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Sandra Alder's love of architecture began at a very early age. When other teens were reading comic books, Sandra was reading house plan books. Her dad — Rodney James Higgins — was a construction manager, and Sandra enjoyed visiting the job sites and watching new structures take shape. She even drew house drawings for him as her passion for all things architecture took root.
"Architecture is in my blood, and my passion for it radiates energy to clients. It is a passion that words can't describe," she said. "The projects we create are endeavors full of life that make a lasting difference for each of my clients and the communities in and around Everett where we all live and work."
Sandra followed her passion for architecture to launch Capital Architects in September of 2001. The firm has enjoyed 30% net revenue growth every year since opening its doors. Today, the firm is a seven-member professional team that deploys its talent to a wide range of local projects. From commercial retail centers like the Silver Lake Plaza to residential and church remodels, Sandra's team works with diligence, creativity and enthusiasm to help bring to life each project's unique vision. While every project is different and has its own character and purpose, the foundation for each begins with careful, attentive listening and a desire to help each client achieve success. "Their success is my success, and I never forget that," she said.
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Sandra was delighted to take her seat as the lead architect charged with creating Everett's Silver Lake Plaza. The challenge was to create a shell and accomplish the site work to support a four-building shopping plaza and to also manage the tenant improvements for almost all of the 20 shop owners. This retail complex had a $1.2 million project scope, separate from the tenant improvement contracts that were additional.
Sandra pulled up a chair with each and every shop owner to learn the unique needs of each. As she listened, she learned that the barber would need spinning seats to accommodate seats of every age and size. She learned that the sushi chef would need extra high seats. She worked with creativity to meet every need and create a shopping center that would delight customers and shop owners alike.
"This was a very rewarding project that has become a solid success today. It is satisfying to work on notable buildings in the city of Everett and the surrounding jurisdictions that will last and become part of the community landscape. We want each project to honor the historic value as well as the future of each city by using appropriate design that is sensitive to the surrounding structures and community, while blending form and function," Sandra explained.
Sandra's careful listening has been matched by the care and concern that Cascade Bank commercial banker John Nelson has demonstrated toward supporting and financing the growth of her business. What started as a Line of Credit has grown into a full-fledged business alliance that has helped her purchase The James Professional Building to serve as her new company headquarters office. This structure, located at 2813 Rockefeller, is named for both her father Rodney James Higgins and her mentor James Fagerlie, who both have the name "James" in common. Her Cascade banker has also connected Sandra with accountants and lawyers to shepherd her growth in a thoughtful, strategic and savvy way.
"Without Cascade Bank, I wouldn't have been able to buy that building," she said. "John Nelson and the team at Cascade have been supportive beyond my expectations. He and I touch base regularly. It's a very active and celebratory type of relationship. As good things happen, I tell John. Just last week, he came to visit our new building," she added.
Sandra's business continues to earn new projects based on the success and referrals of prior clients. In fact, the Silver Lake Plaza project was the result of a referral from Bill Finley Architects to the owners of Dujardin Development. New referrals continue to flow as new projects soar and client satisfaction takes flight. In fact, Danny Boglivi, owner of Bogie's All American Diner at Silver Lake Plaza, has since retained Capital Architects to work on a project for his own home, based on the good work the firm accomplished for his restaurant.
Listening carefully to each client's needs and delivering beyond what each client expects based on her genuine passion for architecture is why Sandra's practice continues to grow along with the scope and complexity of new engagements. It's a way of doing business that Cascade Bank honors, celebrates and demonstrates in like fashion. Both client and bank are building a lasting relationship that will stand the test of time, much like many of the buildings Sandra and Capital Architects bring to life every day.
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Alfy's Pizza
