Architecture is a dynamic discipline that shapes our physical surroundings, merging creativity with functionality to create spaces that serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. Architects envision and design buildings and structures that not only respond to the needs of their occupants but also harmonize with the environment, cultural context, and community aspirations. Through a comprehensive understanding of materials, technology, and spatial dynamics, architects navigate complex challenges to craft innovative solutions that enhance urban and rural landscapes. Their work influences how we interact with spaces, fostering connections among people while promoting sustainability and resilience. By integrating various elements like light, texture, and scale, architecture becomes a medium for storytelling and a reflection of societal values, ultimately shaping the experience of place and identity.
"There are three responses to a piece of design. YES, NO, and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for."—Milton Glaser
Here is the list of the best architects and architecture firms in Portland, Oregon, whose works we admire.
1. Bora Architects | Architecture Firm in Portland, Oregon
Address: 1705 SE 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97214, United States
Bora Architects is a Portland-based architecture firm known for creating innovative and human-centered designs across educational, civic, cultural, and commercial spaces. Their work prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality, aiming to improve human experiences within each environment they design. Bora is especially recognized for integrating sustainable practices and environmentally conscious design into their projects, aligning with their commitment to reducing environmental impact. The firm embraces a collaborative process, working closely with clients, communities, and stakeholders to ensure that each project reflects the unique culture and values of the people it serves. Bora’s portfolio includes award-winning educational buildings, cultural centers, and community projects that showcase their dedication to adaptability, creativity, and sustainability. Their designs frequently incorporate natural materials, innovative use of light, and thoughtful spatial organization to create inspiring, functional spaces.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Bora Architects
2. BRIC Architecture | Architect in Portland, Oregon
Address: 1233 NW Northrup St., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97209, United States
BRIC Architecture is a community-focused firm based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to creating educational environments that inspire and empower learners. The firm emphasizes collaboration with students, educators, and local stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions that inform their designs. Their mission centers around building relationships and inspiring communities, aiming to incorporate diverse perspectives, particularly from historically underserved groups, into their projects. BRIC's approach to architecture seeks to challenge existing biases in the industry while promoting safe, equitable, and sustainable spaces. They are recognized for their commitment to sustainability and innovative design, addressing energy efficiency alongside the health and wellness of users.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolios: By BRIC Architecture
3. Christine Architecture | Architect in Portland, Oregon
Address: 9532 SW 18th Pl, Portland, OR 97219, United States
Scott Edwards Architecture (SEA) is a highly regarded architectural firm based in Portland, Oregon, known for its innovative designs and commitment to sustainability. Established in 1994, the firm has built a diverse portfolio that includes residential, commercial, and civic projects. Their approach emphasizes a deep understanding of context and place, allowing them to create spaces that are not only functional but also enhance the surrounding environment. SEA's work often incorporates sustainable practices, utilizing energy-efficient materials and systems that contribute to reduced environmental impact. The firm's design philosophy focuses on collaboration with clients and stakeholders, ensuring that each project reflects the unique needs and aspirations of its community.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolios: By Christine Architecture
4. Emerick Architects | Architect in Portland, Oregon
Address: 321 SW 4th Ave #200, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Emerick Architects is a renowned design firm located in Portland, Oregon, established in 1993, specializing in innovative and sustainable architecture for both residential and commercial projects. The firm is recognized for its creative approach that balances functionality with aesthetic appeal, ensuring each design reflects the unique character and needs of its clients. Their diverse portfolio includes custom homes, urban infill developments, and various commercial spaces, such as corporate offices and wellness centers, showcasing their ability to tackle projects of varying scales and complexities. Committed to sustainable design practices, Emerick Architects incorporates eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions, enhancing the overall quality of the spaces they create while positively impacting the environment.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolios: By Emerick Architects
5. Fieldwork Design & Architecture | Architect in Portland, Oregon
Address: 1752 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214, United States
