My name is Tom, and I’m an architect and a bit of a nerd. My partner, Patty, is an artist and photographer. Together, we design and create unique geometric and architectural model kits and cards; our line is called Thomas Houha Designs. We work from our home studio on six wooded acres near Portland, Oregon.
My designs evolve from my many interests, including architecture, space travel, geometry, and all things nerdy. As a kid, I spent time with my architect dad building harpsichords, telescopes and stereo systems, so the idea of working with kits has always been second nature to me. I started making model kits myself when I was experimenting with a new laser cutter to make gifts to friends and family. After making my first few sets, we decided to share them with the public. With that, Thomas Houha Designs was born.
One of our first products was a design of the Portland, Oregon sign – an iconic 1940’s-era billboard in downtown Portland that has become a bit of a logo for the city. I sold some kits of the Portland sign at a Maker Fair at the local science museum, where I was demonstrating how to use the laser cutter and 3-D printer. We opened our Etsy shop a little later, and by then we had added bridges and geometric orbs to our collection.
When I design a new kit, I start by sketching my ideas out on paper. Next, I design in more detail on the computer, and send them to the laser cutter. All of my prototypes go through several revision cycles; if the product passes this process, we move on to designing the packaging and instruction sheets. The production phase is actually the slowest part of the process, as all the model parts are cut one sheet at a time. Luckily, we have our own laser cutters, and we’ve been able to upgrade as needed.
Patty and I believe life is about doing what you love – and we love being creative. Etsy has helped us live by that philosophy, and has given us the opportunity to sell our products all over the world. We get so excited when customers send us feedback and photos; we’ve even had a few brides tell us that they used our model bridges as table decor and cake toppers! In the future, our plans are to continue growing our business. We will both be working on Thomas Houha Designs full time by March 2016, giving us more time to develop new products, including life-size model kits. Who knows where this adventure will take us? We are here to enjoy the ride!
Follow Thomas Houha Designs on Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr.
All photos by Patty of Thomas Houha Designs.
Shop Thomas Houha Designs
140 comments
Shulamit Raanan from ShuliDesigns said 5 years ago
Congrats on a great feature! You are so talented... I love your work!!!! :-) I wish you all the best in the future!
sabina from sabiesabi said 5 years ago
What a wonderful shop!! congrats on the feature!
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 5 years ago
Congratulations on being chosen as the featured artists! Your beautifully intricate designs are really showcased through great photography!!! :)
Diana from LeSeForYou said 5 years ago
Amazing work! ☆CONGRATULATIONS☆
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature!
Vadim Moroz from IconPainter said 5 years ago
Congratulations - wonderful products!
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 5 years ago
Lovely shop. Congrats on your feature!
Anna from ParisDecorPrints said 5 years ago
Love your shop!
Vadim Moroz from VadimMorozArt said 5 years ago
Congratulations on the feature! All the Best!
Hey Chica from HeyChica said 5 years ago
Cool shop, love the space ship!
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 5 years ago
Beautiful, fascinating designs! Your love and passion for your work is inspiring. All the best.
Monika Moroz from NickoArts said 5 years ago
Thank you for sharing your interesting story. Congratulations on the feature of your beautiful shop and much success :)
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 5 years ago
Very impressive designs! Congratulations on the feature!
Helen Mills from 1820BagCo said 5 years ago
Beautiful designs. Congrats on the feature.
DeUno from DeUno said 5 years ago
Fantastic! Congratulations on the feature!
Jana and John from SpiritsCove said 5 years ago
Such unique designs! Congratulations on your success!
Kimberly C from CoffeeStainedTags said 5 years ago
Wow, your shop is incredible! Congrats on the feature!
Niki from JandEdoodles said 5 years ago
What a fabulous shop! Congrats on the feature!
Lisa from StoneRowStudio said 5 years ago
Awesome work! Congratulations and much continued success to you both!
Candy from GrayKeyDesigns said 5 years ago
Your shop is so fun & creative!! Congratulations and best wishes!!
Tina St. John from TinaStJohnJewelry said 5 years ago
How amazing is your talent...Congratulations!!
Judy W from JudyHandmadeCreation said 5 years ago
Fabulous Shop!! Congrats on the feature!
Lizzy from Bagitconscious said 5 years ago
Congratulations on the feature, on your creativity and for loving what you do and be able to live off your creativity. A dream! mine as well :) - Wishing you lots of success.
June from isewcute said 5 years ago
Your work is fascinating! Thank you for sharing your story & shop with us!
ACR from WoodsyWools said 5 years ago
Wow! Amazing work.
