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Interior Designer Kelsey Loverro Earns Media Recognition for Her Work on Designing for Human Connection

Over the past few months, Kelsey Loverro’s white paper on how an interior designer can impact or build human connection received a lot of media traction. We would like to congratulate Kelsey for her hard work in the articles she published on the role design plays in creating friendships and emotional closeness.

The most recent article entitled “What Makes a Commercial Property Worth Combing Back To?” ran October 20^th in the Commercial Property Executive. Kelsey focusses on making connections at the office and how building spaces for an “accidental hello” can create positive feelings.

The article “Designing Shared Spaces for Human Connection,” which was published October 13^th in interiors+sources, focuses on comfort and choice, different levels of engagement, and again relying on everyday routines to build connections.

In August, Kelsey’s ideas saw a similar article entitled “Designing for Human Connection in a Digital Age,” published August 13^th in Building Design + Construction. By creating a network of spaces encouraging both planned and spontaneous interaction, designers can build communities with authentic, human closeness.

The article entitled “The 90s Summer Effect in Multifamily,” which ran online in the Multi-Housing News website on August 27^th, Kelsey focuses more on nostalgia for a past time when it was seen easier to connect and build friendships.

The Westman Featured in HOTELS Magazine: Honoring History Through Design

How do you transform a nearly century-old post office into a hotel that feels rooted in history without turning the past into a theme?

At The Westman in downtown Bend, LRS Senior Interior Designer Jenny Baines led LRS’s interior design work with an approach grounded in restraint, local storytelling, and an unmistakable sense of place.

In her recent article for HOTELS Magazine, Jenny explores how preserved historic details, regional influences, local artistry, and carefully considered moments of discovery came together to create a 23-room boutique hotel that honors its origins while offering guests something entirely new.

From preserved terrazzo floors and stone staircases to Art Deco detailing and the original postal vault door, The Westman’s historic character is woven throughout the hotel. These elements are complemented by Central Oregon-inspired colors, local artwork, and handcrafted furnishings, creating a design that feels connected to Bend’s past without feeling overly nostalgic.

That storytelling continues through the details. A custom wallpaper designed by a Bend-based artist illustrates scenes inspired by Minnie Westman’s life, while postmaster-style desks, crafted by a local furniture maker offer another subtle nod to the building’s past.

Read the full story in HOTELS Magazine.

Jaguar Land Rover Technology Center wins Architizer A+ Award

We’re honored to share that our Jaguar Land Rover Technology Center project has been named the winner of the Architizer A+ 2026 Sustainable Commercial Building category.

Set within a historic Portland warehouse, the Jaguar Land Rover Technology Center transforms an existing structure into a cutting-edge research and development hub. This project brings JLR’s most innovative teams together in a dynamic workplace that reflects the brand’s legacy of luxury design and pathbreaking technology.

Blending adaptive reuse with high-performance design, the project sets a benchmark for sustainable workplaces, while honoring history, supporting well-being, and driving the future of mobility.

The Architizer A+Awards are a globally recognized architecture awards program that honors the world’s best buildings and spaces each year. Check out the entire list of award-winning projects here.

Jamii Court Featured in the DJC

Jamii Court Affordable Housing is featured in the DJC! Last week, we celebrated construction of the 96-unit community in Portland’s West neighborhood which is designed to support East African immigrant and refugee families. “Jamii,” derived from the Swahili language, means “community.”

Jamii Court will offer a mix of unit sizes from studios to four-bedroom homes, including family-sized units and permanent supportive housing for residents transitioning out of homelessness. Thoughtfully designed amenities like community gathering spaces, a lending library, computer stations, and outdoor areas with fruit trees will help foster connection and well-being.

