In honor of Earth Day, the LRS team volunteered with Friends of Trees (FOT) at Wilkes Creek Headwaters in NE Portland this past Saturday. Instead of planting trees this year, we mulched dozens of small shrubs to help them better survive our dry summers. A big thanks to our Environmental Stewardship Committee for coordinating this annual event. We even lucked out with amazing weather!
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New Office Space for Our Bend Team!
We have some exciting news to share! Our team in Bend is growing and moving to a beautiful new office space in the heart of Bend’s west side. This warm and naturally lit space will support our goals for collaboration, provide an active, energetic design environment, and give us room to grow in the future.
Check out the new space!
Bend Office Address: 1777 SW Chandler Ave Suite 270 Bend, OR 97702
Phone: (541) 668-9950
Meet The Designer: Kevin Schneider
Meet LRS associate Kevin Schneider, an NCARB certified and licensed architect. Kevin attended University of Wisconsin and quickly changed his Engineering Mechanics major to Interior Design when he found himself formulating ideas about how to renovate or transform buildings. After serving in the U.S. Marines, he then earned his Master’s in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and has been in Oregon working at LRS for over seven years!
Joined LRS:
2014
What do you like best about LRS?
The people and the culture. The people make each day fun and have so much great experience to provide one another. The office culture values the employees, their development, and improvement both personally and professionally.
Recently Completed LRS project:
Premier Gear – I experienced the project from start to finish and it was really cool to see the transformation of a 100-year-old building.
What has impacted you the most in your career and how?
Supportive people providing opportunities to learn, grow and be curious.
What is your next career goal?
I’m not huge on hard-fast career goals – I’m interested in continual self-development and striving to be better. I’ll embrace opportunities which present themselves along the path of development!
2022 Promotions of Amalia Mohr, Chuck Archer, and Raymond Yancey to Principal
We are pleased to announce the 2022 promotions of Amalia Mohr, Chuck Archer, and Raymond Yancey to Principals!
Amalia Mohr, Principal, Senior Interior Designer
Amalia is a proactive and dedicated leader who is passionate about workplace strategy and human interaction within the created environment. Her strong communication skills facilitate productive discussions among multiple project partners, making her a fantastic advocate for her clients. She is the first interior designer to become a principal at LRS!
“I am honored to be promoted to Principal at the firm. Leading teams and establishing a collaborative work environment is critical to success in our projects. Finding pathways for balanced and clear communication between clients and designers is important, and I am confident that my role as Principal will help deliver continued success while upholding the values of this firm.
Chuck Archer, Principal, Licensed Architect
Since joining the firm and serving as a Senior Associate and Project Manager, Chuck has earned numerous accolades and earned the trust and admiration of his colleagues and repeat clients. He brings a thoughtful and experimental approach to his design work, and his work ethic and experience has been instrumental in the firm’s strategic growth. At LRS, his design work has centered on senior living facilities and establishing a team environment that provides the best service to clients.
I am grateful to receive this promotion and serve LRS in this capacity. Architectural design is a lifelong passion for me, and I‘m excited to lend my experiences and perspective to contribute to the firm’s growth.
Raymond Rancey, Principal, Licensed Architect
During his time at LRS, Ray has made significant contributions to senior living projects. He excels at balancing design considerations with technical requirements throughout the design process. Ray is skilled in all phases of project development, from conceptual design through construction administration. His ability to lead teams and manage workflows will feed his success as a principal.
I am honored to be promoted to Principal at the firm. With three decades of experience, I am confident that I will continue to make beneficial contributions to the firm. I look forward to working with clients to ensure they achieve what they desire while providing unique design solutions.
Meet The Designer: Britney Hale
Meet Britney Hale, an NCIDQ certified interior designer, with a focus in commercial office and workplace projects. Britney is an Oregon native (grew up in Eugene) and later attended the University of Oregon’s Interior Design program – Go Ducks! She was inspired at a young age by her dad who went to drafting school, and often set up the drafting board on their dining room table. It started out with her drawing circle designs with her dad’s drafting compass and coloring them in. Later it turned into a binder full of hand drafted dream house designs.
I’ve always loved creating floor plans, but I always think of creating space from the inside out, so interior architecture seemed only natural to me!
Joined LRS:
2015
What do you like best about LRS?
My coworkers are like extended family! The studio environment allows us to form close friendships even within a large company.
Recently completed LRS project:
We recently completed Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA). Designing during the pandemic brought on new challenges, but we had a great client and a great construction team that made it so much fun!
What are you passionate about? (professionally)
I strongly believe that every project is an opportunity to tell our client’s story. For me, it’s not about the latest design trends or what’s popular on social media. It’s all about creating a space that is unique to our clients and telling who they are through the use of space and materials.
What is your favorite building or interiors?
It’s hard to pick a favorite, but the first time I was completely overwhelmed by a building was at the Mount Angel library by Alvar Aalto. The way the library revolves around the central lightwell is spectacular. The library is flooded with natural lighting, beautiful woodwork, and original Aalto furniture pieces.
What is something your co-workers or clients don’t know about you?
I would spend every weekend camping with friends and family if I could!