Jessica from CreativeDollCrafts said 5 years ago
Love you shop!!
Christina from TheWildPlum said 5 years ago
Your story, talent and shop are inspiring! Congratulations to the both of you!
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 5 years ago
Amazing! Congratulations on the feature
Bale and Twine from baleandtwine said 5 years ago
Wow, your attention to detail is incredible! Very beautiful work. Congratulations!
Printable Nature from printablenature said 5 years ago
Stunning creations! Thanks for sharing!
Nancy from HerMajestysPug said 5 years ago
Dig it!!! J'adore your tres unique art!!! Congrats on the feature, and here's to beaucoup more success!!! Pugs & kisses
Colette from ColettesBoutique said 5 years ago
Wow!!!!! this shop is amazing! so many intricate designs.
Julie Grzesiek from SuppliesAndSuch said 5 years ago
Amazing shop! I love the stars! Congratulations on your success!
Nadine Winckers from RedPepperHats said 5 years ago
Lovely designs, congrats on the feature !
Elizabeth Ames from EchosinStone said 5 years ago
These are so cool! Awesome job, and congrats on the feature!!
DivineOrders from DivineOrders said 5 years ago
GLORIOUS! Congrats on feature. Thank you Tom & Patty for sharing your terrific story, amazing designs and super talents with us. Peace.
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 5 years ago
Congrats on the future! Your designs are so intricate! Wonderful shop!
Mike and Jess from JessiesOrientalRugs said 5 years ago
Very cool designs, congrats!!
Matejka Max from NattyMatty said 5 years ago
Compliments ?
Jen Root from SheepyShoes said 5 years ago
What a fun, quirky shop! I love the photo of you together, it made me smile. Really creative designs. Congrats on the feature and I hope you enjoy much success!
patty mora from PattyMoraVintage said 5 years ago
Love the tribute to 'American Gothic'. ;-) xo
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 5 years ago
Lovely shop. Congrats on the feature.
Indigo Canyon Soap Co. from INDIGOCANYONSOAPCO said 5 years ago
Fantastic designs! I really like the bridge. Congratulations on your feature and best of luck.
Renata and Jonathan from RenataandJonathan said 5 years ago
Great shop. Congrats!
Edith Garrett from RetroMarketplace said 5 years ago
Amazing - I love the kit concept. Best wishes for continued success!
Monica from Monicaj said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature!!
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 5 years ago
Amazing, intricate network of designs. Congratulations Tom and Patty of Thomas Houha Designs!
Delma from LaughRabbit said 5 years ago
Very cool products! Congratulations on the feature ~ now on to which item to get for my daughter in Portland!
Tim Condron from InOro said 5 years ago
Such fun and creative designs! I love your orbs and look forward to see what kind masterpieces you come up with in the future. Good times!
NeatoKeen from NeatoKeen said 5 years ago
Wow. I love the intricacy and delicacy of your designs. And I've found the perfect gift for an architecture student graduation! Congratulations on the spotlight!
Raluca Gonciar from RALOOLAND said 5 years ago
Love your shop! Congrats for the feature!
Ombretta from IndieLab said 5 years ago
amazing work! congrats!
stephanie callsen from bannerandsail said 5 years ago
Awesome shop! Congrats! :)
AnitasPottery.com from potterybyAnita said 5 years ago
Very interesting designs! I was never good at those "fold-up" boxes on the IQ tests way back in the day, but you must have ACED them! Congrats on being Featured and best wishes! ♥♥♥
Susan from DesignsbyMSusan said 5 years ago
Wow. I have never seen models like these before. This is a whole new level. Congrats!
Rebecca and Daniel from HabitNationUSA said 5 years ago
As laser cutters ourselves, I found your story to be fascinating to read. I especially like your geometric ornaments. Well done!
Katie Anne from MiddleCoast said 5 years ago
Love the quirkiness and love the details :)
Tempy from UrbanGreyWhale said 5 years ago
Such intricate work- well done :-)
Poster Locker from PosterLocker said 5 years ago
You guys rock!
Genise Park from genisepark said 5 years ago
Wow! Awesome designs! Doing what you love works for me too!
Jema Watts from BadgeShack said 5 years ago
Very cool! Congrats!
Lorin from PurifoySpiritEssence said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! I lived in PDX for 7 years. You're blessed to live on 6 acres..perfect blend of both worlds! Congrats on the feature!
Ann Cosgrove from acbcDesign said 5 years ago
Congrats guys - you are doing some great stuff!
Ketki Fadnis from KetkiFadnis said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop ! Congrats on being featured ! All the best for the future !