“The Barbur façade is intentionally pulled back from the roadway to create a welcoming entry along this civic corridor and to establish a meaningful frontage. Together, these massing elements create several distinct placemaking spaces across the site: the Barbur‑facing stoop, the north plaza at the connecting knuckle, and the south courtyard, which is tucked between building volumes and protected from Barbur Boulevard traffic.”- Calista Fitzgerald, LRS President

Islamic influences are reflected through elements such as a jali-inspired triangular motif in vertical circulation areas, window bay orientations aligned with the qibla, and a palette of traditional colors such as green, white, blue, and gold woven throughout the complex.

The project is the result of a collaborative partnership between CPAH and social services organization HAKI, who engaged the Southwest Portland Islamic community throughout the development process. Their input directly shaped key aspects of the project, including its name, the design of shared community spaces, and the inclusion of larger units to support multigenerational living.

Read the entire article in full here (subscriber-based).

Connection and Community Drive Senior Living Design | DJC Opinion by Janice Sanada

Janice Sanada was recently featured in DJC Oregon’s op-ed column, Connection and Community Drive Senior Living Design, where she shares insights on how thoughtful design can support well-being in senior living communities.

In the article, Janice explores how spaces can be designed to feel safe, warm, and connected, supporting not just physical needs, but emotional and social well-being as well.

“At its core, senior living design is about supporting everyday human moments. When seniors step outside their residence and run into a neighbor, the setting should gently invite connection, offering comfortable places to sit, chat, and enjoy the moment together. As designers, we must recognize that these small moments matter. They help build community. ”– Janice Sanada, LRS President and Principal

She also highlights the importance of trauma-informed design, emphasizing environments that promote clarity, comfort, and resident choice. Access to daylight, views of nature, and indoor-outdoor amenities help reduce stress while supporting overall health and mobility. Flexible “interaction zones” and amenity spaces further reinforce this approach, giving residents the ability to shift between social connection and moments of pause throughout the day. Outdoor terraces and courtyards build on these strategies, creating seamless connections between indoor and outdoor spaces that enhance overall well-being.

Read the DJC op-ed in full, here. (subscription-based)

Cedar Hills Apartments Set to Break Ground, Featured in Multiple Publications

We’re excited to share that our Cedar Hills Apartment project is preparing to break ground, transforming an underused parking area into a vibrant transit-oriented residential community in Beaverton. At 369 units, the mixed-use development represents one of the region’s most significant multifamily projects to move into construction in recent years.

The three four- and five-story buildings balance density with livability, offering homes that range from studios to three-bedroom residences between 483 and 1,528 SF. Ground-floor retail and a thoughtfully curated mix of shared amenities help create an active and connected community experience.

Designed to support modern living, the transit-oriented development emphasizes wellness, flexibility, and social connection. Amenities include indoor and outdoor fitness areas, a full spa with an outdoor sauna and cold plunge, a residents-only speakeasy and sports bar, a community greenhouse, a sports simulator, and coworking spaces with conference rooms.

Construction is expected to begin soon, with completion anticipated in summer 2027.

Read the entire article in full:

Portland Business Journal (Subscriber-based)

Multifamily & Affordable Housing News

Recalling the Advantage of “A Mac on Every Desk”

As LRS Architects celebrates its 50th anniversary, Senior Associate Byron Balogh and Senior Principal T. Paul Frank recently reflected on a defining moment in the firm’s history in the Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon: LRS’s early embrace of firmwide technology.

In the late 1980s, LRS made the forward-thinking decision to place a Mac on every desk, an investment that transformed how teams worked together. By connecting every staff member through a shared digital workflow, the firm improved coordination, accelerated iteration, and reduced errors, creating a more collaborative and agile design process.

Byron and Paul also shared how early adoption of tools for 3D modeling, 2D documentation, publishing, and shared data systems helped establish consistent standards across projects while breaking down siloed workflows.

That spirit of innovation continues to shape LRS today. From immersive digital visualization tools that allow clients to experience projects before they are built, to evolving technologies that improve design delivery, LRS remains committed to constant evolution through a foundational embrace of technology and forward thinking.

As Byron and Paul note:

“In architecture specifically, today’s digital tools can let client’s step into the design experience while a project is still virtual. Not every firm offers that level of immersion; if you can, it’s a meaningful advantage.”

