Endeavor North Design: Purposeful Design, Expert Guidance, Every Step of the Way

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2 mins read
Nate Hacker, Registered Architect and Cole Johnson, Registered Architect

Some firms chase trends, while others build legacies. Endeavor North Design, PLLC falls decisively into the latter. This full-service architectural firm and owner’s representative delivery model is guiding people through some of the most pivotal journeys of their lives.

For founders Cole Johnson and Nate Hacker, architecture is as much about relationships as it is about crafting environments that enhance the lives of the users. It’s about meeting clients where they are—often over a casual cup of coffee—and helping them navigate the unfamiliar terrain of design, construction, and transformation. They listen, advise, and craft spaces that reflect the heart and soul of a community.

Your Trusted Project Advisor

When entrepreneurs of new start-ups or existing businesses, higher education, K-12, healthcare systems, or civic leaders come to Endeavor North Design, they’re not simply seeking walls and windows. They’re searching for guides who can help them make sense of complex decisions, manage intricate processes, and ultimately, create something that will stand the test of time.

From billion-dollar hospital campuses to local storefront revitalizations, Johnson and Hacker have spent over 30 combined years walking alongside clients on these highstakes journeys. And yet, they know that for many of their clients, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime endeavor.

“We see ourselves as more than architects,” Johnson said. “We’re collaborators, translators, problem-solvers, and often, the calm voice in what can feel like an overwhelming process. For a lot of our clients, this is a journey into the unknown—and we’re here to guide them every step of the way.”

That’s no accident. It’s embedded in the firm’s name. To endeavor is to embark on something bold and new, and Endeavor North Design exists to make that leap feel less daunting—and even exciting.

The firm’s strength can be found in the complementary talents of its founders. Johnson, an architect with a passion for design, visualization, and creating interactive experiences, thrives on the creative spark that ignites in the earliest phases of a project.

“I love helping clients visualize their space—seeing them walk through 3D models and truly understand what we’re creating together,” Johnson said. “It’s about making the abstract tangible.”

Hacker, by contrast, is wired for process, precision, and the often-overlooked complexities that ensure a project’s success. With a background that spans architecture, project management, and even construction, he relishes the organizational side of the work—balancing budgets, schedules, and logistics with mastery

“Architecture is part art, part science,” Hacker said. “And where some architects lean only into the art, I find a lot of joy in the science—the delivery, the nuts and bolts of bringing a vision to life on time, on budget, and minimal surprises.”

Together, they form a rare balance—each leaning into their strengths which enhances the client experience.

“We see our clients we’ve worked with around town,” Hacker said. “We see their businesses thriving in spaces we helped them create. We see them at youth sporting events and coffee shops. To us it is about creating friendships and lasting relationships. That’s the legacy we care about—the lasting impact of our work on the people and the place we call home.”

This deep-rooted community connection is reflected in the firm’s civic engagement. Both founders are actively involved in local boards, school PTOs, youth sports, and volunteer leadership.

A Process Built for Clarity, Creativity, and Confidence

The goal at Endeavor North Design is to remove uncertainty in the process and replace it with clarity, collaboration, and confidence. They guide clients through every step, from feasibility studies and site selection to masterplanning, construction administration, and owner’s representative services.

Whether it’s aligning scope, schedule, and budget in the early stages or navigating the complexities of bidding, negotiations, and construction administration, the firm works to achieve responsive communication, transparent processes, and a steady hand, turning challenges into opportunities. And perhaps most importantly, they strive to make the process enjoyable.

“Projects can last two, sometimes three years,” Hacker said. “If it’s not fun along the way, we’re missing the point. We want our clients to feel energized, supported, and yes—have some laughs in the process.”