Greg and Mary from LightingAlchemy said 5 years ago
Amazing work! Love your design.
Greg and Mary from LightingAlchemy said 5 years ago
Congratulations!
Cheridah Spaulding from CheridahSpaulding said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! Love the geometrics. Best for the future.
Zoui from XZOUIX said 5 years ago
interesting pieces, and i bet they would look awesome in black color! <3
VINTAGE NOW from ESTATENOW said 5 years ago
Awesome Shop, fell in love with it.
Barbara Gable from CrazyLovely said 5 years ago
So unique. A well-deserved feature. Congratulations.
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 5 years ago
It is so true that life is about doing what you love. This is a very special shop. Congrats for the feature!
Sarah Clark from OneSClark said 5 years ago
I want everything in your shop! Beautiful work, and congratulations on a well-deserved feature.
silkyskyjewelry from silkyskyjewelry said 5 years ago
Wow! Very unique!!! Cooool!
John Carey from CaseysTradingPost said 5 years ago
Very Unique !
Nakkashe from Nakkashe said 5 years ago
I think I have found the perfect gift idea for my husband..!
Marta DQ from tribomo said 5 years ago
Love your designs and products! I'm sure one of the bridges kit will be the perfect gift for my brother!
greenphilosophie from greenphilosophie said 5 years ago
Totally awesome…It is so much fun to built something and your designs are amazing….Love your shop…Congrats and much further success… :)
Natalia from Nikifashion said 5 years ago
What a lovely design! Awesome gifts for Christmas!
Elena Muchnik from lenkamuchnik said 5 years ago
Cool store! Nice work! Great idea!!! Congratulations and great Christmas shopping!
Jafeth Moiane from handicraftafrica said 5 years ago
Amazing work. Congrats!
BJ from ArtBJC said 5 years ago
It is fabulous seeing you featured here! Your work is so exquisite! As the proud owner of your adorable drafting table with all pertinent accessories, I was thrilled to see it in one of this feature's photos. What delight your work brings to those of us who remember the many hours Dad spent at his drafting table, designing and inventing wondrous things before the computer took over! I look upon your work with a very loving heart! Congratulations, Tom and Patty, on a most deserved Feature!
Key Di from KoalitionStore said 5 years ago
This is awazing, true work of art! My partner will definitely love this, going to give him your space ship for Christmas!
Megan C from AlaskaBagCompany said 5 years ago
WOW! that's all I can say :) Congrats to you both
BonTons from BonTons said 5 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the Feature!
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 5 years ago
Your creations & kits are so inspiring! Congrats on the feature! :)
Sandra from theFlyingMuse said 5 years ago
Amazed by your work! Congrats on feature!
Iris from KlampDesign said 5 years ago
Amazing shop! Congratulations on the feature! :)
Sandi Harshman from STITCHANDSEWBYSANDI said 5 years ago
Congrats on your feature. I love the beautiful designs. Best of luck to you two
Jess from WeeklyTreasureHunt said 5 years ago
Congratulations on your feature. Your creativity blows me away!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 5 years ago
Awesome designs!
Jeri Aiello from JeriAielloartstore said 5 years ago
Amazing talents
Esther from BaysideStudios said 5 years ago
This is so awesome! Love the picture of you two! You make a great partnership with so much talent!
RoyalCrownHandmade from RoyalCrownHandmade said 5 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the feature!
allwood1 from AllWoodToo said 5 years ago
Wonderful ideas! Thanks for sharing and congrats on your feature!
Stacy from TinySacredThings said 5 years ago
Your designs are amazing and would make such terrific Christmas gifts. Congrats on your success and being featured. Five acres in Oregon .. gosh that sounds wonderful.
Sumona C from ieclectic said 5 years ago
Awesome intricate designs. Love your work. Congratulations!!!
Michal Berkovich from Einsoff said 5 years ago
Awesome!! Great ideas!
Yuri Pysar from Pysar said 5 years ago
What a great work! So unique. Congrats on the feature and lots of success in the future
Osnat Har Noy from osnatharnoy said 5 years ago
Very Cool!
Rebecca Romanchuk from BethlehemStars said 5 years ago
Exquisitely beautiful designs! The orbs are my favorites. Best wishes to you!
Richard from LeedsRadio said 5 years ago
I loved the bridge kits. Congratulations on being featured.
katie prichard from KitAndCaboodleSupply said 5 years ago
What a unique niche! A true craft.
Rebecca from dellabellaBoutique said 5 years ago
Neat shop! Congrats on the feature!
Ionela Pascan from thesecretcolors said 5 years ago
Beautiful work!
