For exceptional spirits and spaces to enjoy them.
Architecture
For exceptional spirits and spaces to enjoy them.
Thoughtful design backed by
With over 30 years of experience, the Ferar Wine & Spirits Studio provides design and planning services to a wide variety of distilleries, ranging from small start-ups to large-scale producers. Our focus is on finding the right sites, buildings, and equipment to create efficient production spaces and welcoming tasting rooms. With a nuanced understanding of building codes and regulations, we help create home bases for emerging brands to enter the market, as well as flexible facilities for established distillers to grow.
“Reed and his team went above and beyond to understand the intricacies of building out a distillery in an urban environment, how to design it to be safe, efficient and cost effective.”
Jill Kuehler, Founder, Freeland Spirits
CASE STUDY
Westward Whiskey
After experiencing much success with sales of their Aviation Gin and Westward Whiskey, House Spirits Distillery facility was bursting at its seams. The company needed to expand their distillery, and Co-founder Christian Krogstad also wished to remain in the same Portland industrial district. House Spirits (now Westward Whiskey) ended up selecting a three-sided storage shed for their new site, and Ferar Studio worked with them to transform it into Oregon’s largest distillery.
“Soderstrom has been a key partner for us in designing, building and permitting our distillery and warehouses over the past decade, offering practical and creative solutions that have been just what we’ve needed. Having gone through countless permits and designs with them, we know they have the knowledge and experience to help us accomplish our goals.”
Andrew Tice, Director of Operations, Westward Whiskey Distillery
“Working with the experienced team at Ferar Wine & Spirits Studio was key to the successful startup of our distillery. They designed an efficient production space which anticipated future growth needs.
When building out the tasting room, they took the time to understand our brand and were intentional about reflecting the brand’s character while including thoughtful design elements that continue to draw compliments from guests.”
Steven Day, Co-Owner, Branch Point Distillery
Design Principles
Provide Exceptional Detailing
We are dedicated to exceptional detailing as a matter of practice and good design. We have a thorough understanding of the codes applicable to the craft spirits industry and know how to work within the regulations to achieve functional, aesthetically pleasing results. Our deep knowledge of the construction process and practical details encountered by those working in our buildings informs each step we take in the design process.
Sustainability
Our commitment to sustainability begins with energy-efficient buildings made with durable materials, designed for healthy environments, longevity and ease of maintenance. Mechanical systems used for fermentation and distillation may be optimized for water reuse, heat conservation and overall energy efficiency. Many of our projects incorporate solar electric arrays to offset utility-sourced electrical energy use.
Enhance the Brand
We see architectural expression as an opportunity to reinforce the character of our client’s brand. We look for ways to incorporate elements of a brand’s design into a building’s architecture and interiors.
Navigate Regulations with Ease
Building and Fire Code regulations applicable to distilleries are often not well understood, not only by members of the distilling community, but also by agencies regulating them. The regulations are complicated, lengthy and sometimes contradictory. Using our expertise and experience, we help navigate the myriad regulatory obstacles that may be encountered in the permitting process, saving our clients time and frustration.
TRUSTED EXPERTISE
Distillery Design Team Members
Each step in the process of making fine distilled spirits requires a combination of art and science. We combine creative design skills with technical code knowledge to create exceptional spaces for the production of craft spirits.
Dan Van Calcar
Managing Principal
Wayne van Loon
Associate Principal
Caitlin Poliak
Project Manager
Reed Lewis
Technical Director, Emeritus
Select Distillery Design Projects
The Aimsir Distilling Co.
Stephen and Christine Hopkins
Freeland Spirits Distillery
Freeland Spirits
Branch Point Distillery
Steven and Debra Day
Westward Whiskey Distillery
House Spirits Distillery
Industry Insights
Technical Director Reed Lewis wrote a detailed article for Distiller magazine, where he shares his knowledge about navigating the complex building code requirements for distilleries.
Talk to Us
Tell us what you’re thinking and dreaming of, we’d love to help.