Skip to main content Skip to navigation
Summer 2026

Design, Construction

Big Door Company truck in front of a construction project
Winter 2024

Big doors, big dreams

There are doors—and then there are really big, automated doors.

For the latter, Darren Kiesler (’05 Arch.) and Boone Helm (’03 Comm.) run the Big Door Company, which installs and automates large door systems throughout the western United States and British Columbia.

The longtime friends met at WSU and then became business partners a few years ago.

Kiesler and Helm answered questions for Washington State Magazine about their unusual company, time at WSU, incredible projects, and how automated doors could help people.

All photos courtesy the Big Door Company

 

How did you get the idea of a company focused … » More …

Lawn in the sun
Summer 2024

Landscaping for drought and hot weather

Yards and gardens can really suffer in times of drought and heat. Washington State University Extension delivers a lot of advice to grow a beautiful and drought-tolerant landscape, including lists of plants, tips for reducing water usage, and more.

You can learn more from the free “Drought Tolerant Landscaping for Washington State (Home Garden Series)” from WSU Extension. Here are a few ideas to start you out from the Extension guide:

 

Pick the right plants

Drought-tolerant plants can withstand some time with limited moisture, even if they do not prefer periods of hot, dry weather.

Woody plants can … » More …