Business Details
42 Years
experience
Trusted Anchorage Architect for Historic Preservation & Custom Design
Combs & Combs has been a trusted name in architectural design and historic preservation since 1984. Founded by Samuel Duff Combs, AIA, NCARB, our firm brings over 50 years of combined experience in commercial, residential, and historical architecture. We specialize in blending modern functionality with historical integrity, ensuring every project honors its past while meeting contemporary needs. Our team prioritizes client collaboration, treating every design challenge as a partnership rather than a transaction. With expertise in cold climate construction and adherence to standards like the Architectural Graphic Standards-7th Edition, we deliver durable, code-compliant solutions.Our portfolio includes award-winning projects like the Old Federal Building TOBY Award winner and the Oscar Anderson House Restoration featured on HGTV. Headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska, we serve clients across the state and beyond, combining local knowledge with national standards of excellence. Our commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and meticulous attention to detail has earned us long-term relationships with government agencies, private homeowners, and cultural institutions. From initial concept to final construction, we ensure every project reflects both the client's vision and our dedication to architectural excellence.
Services
Historic Preservation
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Adaptive Reuse
Cold Climate Construction
Architectural Consultation
Code Compliance Surveys
Building Restoration
Design-Build Services
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of combined experience in architectural design and historic preservation
- Client-centric approach emphasizing collaborative design processes
- Specialized expertise in cold climate construction standards
- Award-winning portfolio including TOBY Award-winning federal buildings
- Proven track record with government agencies and cultural institutions
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
What people say
Exceptional preservation work
Deep historical knowledge
Client-centered design
Proven expertise
Award-winning results
Services
Historic Preservation
Specialized preservation of historically significant structures using authentic materials and techniques. Our team conducts thorough documentation and creates honest transitions between original and new elements. We've completed over 40 historic projects including churches, government buildings, and cultural landmarks across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
Residential Design
Custom residential solutions tailored to Alaska's unique climate challenges. We design additions, renovations, and new constructions that balance aesthetic appeal with functional living spaces. Our portfolio includes modernizations of mid-century homes and energy-efficient new builds across Anchorage and surrounding communities.
Commercial Architecture
Comprehensive commercial design services for hotels, office buildings, and public facilities. We've completed ADA-compliant renovations for the Captain Cook Hotel and designed multiple government office spaces. Our expertise includes navigating complex building codes and accessibility requirements.
Adaptive Reuse
Transforming historic structures into modern functional spaces while maintaining architectural integrity. Notable projects include converting railroad cars into museums and transforming roadhouses into cultural centers. We specialize in creative solutions for challenging building conversions.
Cold Climate Construction
Expertise in designing structures for extreme cold environments. Our firm follows specialized construction standards to address thermal efficiency, snow load management, and material durability. We've developed solutions for permafrost foundations and extreme temperature fluctuations in Alaska's harsh climate.
People
Samuel Duff Combs
Principal Architect
AIA and NCARB-certified architect with 50+ years of experience. Specializes in historic preservation and cold climate construction. Graduated from University of Oregon in 1977 and established his firm in 1984 after working with major preservation projects across Alaska and Washington.
Jayna Combs
Interior Designer
Interior designer with 30+ years of experience focusing on historic preservation projects. Manages interior restoration efforts and client consultations. Holds expertise in maintaining historical accuracy while incorporating modern functionality into living spaces.
Alexa Combs
Cultural Arts Manager
Cultural arts specialist with a Masters Degree from University of Bologna. Focuses on integrating cultural heritage into architectural projects. Provides expertise in historical context and community engagement for preservation initiatives.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in historic preservation, residential design, commercial architecture, adaptive reuse projects, and cold climate construction solutions.
Do you work outside of Alaska?
While based in Anchorage, we've completed projects in Washington state, Idaho, and across Alaska's diverse regions.
How do you handle historic preservation projects?
We emphasize honest material differentiation, thorough documentation, and maintaining structural integrity while incorporating necessary modern updates.
What experience do you have with government projects?
We've completed over 20 projects for federal, state, and local agencies including the US Forest Service and General Services Administration.
Can you help with cold climate construction challenges?
Our firm has specialized expertise in Arctic design standards, including permafrost mitigation, thermal efficiency, and extreme weather resilience.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We believe in designing with clients through regular consultations, ensuring their vision guides every design decision and solution.
