EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Richlite Factory Tour

June 2025

Tacoma Field Trip: Richlite Factory Tour

On June 4th, the Upward Architecture team headed south to Tacoma for a behind-the-scenes look at the Richlite factory. It’s not every day you get to tour a facility that’s been manufacturing innovative products since 1943—and we couldn’t pass up the chance to see how their materials come to life. Richlite is an incredibly durable and highly sustainable material made from resin-infused paper – used in products from countertops and skateparks to cutting boards and furniture.

Richlite is known for its highly sustainable composite surfaces, and this visit gave us a firsthand look at the meticulous process behind them. From massive rollers to precision cutting equipment, every step reflects a commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. For detailed information on their environmental responsibility efforts, visit Richlite | Sustainability.

Hosted by Melinda Stickle from Edensaw Woods, who distributes Richline products here in the Pacific Northwest, the tour included Annalisa Castelli, Sallye Lindsay, Saloni Gupta, and Mark Ward. Understanding how materials are made makes us better architects and collaborators, and we’re excited to keep integrating thoughtful, sustainable options into our work.