FIELDWORK Design & Architecture is a dynamic multidisciplinary studio based in Portland, Oregon, founded in 2010 by Tonia Hein, Cornell Anderson, and Timothy Fouch. The firm excels in architecture, interior design, and furniture design and fabrication, adopting a hands-on, collaborative approach that seamlessly integrates various design disciplines. Renowned for its innovative and thoughtful designs, FIELDWORK emphasizes the importance of creating environments that are not only visually striking but also functional and sustainable, addressing the unique needs of each project. Their portfolio spans residential, commercial, and public sectors, showcasing a distinct style characterized by clean lines, an intelligent use of materials, and a deep respect for the surrounding landscape and community context.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolios: By Fieldwork Design & Architecture
6. Guggenheim Architecture + Design Studio | Architect in Portland, Oregon
Address: 915 NW 19th Ave, Unit C, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Guggenheim Architecture + Design Studio, established in 2009, is based in Portland, Oregon, and is recognized for its diverse portfolio that emphasizes tailored architectural and interior spaces. The firm is known for its contextually driven designs, reflecting the unique characteristics of each project’s environment. Their work spans a range of settings, from rural landscapes to coastal homes and urban high-rises, often incorporating a blend of practical living and artistic beauty. Guggenheim Architecture prioritizes high-quality execution and custom detailing, ensuring that each design aligns closely with their clients' lifestyles and preferences. Their approach involves meticulous planning and engagement with clients, resulting in unique, livable spaces tailored to the specific needs of individuals and families.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolios: By Guggenheim Architecture + Design Studio
7. Hennebery Eddy Architects | Architecture Firm in Portland, Oregon
Address: 921 SW Washington St. #250, Portland, OR 97205, United States
Hennebery Eddy Architects, based in Portland, Oregon, is known for its commitment to sustainability and community-focused design. Established over 26 years ago, the firm prioritizes simplicity, efficiency, and beauty, resulting in thoughtfully detailed architectural solutions across various sectors, including education, commercial, civic, and cultural spaces. Their projects often reflect the values of the Pacific Northwest, showcasing a design philosophy that emphasizes collaboration and adaptability. The firm has received numerous accolades for its innovative work, including LEED Platinum certifications and multiple design awards, underscoring its impact on the region's built environment. With a strong focus on creating inspirational places that meet the needs of diverse communities, Hennebery Eddy Architects is dedicated to enhancing both the natural and urban landscapes through thoughtful architectural practices.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolios: By Hennebery Eddy Architects
8. Howells Architecture + Design | Architect in Portland, Oregon
Address: 3820 SE Bybee Blvd, Portland, OR 97202, United States
Howells Architecture + Design is a Portland, Oregon-based firm that takes a deeply collaborative and customized approach to architectural design, known for crafting spaces that reflect each client’s vision and lifestyle. Founded by architect Heidi Beebe Howells, the firm works across residential, commercial, and adaptive reuse projects with a strong focus on creating environments that resonate with their natural surroundings and community context. Their designs often integrate sustainable materials and practices, with a priority on energy efficiency and long-lasting quality. Howells Architecture + Design is recognized for its refined modernist aesthetic, often blending warmth and sophistication with clean, minimalistic lines. Whether it's designing a family home or renovating a historic structure, the team prioritizes thoughtful details and functional layouts, enhancing the daily experience of each space.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Howells Architecture + Design
9. Mahlum Architects | Architecture Firm in Portland, Oregon
Address: 1380 SE 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, United States
Mahlum Architects is a prominent architecture firm based in the Pacific Northwest, recognized for its commitment to sustainable design, innovative solutions, and community engagement. Established in 1958, the firm emphasizes collaborative approaches that integrate architecture with the environment, focusing on a range of sectors including education, healthcare, and community spaces. Notable projects include the modernization of Grant High School, which aimed to enhance inclusivity and connectivity while addressing social inequities, and the North Transfer Station in Seattle, designed to blend functionality with environmental responsibility. Mahlum is dedicated to creating spaces that foster connection, promote well-being, and respect local contexts, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability through its projects and design philosophy.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolios: By Mahlum Architects
10. Ment Architecture | Architect in Portland, Oregon
Address: 2734 N Killingsworth St., Portland, OR 97217, United States
Ment Architecture, founded in 2022 by Adam Lawler and Solomon Berg, is a design studio based in Portland, Oregon, specializing in custom residential architecture. The firm focuses on creating spaces that enhance the quality of life for their clients, emphasizing thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing designs that address the fundamental human desire for beauty, shelter, and comfort. They are dedicated to guiding clients through the architectural process in a straightforward and friendly manner, making the journey enjoyable while producing homes that resonate with their occupants. Their work includes notable projects like the Swift Cabin, which showcases a modern design that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolios: By Ment Architecture