Joanne C from PrincessJillian said 5 years ago
Wow! Amazingly creative! Just love your shop! Congrats on the feature! :)
Donka Tsaneva from PersaBags said 5 years ago
You are very talented, loved your work! Congrats!
Nedra Foster from Rainbowtribe said 5 years ago
very cool
Jeeranut Noikhong from ginew said 5 years ago
Nice works, congrats!
EastWest4you from EastWestboutique said 5 years ago
Patty!!!! Nice photo of you and Tom! I'm really happy to see how you have progressed the company and elevated the packaging. Congratulations.
Liz and Phil Van D from lizystuff said 5 years ago
Absolutely amazing work very unique designs! Congratulations on the feature!!
Lisa Marie Renee Jane from BonnetsBagsTreasures said 5 years ago
Love your work. Looks like fun having to come up with different ideas.
Jeanne B from PruAtelier said 5 years ago
Beautiful work and designs! I've admired the incredibly fine things that can be done utilizing the laser for many years, starting with the laser-cut stationery I purchased back in the early 80s that I still have! Much good luck to you and congrats on being featured!
Bridget Miller from astronette said 5 years ago
What the heck! This stuff is so amazing & neat!!!
LivingVintage from LivingVintage said 5 years ago
Cool. Congrats!
Gwynne Collins from DaysLongGone said 5 years ago
Your designs are amazing! Thanks for sharing your story! Congratulations on your feature. Well deserved!
Not Made In China Finds from NotMadeInChinaFinds said 5 years ago
Innovative and refreshing! Congratulation on being featured.
J. Gooch from 22bluebells said 5 years ago
Such futuristic ideas and designs! Thanks for giving us a peak into your process and the story behind your shop. It's very obvious you're both very talented and creative. Best wishes for continued success!
Casie said 5 years ago
You should make some of you geometric orbs into hanging lights! I myself am looking for something like this that would project a shadow of the patter on the ceiling and walls. I LOVE lights and have been searching for something just like this!
patty mora from PattyMoraVintage said 5 years ago
Awesome! Thank you!
Tom and Patty Houha from ThomasHouhaDesigns said 5 years ago
Amazing Fantastic Cool Super creative and fun. Whatever rocks your boat! Vote for Bernie Sanders! We are the world. Tom Houha
Radosław from maraArtPatchwork said 5 years ago
Nice work. Congratulations on the feature. :)
Vintage Gypsy Studios from BohemianGypsyCaravan said 5 years ago
WOW ! Now this stuff is AWESOME !
Avianti Jewelry from AviantiJewelry said 5 years ago
This is fantastic!! Congrats on being featured!
James Dillehay from jamesdillehay said 5 years ago
For awhile, I had a gallery near Santa Fe, NM. Wish I had come across your beautiful work then -- would have begged you to let us show your work there!
Saverio Barone from ilBarone said 5 years ago
molto belli, spettacolari complimenti, buon tutto.
Blake from Love4paintings said 5 years ago
I am glad to hear that two people are doing their dream jobs. I wish them the best of luck.
Julia K Walton from FireHorseVintageHQ said 5 years ago
Intricate and unique designs - wonderful!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 5 years ago
Absolutely beautiful *Terrific gift and home decor Ideas * Warm and inviting pieces of art.
Emily from beetleinkco said 5 years ago
Super cool! I can't wait to see your work at Crafty Wonderland!
mayu iwakami from iLiLiP said 5 years ago
Exquisite design. Love them.
Kristin Parsons from KristinParsons said 5 years ago
Wonderful craftsmanship! Last year we bought the little drafting table as a gift for both our architect son-in-law and our young grandson, who's showing signs of following his dad into architecture. There very well may be another gift from Thomas Houha's shop this year, too!
Jewelerano from Jewelerano said 5 years ago
Tom & Patty you dazzled me ! Super amazing stuff you guys have there! Very soon you'll get an order from me...I reckon my boy would love one of your creations!
Martin Lam from martin1206 said 5 years ago
Awasome creation!
Sharon from YearsAfter said 5 years ago
So very Unique! Congrats!
Vera Noritsa from CobraQueensGift said 5 years ago
Beautiful and very thin work!! Congratulations on the feature!
Marijana from 2centsleathershop said 5 years ago
What an imagination!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 5 years ago
i love everything bout this article !
Ben Haskins from BenAndFury said 4 years ago
Wow! Very cool!
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
Absolutely amazing. Congratulations on the feature!!
Griffin Montgomery from GriffinJoyPhoto said 4 years ago
beautiful and creative designs! great feature!