Explore Design

Explore Design We create inspired and functional spaces that honor local stories, enhance communities, and perform in the most demanding climates.

Every project is an opportunity to craft something enduring, sustainable, and meaningful.

"This is a great roadmap for us... It was an incredible experience and we learned a lot about ourselves in the process."...
06/17/2026

"This is a great roadmap for us... It was an incredible experience and we learned a lot about ourselves in the process." — Ray Halquist, CEO/President, HPM Contracting

The Expand Experience workshop gives teams the tools they need to move forward with confidence - aligning mission, culture, and space into one clear vision.

Learn more: https://www.exploredesign.com/services/expand-experience-workshop/

06/15/2026

One of Matt’s biggest strengths is seeing projects from both sides of the industry.

Before joining Explore Design, Matt spent nearly a decade in construction working directly with contractors and trades in the field. That experience continues to shape the way he approaches project management today, bringing a deeper understanding of coordination, collaboration, and what it actually takes to bring a design to life.

It’s a perspective that helps bridge the gap between design intent and construction reality and ultimately leads to stronger projects and better outcomes for clients and teams alike.

There’s a quietness to well-designed public spaces.While designing the expansion of the Anchorage Museum, we knew the in...
06/11/2026

There’s a quietness to well-designed public spaces.

While designing the expansion of the Anchorage Museum, we knew the interior spaces need to support movement, gathering, reflection, and flexibility all at once. Open sightlines, natural light, warm materials, and layered community spaces help the building feel as welcoming as it is functional.

Spaces like this shape how people interact with culture, community, and each other often without them even realizing it.

Biochar is an emerging material that has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the construction indu...
06/10/2026

Biochar is an emerging material that has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry.

Created by transforming organic waste into a charcoal-like material, biochar can be incorporated into concrete and cement products to help lower their carbon footprint without compromising performance. Even more importantly, it actively stores carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.

As conversations around sustainable building continue evolving, materials like biochar are changing the way we think about long-term environmental impact in design and construction.

(Photo: MIT Climate Control)

06/04/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about design is that the solution appears instantly.

In reality, great problem solving usually comes from slowing down long enough to understand the outcome you’re trying to achieve, then working backward through every decision needed to get there.

That mindset helps our team stay collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-focused whether we’re in the studio or working through unexpected conditions on site.

For many travelers, this is their first impression of Alaska.The Arrivals Hall at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Ai...
06/03/2026

For many travelers, this is their first impression of Alaska.

The Arrivals Hall at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport was designed to reflect both the scale of modern aviation and the experience of moving through the Alaska landscape. Natural materials, glacial-inspired forms, expansive light, and clear circulation all work together to create a space that feels distinctly connected to place.

More than two decades later, it remains one of the largest and most complex public projects completed in Alaska. 🛫

Every designer’s desk tells a different story.Some are minimal. Some are organized chaos.This one screams cowgirl energy...
06/01/2026

Every designer’s desk tells a different story.

Some are minimal. Some are organized chaos.

This one screams cowgirl energy with a pink cowboy boot and a cactus with sunglasses. Sometimes joy looks like playful objects, weird little treasures, and things that make you smile in the middle of a busy day. 😉

Can you guess whose desk this is?

There’s a lot that goes into material selection beyond just picking colors or finishes.Our team recently spent time with...
05/28/2026

There’s a lot that goes into material selection beyond just picking colors or finishes.

Our team recently spent time with Maharam exploring textiles, textures, durability, and performance through a hands-on rep visit and material review. These conversations help us better understand how products will function in real spaces and how they can support the overall experience we’re designing for.

With growing demand for lower-carbon building solutions, calcined clay is becoming an important material in the future o...
05/27/2026

With growing demand for lower-carbon building solutions, calcined clay is becoming an important material in the future of concrete and cement design. This supplementary cementitious material (SCM) can reduce the CO2 footprint of traditional cement by nearly 50% while still maintaining strong performance.

As conversations around sustainability continue shaping the industry, materials like calcined clay are becoming an important part of how we think about long-term building performance, resilience, and environmental impact.

(Photo: Holcim)

05/25/2026

Where do you find inspiration as a designer? 💡

For us, it often comes from observing how people move through and interact with the world around them. The way a body moves through space, the way light shifts throughout the day, or the way a single gesture can completely change how something feels.

In architecture and design, we may all work with the same basic elements, walls, structure, light, material, but the possibilities for how those pieces come together are endless.

Address

421 W 1st Avenue, Ste 300
Anchorage, AK
99501

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19075638474

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Explore Design posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Explore Design:

Shortcuts

Share