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The Best Architectural Firms in Portland, Oregon

10 Min Read

Last updated on May 27th, 2024 at 12:46 pm

Portland, Oregon, a city renowned for its unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, is a canvas where design and creativity flourish. From its lush parks to its thriving arts scene, Portland exudes a distinct style that resonates with its residents. In this dynamic city, the role of interior architects becomes pivotal in shaping spaces that seamlessly blend aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

If you’re seeking to transform your living or working environment in Portland, you’ve come to the right place. The list below features the best interior architects in the city, carefully curated to help you discover the talent that can turn your vision into a reality. These architects have earned their reputation through original design, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the unique character of Portland. Whether you envision a modern, eco-friendly home, a chic office space, or a cozy restaurant interior, you’ll find the expertise you need here.


SERA Architects

600 SW 10th Ave, Suite 500, Portland, OR 97205

SERA Architects, founded in 1968 during Portland, Oregon’s era of downtown renaissance, shapes the world through intelligent planning and enduring design. Its mission revolves around sustainable placemaking, and it approaches this with an integrated team of architects, interior designers, and urban designers and planners. The firm’s holistic approach aims to create spaces that enrich lives and inspire positive change.

In 2023, SERA was honored with the Gold Nugget Multi-Family Community of the Year award. It is also a proud American Institute of Architects (AIA) member and has received LEED Platinum, Gold, and Silver certifications from the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA). The company’s work has likewise been featured in numerous publications, including The Architect’s Newspaper and The Business Journals.

SERA’s diverse team of principals brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project, encompassing various backgrounds and experiences. At SERA Architects, the whole team is driven by a passion for creating sustainable, vibrant, and enduring spaces that positively impact the world.


ZGF Architects

1223 SW Washington St, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97205

Hailing from Oregon, ZGF Architects is deeply ingrained in a culture prioritizing craftsmanship and aesthetics. This reverence for craft and beauty finds its roots in the breathtaking natural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Central to its philosophy is a profound respect for the environment, born from an understanding of the intrinsic connection between architectural creations and the natural world surrounding them.

Starting as a regional firm, it has grown into a national presence, with seven offices spanning North America and a team of over 750 dedicated professionals. ZGF’s commitment to design excellence, a human-centered approach, and the ability to capture the essence of a place and its people have earned the team the esteemed American Institute of Architects’ Architecture Firm Award.

Courtesy ZGF / Port of Portland

At the helm is Sharron van der Meulen, the company’s managing partner in Portland, who believes that a commitment to craft is one of the reasons the Pacific Northwest, and ZGF, are so special. Sharron finds a constant source of inspiration in the region’s vibrant arts, design communities, and diverse landscapes. She draws on her inspiration to deliver designs that demonstrate a strong understanding of brand, authenticity, and place; and works closely with her clients to articulate their aspirations. Sharron excels at aligning a project’s vision with the wants and needs of multiple user groups to bring organizational goals to life.


LRS Architects

720 NW Davis, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97209

With over four decades of history, LRS Architects was established by Bill Ruff and Steve Lee on a simple yet powerful idea – to merge great design with outstanding service. They weathered industry ups and downs, always guided by a core principle: design with integrity. This belief, coupled with the studio’s unwavering determination, innate curiosity, and collaborative spirit, has shaped LRS into the thriving firm it is today.

LRS Architects is renowned for seamlessly blending design excellence with an efficient, collaborative process. Its portfolio spans diverse project types, including senior living, multi-family housing, commercial offices, retail spaces, civic buildings, and industrial projects. In 2023, it proudly received the Runner-Up award for Retail Development of the Year, a testament to its commitment to excellence.

LRS Architects is an active member of esteemed organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP), and the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB). Its work has also been recognized in publications like Oregon Live and The Construction Specifier, showcasing its innovative and impactful contributions to the field.


Guggenheim Architecture + Design Studio

915 NW 19th Ave, Studio C, Portland, OR 97209

Guggenheim Architecture + Design Studio is a creative atelier that seamlessly weaves the worlds of architecture, interiors, and brand direction. The studio’s diverse portfolio spans retail, hospitality, residential, medical, and exhibition design, encompassing many local, national, and international clients. This passion for design, craftsmanship, and personalized spaces underpins the firm’s practice, allowing the team to embark on an artistically fulfilling and professionally vital journey.

The company holds architectural licenses in Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii. Its commitment to excellence has been recognized with the prestigious 2022 Luxe Red Award in the Interior Architecture category. Affiliated with esteemed organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), its work has also earned attention in renowned publications like Architect Magazine and Archinect.

The team, led by Jenny Guggenheim and Jeff Guggenheim, AIA, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for design principles to each project. Jeff, a licensed architect and recipient of the National AIA Young Architect Award, advocates for the profession through his involvement in AIA. Jenny’s design expertise and international exposure drive the studio’s creative vision.