They also reflected on a fitting milestone similarity, in 2026, Apple marks 50 years, the same year LRS celebrates its own half-century of design impact underscoring a long-standing shared belief in the power of innovation to shape what comes next.

Read the article in full here (subscriber-based).

Lincoln 25 Featured in BD+C

Lincoln 25 Apartments is featured in Business Design + Construction Magazine!

Located in Lincoln City, this new affordable housing community delivers 107 homes across eight garden-style buildings, with a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom flats and townhomes that help provide long-term housing opportunities on the Oregon coast. Serving households earning at or below 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income, the development provides much-needed housing options for local residents and families.

Set on a challenging coastal site with approximately 70 feet of elevation change, Lincoln 25 Apartments creates opportunities for residents to enjoy ocean views while also overlooking a nearby park and wildlife area. The shared outdoor spaces, pedestrian pathways, and community-focused amenities further enhance the resident experience.

Read the entire article in full here.

Bridging 50 Years of Design, People, and Place

Lighting the Morrison Bridge in Our Anniversary Colors

For 50 years, LRS Architects has been guided by a simple, yet powerful idea: great design brings form and function together to create places that endure, inspire, and connect people. To mark this milestone, we honored our legacy in a visible and meaningful way—lighting the Morrison Bridge in our celebratory green and white anniversary colors. This moment symbolized not only our firm’s journey but also the people, places, and purpose that have shaped our story.

The LRS team came together for a happy hour, enjoying time with colleagues before walking as a group to witness the bridge lighting. Sharing the moment together made the celebration even more meaningful, reinforcing the sense of connection and collaboration at the heart of our work.

A Bridge Between Form and Function

Spanning the Willamette River in the heart of Portland, the Morrison Bridge is more than infrastructure. It’s a powerful example of engineering and design working together to serve the community. That balance reflects the philosophy that has guided our work for five decades: design that performs well and stands the test of time. As the bridge lit up in our colors, it became a visible reminder of the principles that shape how we practice leading with integrity, rising to the challenge, and succeeding as a team.

50 Years of Shaping Portland and Beyond

Since 1976, our work has been rooted in the belief that architecture is ultimately about people. From civic spaces to workplaces, housing, and community environments, we’ve focused on creating places where people can live, work, gather, and thrive. Lighting the Morrison Bridge was our way of celebrating not only a milestone for our firm, but also the city that has inspired our work for half a century.

Looking Ahead

As we move into our next chapter, our commitment remains the same: to design with purpose, collaborate deeply, and create spaces that strengthen the communities they serve. The Morrison Bridge displayed our colors across the Willamette, but more importantly, it reflected the spirit of the people, partnerships, and shared purpose that have defined the first 50 years of LRS.

We invite you to explore our 50th anniversary microsite to discover our projects, milestones, and the people who have shaped LRS over the past five decades.

A special thank you to Tim Niou, Jason Tand, and Dean Masukawu for capturing the photos from this event.

The Westman Hotel Featured in Prominent Bend Publications

LRS was honored to provide interior design services for the transformation of Bend’s former U.S. Post Office into The Westman Hotel. This project presented a unique opportunity to adapt a historic civic landmark while preserving its architectural character and community significance.

Originally built in 1932, the building is an important piece of downtown Bend’s history. Because of its historic designation, the approach focused on careful preservation, collaboration, and sensitivity to the original design. Key architectural features were restored and maintained, while necessary updates were thoughtfully integrated. In the process, 175,000 bricks, 1,900 square feet of gold terrazzo flooring, 1,700 tons of concrete and 44 original windows were preserved.

The interior finishes, furniture, and fixtures selected by LRS Senior Interior Designer Jenny Baines, are a modern take on Art Deco with nods to Mountain West style. Four Kelly Wearstler schoolhouse-style pendant light fixtures anchor the lobby, complemented by Artistic Frame barstools with fluted bases that echo the forms of the surrounding fixtures. In the parlor, rich green velvet sofas are paired with a handmade brass fireplace, creating a warm and refined gathering space.

