At ALC Architecture, thoughtful design begins long before drawings are finalized. With offices in Eagle and Idaho Falls, the firm approaches each project with a hands-on leadership style and a commitment to treating every client’s vision as unique. We recently spoke with Jeff Likes, principal architect at ALC, about his role within the firm, the culture ALC has built, and the philosophy that guides their work.

Jeff’s days start early and reflect the level of involvement he brings to every project. “I get here at six, and I don’t leave till six,” he says. His focus is often on the front end of projects, including site planning, entitlements, city meetings, and coordination efforts such as traffic studies. “I usually handle that upfront work, site planning, entitlements, all that city stuff,” Jeff explains. Once that foundation is established, project managers and production staff move projects forward, but Jeff remains closely connected to the direction and standards of the work. With a team of eight across two offices, he prioritizes accountability, responsiveness, and steady leadership that keeps projects moving while maintaining quality.

Treating Every Project as a Priority

One of the defining characteristics of ALC Architecture is the way the firm views its work. For Jeff, no project is too small to deserve full attention. “It could be a small, 1,200–square foot tenant improvement, but that’s someone’s dream,” he says. “We don’t always have to have the 100,000–square foot building that everyone sees. Every project is unique, and we treat it that way.” That perspective has helped ALC build strong relationships with repeat clients who trust the firm to approach their goals with care and intention. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all process, the team works to understand the individual needs behind each assignment and shape solutions accordingly.

Culture also plays a role in how ALC operates. Jeff describes the firm as family-oriented, with flexibility and mutual support woven into daily operations. “We’re like a little family,” he explains. “If someone needs to take care of something with their family, they have the freedom to do that. We help each other out the best we can.” That environment contributes to a workplace where people genuinely enjoy coming to work. “It’s fun to come to work. It’s not a grind,” Jeff says. “I appreciate that our team shows up every day with good attitudes.”

Collaboration and Moving Forward

ALC’s collaborative mindset extends to its partnerships as well. Jeff noted the importance of clear communication and responsiveness when working with FOCUS Consulting. “The communication’s good. The response is good,” he says. “I can call and say, here’s what we need, and it gets taken care of.” Whether coordinating traffic studies or navigating entitlement requirements, having reliable partners helps ALC deliver projects efficiently and confidently.

Looking ahead, Jeff remains focused on steady growth while keeping client satisfaction at the forefront. “My first thing is let’s make sure our clients are happy,” he says. With a diverse portfolio and a strong internal culture, ALC Architecture continues to build not only projects, but lasting relationships grounded in trust and attention to detail. FOCUS Consulting is proud to support ALC Architecture in helping bring those projects from early planning through approval with clarity and collaboration.