Thomas Architecture Studios

06/16/2026

The members of our team wrapped up another rewarding year with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington Career Mentoring Experience (CME) program.

For the final activity, students put their architectural skills to the test by translating plans, sections, elevations, and a 3D model into a fully constructed LEGO house at FORMA Construction. What seemed simple at first quickly became a fun and surprisingly challenging exercise in spatial thinking and problem-solving.

A special thank you to Jessie and the FORMA team for hosting. We learned that the LEGO model was created using software that allows users to design a digital LEGO model and then order all the pieces needed to build it in real life!

Programs like BBBS CME provide students with hands-on exposure to architecture, engineering, and construction careers while helping them build confidence and critical thinking skills. We’re proud to support the next generation of designers and makers.

06/11/2026

First Friday Lunch took us somewhere new this month—Gold Standard, located in the Market Flats building.

There’s something especially rewarding about experiencing a space after it comes to life. From the energy of the restaurant to the people gathering within it, it’s exciting to see how thoughtful design helps create places that bring our community together.

Great food, great company, and a chance to enjoy one of our completed projects from a whole new perspective. We’re already looking forward to next month’s lunch!

06/09/2026

Exciting news!

The Port of Olympia has officially released a Bid Advertisement for the construction phase of its Headquarters Tenant Improvement Project.

Interested contractors and partners can find project details and bidding information here: https://portolympia.bonfirehub.com/login/registration

Photo courtesy of Nick Eisenmann

06/04/2026

A new coffee spot just opened next door! ☕

If you haven't stopped by yet, check out Campers Coffee's newest location inside The Carpenter's House. They bring a camp-inspired vibe, fresh mini waffles, and their popular Zoomies Red Bull drinks. Peruse the artwork on display—a collection from local artists, while you're waiting for your drink.

Stop by and show them some love! 💖

05/29/2026

Excited to see the Carnegie Whisky Library featured in The Olympian today as construction is officially underway. At TAS, we have a special passion for giving new life to historic buildings, and we’re honored to be part of this project.

New Olympia bar hopes to have 600-plus whiskeys. Work on historic building begins

05/22/2026

The conversations around Port of Olympia Waterfront Development and Olympia’s West Bay Yards remind us of the early days of Tacoma’s Thea Foss Waterway redevelopment—a project our Founding Principal, Ron Thomas, was fortunate to help shape. Different place, different scale...but the same opportunity to reconnect a community to its waterfront in a meaningful way. Olympia has the chance to do something really special here, and TAS is honored to be a part of it.

This is "WEST BAY YARDS VIDEO" by Lightmotive Films on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

05/21/2026

Big news for Olympia food lovers 👩‍🍳✨

A new cooking school is coming to downtown Olympia this summer at Malt House on Legion Way! The school is being launched by chef Miriam-Xiomara Padilla, former executive chef of Mi Luna Cuban Cafe, with a focus on hands-on cooking classes for kids and the growing demand for culinary education in the community.

Padilla said the idea came after seeing huge waitlists for children’s cooking classes locally — proof that Olympia families are hungry for more opportunities to learn, cook, and connect through food. The new space inside Malt House aims to bring creativity, confidence, and community into the kitchen for the next generation of cooks.

Downtown Olympia keeps getting more exciting, and this is another awesome addition to the City’s growing food scene. 🍳🥖🔥

A local chef is leaving the popular downtown restaurant and dedicating herself to a new venture.

05/12/2026

Shoutout to a generous boss who surprised our staff with Kawaii Donuts at to celebrate the sunshine! 🍩☀️

05/11/2026

We’re excited to see the The Owl's Nest coffee + pastries expansion finalized! This project has been all about creating more space for connection and community, while maintaining the character and charm people already love about the café.

Stop by for a tasty pastry and a coffee — our Project Manager, Jason, swears it's the best coffee in town! ☕️✨

New Thurston County YMCA proposed, and a coffee shop expands in downtown Olympia

05/08/2026

We’re proud to be part of this exciting project and to help bring this vision to life for our community. Our team has remained committed to delivering thoughtful design solutions while keeping the project on schedule and within budget. Collaborating with such a dedicated group of partners has made this a rewarding experience, and we’re excited to see the impact this project will have for years to come.

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office has received our approved occupancy permit, and we have started moving into our new Sheriff’s Office Headquarters.

The building project finished up on time, under budget, and the final product has exceeded expectations.

Patrol deputies, detectives, volunteers, command staff, and the majority of our support staff will be under the same roof for the first time in nearly 20 years.

I cannot thank our community enough.