sustainable architecture Portland

This women-owned architecture firm in Portland specializes in sustainable design, creating impactful spaces that resonate with communities. Their portfolio includes award-winning projects that prioritize green building practices and social responsibility. From healthcare facilities to affordable housing, their work reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation in architecture.

Innovative Architecture Firm: Crafting Sustainable Spaces for Communities

Showcasing Innovative Architecture Projects

From the EAST COUNTY LIBRARY to the PATRICIA VALIAN RESER CENTER FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS (PRAX), this portfolio highlights a diverse range of projects that blend creativity with purpose. Notable works like the JULIA WEST HOUSE and the FRANCIS + CLARE PLACE demonstrate a commitment to thoughtful design. The firm’s expertise spans from mass timber innovations at the EAST COUNTY LIBRARY to sustainable design in Bhutan with the JIGME SINGYE WANGCHUCK SCHOOL OF LAW LIBRARY. Each project reflects a passion for architecture that resonates with communities and stands as a testament to sustainable, award-winning design.

Main Benefits and Recognitions

These projects don’t just look good—they’ve earned serious accolades and deliver tangible benefits:

  • REHEARSAL CLASSROOM BUILDING won the 2025 DEMURO AWARD
  • FORA HEALTH received the AIA NATIONAL HEALTHCARE AWARD
  • HAZEL YING LEE APARTMENTS earned the 2021 DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD from the Portland Design Commission
  • THE NICK FISH project was honored with an AIA NORTHWEST & PACIFIC REGION DESIGN MERIT AWARD
  • ARGYLE GARDENS secured the AIA NATIONAL HOUSING AWARD
  • HOLLYWOODHUB took home the 2024 DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD from the Portland Design Commission
  • STREET ROOTS recognized as a Project of the Year by the Historic Landmarks Commission

Embracing Sustainable and Green Building Practices

At the heart of these projects lies a deep commitment to sustainability and green design. Whether it’s pioneering mass timber construction or integrating trauma-informed and sensory-sensitive design principles, the firm pushes boundaries. Projects like the R+D MASS TIMBER INNOVATION and R+D SUSTAINABLE DESIGN IN BHUTAN showcase how architecture can be both innovative and environmentally responsible. This approach aligns perfectly with the growing demand for sustainable, healthy, and green buildings in Oregon and beyond.

Women-Owned Firm Driving Change in Oregon

As a women-owned architecture and design firm based in Portland, Oregon, this practice stands out not just for its impressive portfolio but also for its leadership in diversity and inclusion. The firm’s work reflects a unique perspective that enriches the built environment. Their projects often address community needs, from affordable housing like BEECH STREET APARTMENTS and GRACE PECK TERRACE to recovery centers such as CATT | BEAVERTON RECOVERY CENTER and THE PEER COMPANY RECOVERY CAMPUS. This focus on social impact is a defining feature of their design philosophy.

Innovative Research and Development Initiatives

Research and development play a crucial role in the firm’s ongoing success. Initiatives like R+D DESIGNING WITH MASS TIMBER and R+D HOUSING IS HEALTHCARE demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to architecture. The firm explores how design can improve health outcomes, support disabled joy, and create sensory-sensitive spaces. These R+D efforts not only enhance project quality but also contribute to the broader architectural community’s understanding of sustainable and inclusive design.

Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – through healthcare and recovery center designs
  • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – via sustainable building materials and energy-efficient designs
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through mass timber innovation and R+D projects
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by creating affordable housing and community-focused spaces
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – emphasizing green building practices
  • SDG 13: Climate Action – through sustainable, low-impact construction methods

Commitment to Excellence and Community

Beyond awards and innovation, the firm’s projects embody a genuine dedication to creating spaces that people love and communities thrive in. From the PORTLAND CITY HALL RENOVATION to the ROCKWOOD BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, each design balances aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. This holistic approach ensures that architecture serves not just as a backdrop but as an active contributor to social and environmental well-being. The firm’s ongoing work continues to shape Oregon’s architectural landscape with integrity and vision.

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