Testimonials
Iris House
Portland, OR
Sora was an outstanding choice for our home remodel project. From the design through the final details on the remodel, we found them to be professional, flexible, and detail-oriented. They created a design that modernized our nearly 100-year-old home while respecting the original footprint. This was not an easy process due to permitting delays and working through structural limitations in some areas, but the outcome was beyond our expectations. I appreciated the taste level and quality of their work and recommendations, and found a good compromise when we could not align on design or due to budget concerns. Sora also worked very well with our contractor (Expert Touch Construction) to ensure that the project was executed as designed and oversaw the process. I would highly recommend SORA for any project, small or large, and would gladly work with them in the future.
W-P House
Camas, WA
Renovating a home is one of the costliest projects for a person, and I consider it a high stakes endeavor where many things can go awry. I am extremely fortunate to have found and chosen Sora Design, who tirelessly advocated for me throughout the process. To find professionals excellent in their craft is already lucky, but I felt Akiko and Katsuya were truly invested in the success of the project. I reached a point during the renovation where I contemplated eliminating a scope of the project and revisiting it later due to budget issues. Sora Design voluntarily offered adjustment to the payment schedule, so that part could be done optimally time wise during the construction, and I am still grateful for it. Their portfolio speaks for itself as far as their great sense for space and aesthetics, but I also felt they listened to my needs and likes, and I enjoyed the iterative design process with them. They are very meticulous professionals; it always amazed me how they considered the smallest details such as how baseboards came together at a small corner of the staircase, and we are talking a quarter to half an inch of a difference. They would double and triple check every such detail throughout the house, and would not hesitate to do a site visit to confirm and see for themselves. Communication with them was also a breeze. I did not realize how much communication a renovation project required. During a busy week, I must have exchanged a handful of emails with them every day. They would always reply promptly, sometimes within minutes, and the emails were always concise and to the point. And no question of mine ever went unanswered. I recommend Sora Design with absolutely no hesitation. I would and have recommended them to people I know that are considering projects, and I would do any future project of my own with them.
Kakurega
Vancouver, WA
The SORA team not only salvaged abandoned plans for a bath/mudroom addition, they brought fresh, creative ideas to avoid a complicated roof reconstruction and provide a long hoped for larger space. They were patient, attentive, and informative as we worked through multiple changes. Email communication was prompt and clear. At each appointment, they presented extensive drawings with our latest edits in place. We are delighted with the final plans and could not be more pleased with the entire process in working with Akiko and Katsura. Highly recommend SORA design.
As we were planning our remodel, Sora proved invaluable, contributing creative ideas and always being responsive to our needs and preferences. Highly recommended.
Gallery House
Ridgefield, WA
We are thrilled to give our highest praise and recommendation for SORA design. SORA is designing our new home (now in construction phase). We’ve been delighted at every turn, in particular by their thoughtful and beautiful designs, eagerness to understand the needs of their client, their constant availability, and communication. My wife and I started the design process with distinct preferences in the style of home we wanted to build (traditional vs modern). SORA skillfully helped us explore compromises and organically find common ground. We ended with a design that we’re both excited about. SORA design stands apart in ownership. We found that whenever we had a concern or something on our minds, no matter how big or small, it automatically became important to the architects. We always felt heard, and SORA design went the extra mile for us countless times. Their work speaks for itself. I encourage you to browse their renderings and other materials. I’m certain SORA design will delight you as they have us.
I House
Vancouver, WA
Katsuya and Akiko were excellent partners in the renovation of the living areas of my home. They were inventive in presenting ideas and very tuned into my esthetic preferences. Incredible attention to detail and advocating for the design at times at odds with the contractor resulted in really beautiful functional spaces. The home has wow’ed all my visitors and most importantly, me.
Portland, OR
The Sora design team was amazing to work with. They listened to what we were wanting and helped us with our kitchen remodel process. They were able to make magic of what my husband and I had in mind and brought it together to create the perfect kitchen for our family. Everything from giving us multiple different layouts and options to getting samples and figuring costs of materials. They are reasonable and wonderful to work with. With all of this, they are truly good people who just want to help people have a place that fits them. I couldn’t imagine this process with out them and would recommend their services to anyone.
Vancouver, WA
Akiko and Katsuya Arai of Sora Design (sora-design.info) are incredibly easy and most pleasant to work with. We are currently planning a long-overdue, major master-bath remodel. Sora Design were quick to respond to our outreach on Houzz, and they were able to take our initial inspirational images and aspirational descriptions and transform them through a short series of follow-up consultation meetings into a design that will work within our space and budgetary constraints. Their architectural expertise has allowed us to quickly narrow down our feasible options and still realize our vision. Amazing! What we most liked is that we and they are totally synched in how we approach the design process. We first design for the ultimate desired outcome, and then they thoughtfully present us with a range of cost reducing options that we can exercise should that become necessary. If you are planning a residential project large or small, you would do well to contact Sora Design (sora-design.info) for a proposal.
in Portland, OR
We're happy to come to know SORA design. The architects are very knowledgeable, professional and detail-oriented. They listened to and considered all our ideas about the project, made clever suggestions, patiently went with us through several rounds of improving the design until we all arrived at the one we absolutely loved. They addressed all our questions / concerns both big and small in a very responsive manner. It was great to work with them.
Work
Expert Touch Construction
As General Contractor and being in this business for more than 25 years, SORA design are amongst the best. Seamless process every time we work together guiding to the finish line time and time again. We personally refer them all the time and we have yet to have an unhappy customer. Hats off to Akiko Arai and her firm!
JDI Construction
I've had the opportunity to work with the Sora team on several projects throughout the Vancouver, WA area, and every time they've exceeded expectations. They are consistently professional, detail-oriented, and committed to getting the job done right. What sets Sora apart is their care for the client experience and their creative approach to each project. They take the time to understand the vision and bring it to life with thoughtful, functional, and inspiring design. If you're looking for a designer/architect who is not only talented but also deeply invested in delivering the best outcome for their clients, Sora is the team to call. Easily one of the top design/architecture firms in the Portland/Vancouver area.
James Frank Construction
We have been honored to work with SORA design for a new home build. We have found the team to be responsive, detailed and fully accessible to our team. We are excited to partner with them and look forward to more collaboration in the future!