ABOUT

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In 1997, Scott Somers was a founding partner of OMS Architects, specializing in orthodontic, dental, and healthcare projects throughout the country and abroad. 

In 2010, Scott moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and founded ARCH-101, a boutique, full-service architecture studio specializing in the same project types. 

ARCH-101's name was borrowed from...well, ARCH 101. ARCH 101 is typically the first architecture class taught in colleges and universities. It is usually named "ARCH 101 - The Introduction to Architecture and the Built Environment," or something to that effect. 

As architects, our expertise is the built environment. But at the end of the day, our work is people-centered, affecting the lives of our clients and their families, those they care for most, and communities. 

Scott is the founding architect and Principal of ARCH-101.

A self-proclaimed "experience junkie," Scott finds the world endlessly fascinating and his quest to experience everything started at a very young age.  Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Scott spent countless hours over the years at the Cranbrook Academy of Art and Institute of Science in his youth. To Scott, Cranbrook was an enchanted playground with endless places to explore. He took art and science classes and exploring every inch of the beautiful campus. Back then, he had no idea that Cranbrook was a world-renowned campus for modern architecture, interior design, and art

Cranbrook was designed by Finnish architect, Eliel Saarinen. There, Saarinen met eventual life-long friends, Charles & Ray Eames, Florence Knoll, and Harry Bertoia, to name a few. Eliel's son, Eero went on to design the Saint Louis Arch and Dulles International Airport, among many others.

After moving to Dallas, Texas and graduating early, he left for The University of Texas at Austin.  During summers, he attended Northlake College's carpentry program and worked as a residential carpenter and high-rise concrete form carpenter. He then transferred to The University of Texas at Arlington School of Architecture.

Ready for more experiences, Scott moved to California where he attended Long Beach City College while working in a lumber yard and remodeling residential kitchens.

Next, he attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas where he earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree.

Upon graduation, Somers moved back to California and started his professional career in Long Beach, working for renowned architect, Edward Killingsworth. Killingsworth was one of the founders of the mid-century movement in Los Angeles featuring homes designed in the Case Study Houses program sponsored by Arts & Architecture magazine from 1945-1966. The work was very reminiscent of the  architecture at Cranbrook.

In 1992, Scott moved to Spokane, Washington and in 1997, founded OMS Architects.  

Scott currently resides in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho with his wife, Heather and their English Bulldog, Baxter. They have 5 grown children and one grandchild. 

In his spare time, you can find Scott with friends and family, camping and fishing on the Coeur d'Alene river, traveling, following his favorite sporting teams, writing, cooking, woodworking, learning, exploring antique stores and estate sales, gardening, and always... listening to music.

GO LIONS!  GO TIGERS!  GO REDWINGS!  GO WILDCATS! 

OK...so I also adopted a local sports team... GO ZAGS!