiet bay on Hayden Lake, Idaho, this home was designed for a couple with particularly strong artistic sensibilities and interests. An art and yoga studio is linked to the common areas by a bridge-like element that doubles as a library. Extremely tight budget limitations led us to focus most of our financial energy on the interiors, although the exterior is well built and designed with materials that are fire resistant and moderate with respect to maintenance. We designed and buil… - [Residence for Two Cooks](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/residence-for-two-cooks-pj-vj~109313) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - Description: This home was designed with the kitchen and dining area as the primary interior space, with an adjacent conversation space that flowed out to an outdoor room surrounded by water. The exterior consists entirely of low maintenance, fire resistant, commercial grade materials. The interiors are rigorously and minimally detailed, but warm and light filled. The building divides the land into a public zone on the west, exposed to harsh afternoon light. The interior spaces are filtered from this exposur… - [Residence for Two Architects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/residence-for-two-architects-pj-vj~114058) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 32 - Description: The site occupies land transitioning between unbuilt wetlands and a suburban development in Spokane, Washington. The design intention was to create a comfortable, casual living environment compatible with the neighborhood and respectful of the land. Rather than taking the typical approach of pushing a domesticated 'suburban' landscape into the wild land, we took the opposite approach, pulling native plant material back into the development. The site is now richly populated by a diversity of wild… - [Scharelant Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/scharelant-retreat-pj-vj~114559) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: This residence overlooking Lake Coeur d'Alene in northern Idaho reflects a desire for 'refined rusticity' on the part of our clients. One of the prominent features created in the transition between the land and the building is clusters of columnar basalt pillars found on the site. One of the most important 'rooms' is actually outside, featuring a floor to ceiling stone fireplace and expansive views. The entire area is under the cover of a roof, making it a great place to enjoy summer rainstorms… - [First certified passive house in the Inland Northwest](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/first-certified-passive-house-in-the-inland-northwest-pj-vj~815761) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: This compact and efficient home was designed for two retirees. One of the things we really enjoy about this project is that it demonstrates that high quality architectural design is not the exclusive privilege of high worth households, but is in fact available to anyone building a new home. The average cost for heating and cooling this home is less than seven dollars a month - with a peak cost in winter of less than twenty dollars. Those numbers will remain low even as energy costs continue to r… - [South Hill Urban Infill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-hill-urban-infill-pj-vj~1702721) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Urban Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-retreat-pj-vj~1696881) - Location: Issaquah, WA - Photos: 2 - Description: Rebuilding on the exact location of a cabin that burned down in Issaquah Washington, we harvested the surrounding cedar trees that were killed in the fire, milled and dried the lumber, and have re-torched it to use as siding that will never need to be stained or painted. A bit of a Phoenix approach to making use of what we are offered. - [Rammed Earth Passive House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rammed-earth-passive-house-pj-vj~1697240) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Functional Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/functional-farmhouse-pj-vj~1718419) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: This simple, traditional passivhaus home in a rural setting was designed to present an unassuming 'farmhouse' character. - [SIREWALL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sirewall-pj-vj~115018) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - [Details](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/details-pj-vj~194665) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sam-rodell-architect-aia-pfvwus-pf~377672988) ## Ideabooks - [Sam Rodell \| Architect AIA's Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/39919901/list/sam-rodell-architect-aia-s-ideas) — 1 idea [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/rodells) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the exterior siding material? Thanks, Kate** *(in Photo Questions)* A: We reversed basic cement lap siding so the faux wood grain was to the interior rather than exposed, ripped 8" siding in half, and installed it with a 2" exposure. The result resembled traditional clapboard siding, but is fire resistant and lower maintenance. **Q: What color and brand is the door? Thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: That's a custom wood door painted Chinese Red. **Q: what is the finish material on front porch?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The material at the entry porch is stabilized rammed earth. The walls are two feet thick and are, despite the name 'rammed earth', basically solid sedimentary stone. Very beautiful, durable, distinctive, and environmentally clean and healthy. **Q: Back splash tile** *(in Photo Questions)* love the natural look. who makes it and what is it called? A: These tiles were hand painted and fired by a ceramic artist. **Q: Plans** *(in Photo Questions)* Is there plans for this building? A: No, there are not plans available of work we do for our clients. But this is a very simple shed, most builders could recreate it just from the photo. **Q: Who mfgs the roof?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: These are concrete roof tiles. I don't recall the manufacturer, but I would actually not be inclined to use this material in the future. It is not the zero maintenance roof the manufacturer represents it to be; it is brittle, and tiles periodically need replacement. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-21.*