Designing the interiors for The Westman was an opportunity to create spaces that feel elevated while still embracing the casual, active lifestyle of Central Oregon. I was especially drawn to working with natural materials and layered textures that reflect the essence of Bend, while giving the hotel its own distinct identity. At its core, the design is about storytelling—honoring the history of the building, celebrating Minnie Westman, and paying tribute to the vibrant, evolving character of Bend itself.

Jenny Baines, LRS Senior Interior Designer

Inspired by the building’s history and surrounding landscape, select walls feature a palette of forest service green and deep blue tones, referencing the surrounding landscape and night sky. Pops of dark gray and rich brown recall postal uniforms and leather mailbags.

LRS is proud to have partnered on a project that bridges history and modern hospitality ensuring this landmark remains a meaningful part of Bend for years to come.

In the News

Bend Magazine

Cascade Business News

Celebrating Women in AEC: Michelle Startt Featured in Building Enclosure Magazine – Mentorship, Inclusive Leadership, and the Next Chapter for LRS Architects

Building Enclosure Magazine is celebrating Women’s History Month this March by spotlighting women leaders in the AEC industry who are forging equality, sharing their knowledge, and creating change. We’re thrilled to share that LRS’ own Managing Principal Michelle Startt is featured this week.

Her message to future architects is simple and powerful: seek out mentorship, trust your voice, and don’t limit what you believe you can accomplish because the next generation will build on the paths we create today.

Diverse perspectives lead to more thoughtful, human-centered design because the built environment is ultimately about the people who occupy it. Interior design plays a critical role in shaping how spaces function, feel, and support daily life, from well-being and accessibility to comfort and productivity. When design teams reflect a wider range of experiences and voices, they are better equipped to create spaces that are inclusive and responsive, resulting in buildings that not only look good but truly address the varied needs of the people inside them.
Michelle Startt, LRS Managing Principal

This year is especially meaningful as LRS celebrates 50 years since its founding in 1976—a milestone that invites reflection on the firm’s evolution. Under Startt’s leadership and alongside other women principals, LRS has become a majority-woman-owned firm, a significant achievement in a field historically dominated by men.

Michelle’s story is a reminder that our success is built not only on the work we deliver, but on the culture we cultivate.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to that culture every day—through mentorship, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Check out her full interview and profile here: Woman Architect and Interior Design Leader on Mentorship, Civic Projects, and Firm Leadership | Building Enclosure (subscription-based)

LRS Auto Studio Supports Sneak Peek at the Oregon International Auto Show

Last night, our Auto Studio team had a great time at the Sneak Peek Charity Preview of the Oregon International Auto Show in Portland; an evening where creativity, craftsmanship, and community impact come together. More than just a first look at the latest in automotive design and engineering, Sneak Peek supported important local nonprofits including Victory Academy, The Boys & Girls Club of Portland Metropolitan Area, and Meals on Wheels People and we are grateful to be able to support this.

The last Sneak Peek Charity Preview was held in 2022, making this year’s event a highly anticipated and widely celebrated return after a multi-year hiatus. LRS is proud to be part of that return, supporting the Oregon Automobile Dealers Association (OADA) as long-standing members and standing behind the charitable partners.

It was inspiring to connect with peers, celebrate design across disciplines, and be part of a night that highlights the power of design to bring people together. As we celebrate our firm’s 50th year, supporting events like this reflects our ongoing commitment to design excellence and community impact.

2026 Principal and Associate Promotions

LRS is proud to announce the promotion of Amy Smith and Alex Karel to Principal and Magda Gerencer and Eric Kern to Associate.

Amy Smith, Principal.

Amy is a Registered Architect and LEED Accredited Professional who joined LRS in 2002. With a primary focus in Senior Living, she brings extensive design technology expertise and understanding of designing spaces centered on the end-user experience. Amy excels at balancing design considerations with technical requirements throughout the design process. She also mentors designers and coordinates stakeholders to ensure every project achieves the highest standards of functionality, compliance, and long-term value.