11. Propel Studio Architecture | Architect in Portland, Oregon
Address: 422 NE 79th Ave, Portland, OR 97213, United States
Propel Studio Architecture, founded in 2013 by Tuan Vu and Nick Mira in Portland, Oregon, is dedicated to creating innovative and sustainable designs across various sectors, including government, residential, and commercial projects. With a mission that emphasizes cultural diversity, inclusivity, and community engagement, the firm actively collaborates with clients and stakeholders to ensure their designs resonate with the needs of the community. Both founders bring unique perspectives to their work, with Tuan's background in Vietnam and Nick's experiences in Pennsylvania and Boston enriching their collaborative design approach. Propel Studio is also committed to integrating principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into its operations, reflecting a broader commitment to social responsibility in architecture.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolios: By Propel Studio Architecture
12. Scott Edwards Architecture | Architect in Portland, Oregon
Address: 2525 E Burnside St., Portland, OR 97214, United States
Scott Edwards Architecture (SEA) is a highly regarded architectural firm based in Portland, Oregon, known for its innovative designs and commitment to sustainability. Established in 1994, the firm has built a diverse portfolio that includes residential, commercial, and civic projects. Their approach emphasizes a deep understanding of context and place, allowing them to create spaces that are not only functional but also enhance the surrounding environment. SEA's work often incorporates sustainable practices, utilizing energy-efficient materials and systems that contribute to reduced environmental impact. The firm's design philosophy focuses on collaboration with clients and stakeholders, ensuring that each project reflects the unique needs and aspirations of its community.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Scott Edwards Architecture
13. Soderstrom Architects | Architecture Firm in Portland, Oregon
Address: 1331 NW Lovejoy St. #775, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Soderstrom Architects is a Portland-based firm renowned for its versatile portfolio encompassing healthcare, educational, commercial, civic, and cultural projects. With a design philosophy that emphasizes functionality, sustainability, and a commitment to the needs of the communities they serve, Soderstrom Architects focuses on creating environments that are not only visually striking but also enrich the lives of their users. Their expertise in sustainable design practices has made them a leader in environmentally responsible architecture, with projects often incorporating energy-efficient technologies, natural materials, and thoughtful spatial layouts to reduce environmental impact. Soderstrom is particularly celebrated for its collaborative approach, working closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that align with each project’s unique goals and cultural context, creating spaces that are as inclusive as they are innovative.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolio: By Soderstrom Architects
14. Waechter Architecture | Architect in Portland, Oregon
Address: 4224 N Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR 97217, United States
Waechter Architecture, based in Portland, Oregon, is recognized for its commitment to creating inviting, thoughtful spaces that harmonize beauty with functionality. Founded by Ben Waechter, the firm emphasizes clarity in design, transforming complex requirements into spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable. The firm's portfolio includes a range of projects, from mixed-use buildings to wineries, and reflects a strong focus on materials and innovative construction techniques. One notable project is the Mississippi Workshop, which exemplifies sustainable design through its use of mass timber construction. This building integrates healthy materials and efficient systems, aiming to create a model for future-proof architecture that prioritizes resilience and adaptability. Similarly, the Furioso Vineyards project involved the renovation and expansion of an existing winery, enhancing its relationship with the surrounding landscape while creating distinct spaces for various functions, such as tasting and production.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolios: By Waechter Architecture
15. ZGF Architects | Architecture Firm in Portland, Oregon
Address: 1223 SW Washington St. #200, Portland, OR 97205, United States
ZGF Architects is a leading architectural firm based in Portland, Oregon, with a reputation for innovative design that emphasizes sustainability and social impact. Founded in 1942, ZGF has grown to become a nationally recognized practice, known for its expertise in various sectors, including healthcare, education, civic, and commercial architecture. The firm focuses on creating environments that enhance the quality of life for users while being mindful of their ecological footprint. ZGF Architects integrates sustainable practices into its design processes, often employing advanced technology and materials to minimize energy consumption and promote wellness. Their work is characterized by a strong commitment to community engagement, ensuring that projects are not only functional but also resonate with the communities they serve.
Check Notable Projects and Portfolio: By ZGF Architects