Architect returns to hometown to work on wide range of projects in Cumberland County

Joshua Dourte

Business Name: Roost Architecture Inc.

Years in business: 17 years

Location: 151 S. Hanover St., Carlisle

Contact: Roostarchitecture.com

Q: Why did you want to start this kind of business?

A: I wanted to make good design accessible to everyone with projects large or small.

Q: How did you get your start?

A: After working at firms that did low-rise office developments and high-end residential work in Philadelphia, Lebanon and LA, I started my own residential firm near my hometown to have more control over the types of projects I do and serve a wide range of clients.

Q: What does your business sell or provide?

A: We are a full-service architecture firm with an emphasis on residential renovations and new construction. We’ve designed everything from front porches and pool houses to large estate masterplans.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?

A: The cost of construction has risen dramatically in recent years and not just because of inflation of material prices. This industry has been really struggling with a shortage of skilled labor and we’re starting to see that really affect house affordability. We spend much more time than we used to on projects trying to set realistic budget expectations for our clients.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do or place in Cumberland County?

A: This is a hard one. I wouldn’t live and work in Cumberland County if it weren’t for Children’s Lake in Boiling Springs. Working in downtown Carlisle for the last few years, I’ve really enjoyed the thriving downtown we have here and the number of shopping and restaurant options in this walkable community.