Alex Karel, Principal.

Alex is a Registered Architect who has been at LRS for over a decade. He is engaged in emerging design technologies and new tools that enhance and inform his design process. Alex’s broad, multi-sector experience in the commercial office, retail, and civic studios allow him to guide projects with clarity and adaptability, ensuring successful outcomes across diverse building types and client needs. His notable new construction, expansion, and renovation projects include more than 20 prestigious auto showrooms, commercial buildings, as well as county and federal buildings.

(photo unavailable per request)

Magda Gerencer, Associate.

Magda joined LRS in 2014 and is a seasoned Project Manager and LEED Accredited Professional (BD+C). With over 30 years of experience in architecture, she has led a diverse range of projects from large-scale master planning to specialized industrial facilities, managing an impressive portfolio of high-profile work. Magda is committed to creating accessible housing solutions that contribute to economic development, public infrastructure, and community vitality across the region.

Eric Kern, Associate.

Eric is a Registered Architect and has been at LRS for over four years. He plays an integral role in the Bend office contributing to the firm’s project delivery and design excellence. During his time at LRS, he has provided oversight on a multitude of projects which include multifamily housing, car dealerships, hotels, and office buildings.

“We believe the future of our firm is built from the talent already here. These promotions celebrate the depth of expertise, leadership, and potential within our team and reaffirm our commitment to providing clear pathways for growth.”
Janice Sanada, Managing Principal and LRS President

Please join us in congratulating Amy, Alex, Magda, and Eric!

In The News

Building Enclosure Magazine

Office Insight

Fifty Years, One Vision: The Story Behind Our Anniversary Campaign

As we enter our 50th anniversary year, this milestone represents more than longevity; it’s a moment to reflect on five decades of shaping communities through purpose-driven, inclusive design, while looking ahead to the future. Since 1976, we have created modern, people-centric environments that incorporate the latest technological advancements to improve lives and foster connection. Our rich history served as the foundation for designing the 50th anniversary campaign, titled “Celebrating Form, Function, and Fifty,” which reflects our core tenet: “Design to inspire and unite communities.” To commemorate this milestone, we also designed an anniversary logo and microsite, where we will regularly share updates throughout the year and invite you to celebrate with us!

The Process: Design Begins with Intention

Like all great design projects, the anniversary campaign and logo design began with intention. Our team set out to develop a theme and logo that would mirror the LRS brand voice: modern, balanced design, and function. The goal for our 50th anniversary logo was to be timeless yet forward-thinking. Sophisticated yet solid. Above all, it needed to embody the key components of our business model: innovative, collaborative design and the people who make it possible.

Thoughtful Design: Every Detail Matters

The number 50 is drawn to mirror the modern font used in our original logo, while the “5” and “0” are connected to represent the respect that binds the LRS team and clients. This connection visually signifies the relationships we’ve built over five decades. Beneath or beside the mark sits the tagline created and voted on collectively by employees: “Form, Function and Fifty.”

More than a phrase, it’s a distilled expression of our firm’s design philosophy. Form honors the aesthetic principles of modern architecture. Function acknowledges the practical beauty of spaces that truly serve. And Fifty celebrates the years of impact, innovation, and intention.

An additional celebratory sub mark was designed for promotional items and apparel. The modern pattern features a mix of colors from the LRS color palette, representing a core value of diverse thinking that has driven our work for 50 years.

An Anniversary Logo That Lasts

This year, our anniversary logo will be featured across our materials, digital platforms, and celebratory moments throughout the anniversary year, reminding everyone who sees it that thoughtful design lasts. As we celebrate five decades, we remain committed to creating great designs with meaningful connections, continuing to pioneer distinct form, modern function today, and for the next 50 years.

