WHEN TALENTED PROFESSIONALS TALK, WE LISTEN.
Admit it, you have an inquiring mind, and you want to know about the team designing your dream home. We understand the inclination. So we decided to bring you Shop Talk-conversations with the talented pros designing, building, and outfitting your homes.
TEN OVER STUDIO
Jim Duffy, President
In 2014, a group of friends created TEN OVER STUDIO to focus on creative work that benefits our communities…and have fun along the way. They prioritize collaboration and building lasting relationships with the goal of ensuring the experience of working with their team is as rewarding as the finished project. As one of the founders and current president, Jim’s role is to support the team with a shared mission “to leave the world better than they found it.”
What services do you offer?
TEN OVER STUDIO offers architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, and integrated media services with specialized studios dedicated to the design of custom homes, multi-family residential, commercial, hospitality, and public projects.
What geographical areas do you serve?
We have offices in San Luis Obispo, San Jose, and Bend serving the entire West Coast. Our niche market has been working in smaller communities that are facing similar challenges and opportunities related to development. We understand that “growth” or “change” isn’t always looked upon favorably. Therefore, we try our best to understand the nuances of a community, develop projects that reflect the local character, and add value to each neighborhood.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Our design approach is rooted in our clients’ goals, needs, and priorities along with the context of a given project. We don’t have a signature style but rather focus on really listening to our clients and then try and deliver outstanding designs that reflect their vision and align with the community. Our goal is that the projects we work on will be timeless and will make a positive impact on their occupants and communities for generations.
How do you see architecture changing in the next five to ten years?
Recognizing that built environment accounts for a large percentage of global CO2 emissions, we predict that the push for more climate-friendly projects will continue to be at the forefront of building and site design as the impacts from climate change continue to increase. TEN OVER STUDIO has signed on to the Architecture 2030 Challenge to affirm our commitment to becoming part of the climate solution.
We have found that the clients and builders in Central Oregon really care about buildings and their surroundings. They understand the benefits of good design and quality construction.
–Jim Duffy
What project(s) are you most proud of?
We are very excited and proud to have had a significant impact on the design of the new Discovery West neighborhood in Bend. We were honored to design the new community plaza named “Discovery Corner” along with the surrounding mixed-use buildings including ground floor commercial and retail spaces with deluxe residential units above. In addition, we were fortunate to work with Terrane LLC on the design of their unique series of mews townhomes fronting a public greenway across the street from Discovery Corner.
As a Certified B-Corporation, we are committed to using our business as a force for good in the world. To that end, we are committed to providing pro-bono services for nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of our neighbors in the communities we serve. We are proud of our partnership with Rooted Homes in delivering affordable and efficient homes for sale throughout Central Oregon. In addition, through our pro-bono work with the Children’s Museum of Central Oregon, we have developed a design to help bring their board’s amazing vision to life.
What is the most rewarding thing about designing in Central Oregon?
We have found that the clients and builders in Central Oregon really care about buildings and their surroundings. They understand the benefits of good design and quality construction. They appreciate the community and the impact their projects have on the neighborhoods they are built in. That commitment to “quality” at this level is rare and is one of the reasons we feel so fortunate to be here as designers as well as community members.
How did you get your start?
I lived in Portland and Eugene for over a decade before moving to San Luis Obispo where I started TEN OVER with some good friends who had relocated to the Central Coast from Seattle. With a strong desire to get back to the Pacific Northwest, we had the opportunity to set up shop in Bend about seven years ago with the goal of contributing to this amazing community. In 2019, I was honored to speak at “Building a Better Bend” about our firm’s experience with urban redevelopment and higher density mixed-use projects in communities like Bend. As this community continues to grow, we hope to share our skills and experience, and help Bend evolve while retaining and enhancing its outstanding quality of life.
What are some places in the world you find inspirational?
My undergraduate degree was in Environmental Studies and Urban Planning. As an architect, I am keenly aware of how buildings and urban planning impact the culture of a community. To that end, I love visiting places that were developed prior to the mass adoption of automobiles. Whether it is the original core of any great European city, small towns in Central America, or tribal villages in the South Pacific, it is refreshing to see how these examples of our built environment support the connection between people as opposed to the urban sprawl of large metropolitan U.S. cities and suburbs.
What do you enjoy about living here?
Whether it’s skiing, surfing, fly fishing, or exploring a trail deep into the backcountry, I’m just happy getting outdoors. I am fortunate to split my time between the amazing outdoor playgrounds around Bend and the uncrowded beaches of the Central Coast. Bend and SLO are kindred spirits and have a lot of similarities but what it really comes down to for me is the people. That is what really makes these places truly special—those folks who care deeply and are committed to enhancing the quality of life for their communities.
Anderson Clark Interiors
Anderson Clark Interiors (ACI) is a locally owned full-service commercial and residential cabinetry and millwork company with a reputation for exceptional quality, custom craftsmanship and precise detail. As skilled craftsmen, they exceed expectations with the help of cutting-edge technology and state of the art equipment, and unparalleled customer support before, during and after the order. Cabinetry that their customers are proud to own, work that stands the test of time.
What services do you offer?
We build custom cabinetry and casework, meaning we make kitchen cabinets, bookcases, dressers, reception desks, and more; if it’s made of wood we can build it.
Describe your process:
We start with sharing common ground with the homeowners, designers, builders, and other subcontractors; we are all on the same team and want the same results. We like to meet with the clients and designers to get the plans and ideas for the project. While we draw up the plans, we work on getting the appliance specifications, sink specifications, stain/paint and wood species, as well as any other small details that are needed for the cabinetry. Having all the specifications before signing off on the drawings allows everything to move smoothly from production through to installation.
We build custom cabinetry and casework, meaning we make kitchen cabinets, bookcases, dressers, reception desks, and more; if it’s made of wood we can build it.
–Travis Anderson & Chad Clark
What is the difference between a good house and a great house?
When the clients can walk into the space and have a deep sense of gratification and joy. Their idea of what was imagined was brought to life and they get to live in it.
What do you enjoy most about work?
We enjoy the personal development we get to invest in with our employees. When one of us succeeds and realizes their full potential, we all win and get to share the experience. It’s also beautiful seeing how each person brings something different to the table and we all work hard to fit together. Each day we get better and better.
What are the most rewarding things about your work?
Seeing our clients’ ideas come to life because of our team’s ability to make dreams happen; everyone is constantly learning and striving to do their best.
What is your professional background?
From boat building, restaurant management, engineering, bookkeeping, and an immense amount of woodworking and construction, we have been able to build a team that has over 150 years of experience.
Do you have a favorite sport or recreational activity?
Many members of our team play basketball together. It’s an opportunity to play, laugh, and work hard with friends outside.
What is sure to make you laugh?
Travis Anderson, our ringleader, is sure to say something outrageous to get each person laughing or smiling every time he interacts with them. It’s what he lives for, spreading joy.
If you had just one wish today, what would it be?
To end human suffering; the human race can do better to see and assist those who are suffering around them.
What do you enjoy most about living here?
The people and the outdoors. Bend, Oregon, is blessed by such beauty outdoors and is matched in the kindness of its people.