Fieldwork Design and Architecture

1752 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

Based in Portland, Oregon, Fieldwork Design and Architecture, founded in 2011, is guided by a collaborative studio culture led by architect Cornell Anderson and interior designer Tonia Hein. Their team of skilled designers approaches each project with an emphasis on meticulous design and a commitment to hands-on involvement throughout the process. Fieldwork’s work seamlessly connects with the natural environment, whether architectural, interior, furniture design, or a blend. Sustainability and the use of local materials, alongside incorporating views, natural ventilation, and daylighting, define its designs. 

The company’s sensitivity to existing architecture, history, and landscape is intrinsic to its approach, ensuring a harmonious integration. Fieldwork Design and Architecture continues to be an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), while its work has garnered attention in publications like Oregon Live. The company was likewise recognized with the 2023 IIDA Will Ching Design Competition Winner award for Kann Restaurant.


Skylab

1825 NW Vaughn St, Portland, OR 97209

Established two decades ago in Portland, Oregon, Skylab is a collective of creators – architects, designers, and entrepreneurs. Its diverse team thrives on curiosity, perseverance, and experimentation. The firm sees itself not just as a builder; it is a futurist crafting today what it believes will inspire and connect people tomorrow. Skylab’s services are as unique as the visions it brings to life. Yet, its true strength lies in its holistic approach to problem-solving, seamlessly blending disciplines like Architecture, Interior Design, Branded Environments, and Planning.

Skylab has earned recognition, like the 2023 Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Awards for Nike’s Serena Williams Building. Its affiliations include the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). The public can also find its work in respected design publications like Luxe, Dezeen, and Architects + Artisans.

Photography by Jeremy Bitterman

Skylab’s leadership team, including Jeff Kovel, AIA, Brent Grubb, Susan Barnes, Robin Wilcox, AIA, and Nita Posada, IIDA, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to its projects. Under their watch, the studio believes in building structures and creating experiences that endure.


Propel Studio Architecture, Inc.

Portland, OR 97213

Propel Studio Architecture, Inc. specializes in designing timeless and sustainable residential projects, creative commercial developments, and inspiring community designs. Its focus extends beyond project size or type; it’s about the opportunity to enrich lives, enhance work environments, and craft aesthetically pleasing spaces. The firm’s architecture integrates harmoniously with each unique community, considering climate, culture, local materials, and the existing built environment.

Collaboration with its clients is central to the company’s approach. It listens attentively to its client’s needs, expectations, tastes, and budgets, resulting in elegant solutions that navigate program intricacies gracefully.

Propel Studio Architecture’s work has earned recognition, including being named a 2021 Top Project Finalist in Affordable Housing by the Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon. It is also a proud American Institute of Architects (AIA) member and boasts LEED-accredited professionals on its team.

Manzanita Beach House Remodel

With 18 years of experience, co-owner Nick Mira is an Oregon and Washington licensed architect renowned for his dedication to sustainable design principles and technical expertise. Tuan Vu joins Mira as the team’s creative director. Vu’s 14 years of project experience, including award-winning buildings, emphasize collaboration and sustainable design through an iterative creative process.


William / Kaven Architecture

4075 N Williams Ave, Studio 440, Portland, OR 97227

Based in Portland, Oregon, William / Kaven Architecture is a versatile design studio specializing in architecture and interiors. Founded by brothers Daniel Kaven and Trevor William Lewis in 2004, the firm’s collaboration began in their New Mexico childhood and continues to flourish. The studio’s diverse portfolio showcases award-winning residences, sustainable high-rise structures, mixed-use buildings, and corporate spaces for clients like Nike, Converse, Microsoft, and Diamond Supply Co. 

William / Kaven Architecture is a proud recipient of a Special Mention for Best Small Firm in the 2023 Architizer A+ Awards. It is also affiliated with respected organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and employs LEED-accredited professionals.

Principals Daniel Kaven and Trevor William Lewis bring extensive expertise to the company’s projects. Kaven’s work has graced the pages of The Wall Street Journal, Dwell, Hypebeast, and The Architect’s Newspaper. He also spearheads Kaven + Co., responsible for originating over $100 million in development. Lewis combines his architectural experience from internationally renowned firms with a passion for energy-efficient high-rises and culturally significant structures. His forward-thinking approach integrates sustainability into the team’s high-design projects.

Author

  • Shahe Demirdjian

    Shahe is an Editor at Home Builder Digest with around four years of experience as a writer and editor in the construction space. Shahe has always had a huge interest in commercial/residential construction and real estate. On top of his experience at Home Builder Digest, he has two years of experience as a Construction Partner Specialist at BuildZoom and six years of experience as a licensed real estate agent. In his work, he takes advantage of his expertise to take complex technical jargon from those realms and transform them into accessible, engaging content, blending his business administration expertise with a degree from Arizona State University with his experiential insights. Expertise: Architecture, Home Design and Build, Home Remodeling Key Highlights: Arizona Real Estate - Licensed Salesperson Education: Arizona State University - Bachelors in Business Administration