Celebrating 50 Years of Design Impact, Delivering Excellence and Shaping Communities

We are excited to share that LRS is celebrating a significant milestone: 50 years of delivering excellence in the architecture industry since its founding in 1976. The anniversary theme, “Celebrating Form, Function, and Fifty,” reflects on the foundation that LRS is built on: “Design to inspire and unite communities. Remarkable people differentiate us. Endeavor to earn continuous trust.” As part of the anniversary year, we proudly launched a microsite showcasing the firm’s projects, team, and journey from a humble two-person firm to the largest majority-woman-owned architecture and interior design firm in the Pacific Northwest, with more than 100 design professionals.

“For half a century, our talented people have shaped, inspired, and united communities. Our team, clients, project partners, and community have helped us become who we are today; an exceptional group filled with creativity, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Janice Sanada, President and Managing Principal at LRS Architects

Projects on deck for 2026 include:

The master plan for the Deschutes County Downtown Campus Plan in Bend, Oregon; estimated for completion in 2026
An addition for and renovation of the Clark County Event Center, totaling 4,000 square feet, in Vancouver, Washington; estimated for completion in 2026
The new affordable multifamily housing apartment 45-unit community, Nine Peaks in Bend, Oregon; estimated for completion in the summer of 2026
An addition for and renovation of the Walla Walla University Student Life Center in College Place, Washington; estimated for completion in 2027
A renovation of the CityFleet Maintenance Facility and Headquarters in Portland, Oregon; estimated for completion in the spring of 2027
A new 8,500 square foot Carmel Valley Memory Care facility with 12 units in Carmel, California; estimated for completion in the summer of 2027
A new 185,000 square foot Mercedes-Benz auto dealership for Lithia Mercedes-Benz at The Landing in Vancouver, Washington; estimated for completion in the summer of 2027
An expansion of The Springs Living at Whitefish, a new 147,000 square foot, 85-unit, three-story independent senior living apartment building addition in Whitefish, Montana; estimated for completion in July of 2028

Festivities for the 50th anniversary also include lighting the Morrison Bridge, accentuating downtown Bend with banners celebrating community-focused projects, and a client- and collaboration-partner event. LRS is committed to elevating the community and will continue to support organizations making a difference in the regions the firm serves through focused charitable donations, meaningful service events, and other opportunities to give back.

In The News
Cascade Business News
Building Enclosure Magazine
Informed Infrastructure

Leadership Update: Janice Sanada Steps into the Role of President

As we celebrate our 50th year in business, we’re thrilled to share an exciting leadership update: Janice Sanada will assume the role of President, effective January 14th, 2026. Janice succeeds Trish Nixon, who has led the firm as President since 2019. Trish will continue with the firm, shifting her focus to talent development, mentoring, and professional growth across LRS, while continuing to lead our Multi-Family Housing Studio.

Janice joined LRS in 2003 and has been a key part of leadership for more than two decades. She became a Principal in 2013 and Managing Principal in 2021. As President, she will guide the firm’s long-term strategy, support day-to-day alignment across studios, and continue championing design excellence, while maintaining the continuity our clients and teams rely on. With Janice stepping into the President role, Trish will be able to invest more time in mentoring emerging leaders and strengthening professional development initiatives across the firm.

This transition is about continuity and momentum. I’m honored and excited to step into this role and to build on the steady, thoughtful leadership Trish has built over the years. I’m optimistic about what’s ahead and eager to keep strengthening how we work; staying aligned with our long-term vision, supporting our teams, and delivering the detailed, dependable outcomes our clients trust us to provide.
Janice Sanada, LRS President and Managing Principal

Janice brings 30+ years of experience and deep expertise leading complex projects, with a focus on senior living and life plan communities, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing environments. A University of Oregon graduate, she is a LEED Accredited Professional and a licensed architect in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Maryland, Arizona, and Texas. She is also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments (SAGE), and the International Code Council Health Care Committee.

In the News
Office Insights
Portland Metro Chamber
DJC (Subscription-based)
Portland Business Journal (Subscription-based)
Building and Architect of the Year Awards