Amalia Mohr Recognized as 2021 DJC Phenom
Congratulations to Amalia Mohr, one of our senior associates and senior interior designers, on receiving the 2021 DJC Phenom award! Phenoms & Icons honors the local building industry’s long-time leaders while also recognizing the up-and-coming professionals expected to share the future of architecture, engineering, construction, development, transportation, energy, and sustainability in the region.
Amalia is recognized in her professional community as a thought leader, an empathic mentor, and a genuine friend. The extraordinary way in which she treats her clients and colleagues like family results in lifelong relationships and project successes built on a deep understanding of the humans they support. If you work with Amalia, you trust her partnership and know that she will advocate for you personally and professionally.
“I have worked with Amalia on numerous projects. Amalia is confident to be her authentic self. She goes above and beyond to promote collaboration and has an innate ability to build amazing connections with all partners (client, contractors, etc).”
See the full list of 2021 Phenoms & Icons honorees here: https://djcoregon.com/news/category/2021-phenoms-icons/
Meet The Designer: Matt Dreska
Meet Mathew Dreska, an LRS associate and a licensed architect, with a background in a variety of project types. Born in Scottsdale, Arizona, Mathew grew up in Bend, Oregon, and later attended the University of Oregon. Currently, he is keeping busy with two multifamily housing projects: Solis Apartments at Petrosa in NE Bend and Scholl’s Heights Apartments in Beaverton.
Joined LRS:
2011
Favorite thing about LRS?
Work/life balance and the firm’s passion for thoughtful design.
Favorite LRS project?
Grant Park Village Phase 2. GPV2 was my first “big” multifamily housing project. It’s where I cut my teeth on detailing post-tension concrete. I also was able to help put together the land-use documents which also included the design review documents. I was able to sit in on the two design review board hearings and understand what it meant to defend your design.
Favorite building or interiors?
The Colosseum in Rome. The attention to detail and thought that went into it over the centuries is amazing! Having it still somewhat intact to this day speaks volumes to its importance.
What is the latest design trend you are most interested in?
I really gravitate towards regionalism and mass timber construction. I may be pacific northwest biased, but I think they’re both sustainable and contextually relative practices.
Meet The Designer: Mike Woodbury
Meet Mike Woodbury, an architect who primarily works in the Senior Living studio. Born and raised in Oakland California, he moved to the Portland area in 2003 and then attended the University of Oregon. Currently Mike is working on both Touchmark Portland Phase 2 as well as Sky Lodge Apartments. When not working, Mike loves fitness challenges and is most likely training for the next Spartan Race. His philosophy is mind, body, and soul in alignment leads to happiness.
Joined LRS:
2011
Favorite Building or Interiors:
The Glass House by Philip Johnson. The simplicity of the Glass House is what I love. The innovative use of materials and its seamless integration into the landscape. There are no walls, using furniture to define the “rooms.” Which is why you won’t ever find me living there….. I like a bit more privacy.
What do you like best about LRS Architects?
The people that make up LRS and the family environment that LRS has created. The Social Committee’s efforts — Thirsty Thursdays, Summer Party’s on the deck, Reach the Beach, planting trees with the Green Committee to name a few; that’s what truly sets LRS apart from other firms.
What is the latest design trend you are most interested in?
Prefabricated Architecture and the evolution
Meet The Designer: Jason Tand
Meet Jason Tand, a senior associate and project manager who is currently juggling both renovation and new construction projects. Originally from New Jersey, his love of architecture started at a very early age walking the streets of Manhattan and by sketching the skyline from New Jersey. It evolved in his west coast life with focus on building community and enriching the human experience, though always balancing these concepts with respect and the preservation of our natural surroundings.
Joined LRS:
2006
Favorite LRS Project:
12th and Morrison – We had an amazing collaborative team all working towards the same goal of creating a jewel-box of a building that would could all be proud to say is an active contribution to Portland’s downtown core.
What do you like best about LRS Architects?
Our firm appreciates a unique entrepreneurial spirit. If you have a great idea and present it to our leadership, chances are you will be supported…oh and I guess the people are okay too. 😉
What is your favorite building or interiors?
You’ll get a different answer every time you ask me this question! Today I’m daydreaming about an incredible experience I had exploring Grand Teton National Park. The Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson captured the essence of this moment for me. The building’s form and material selection reflect Grand Teton’s jagged peaks and beautifully speak to tell the story of both the landscape and park.
What is the latest design trend you are most interested in?
From the onset I’ve always been interested in environmentally-friendly design. What defines this is of course a factor of your surrounding ecosystem at the period in time you reside – it’s transformative. Most recently this takes the shape of our drive to use mass timber as a recognized and accepted building material.
LRS opens a new office in Bend, Oregon!
We are pleased to announce that LRS opened a new office in Bend, Oregon to further support our clients and the projects in the area! We have acquired GL3 Architects, whose owners, Mike Gorman and Jim Landin, have been serving the Central Oregon market for over 30 years.
Over the past few years, LRS and GL3 have been working together on a handful of mixed-use and multifamily housing projects in Bend. We are excited to welcome our new staff of seven to the LRS family!
“We are excited to have GL3 join LRS. Mike and Jim’s accomplishments and experience with high – profile projects in Bend, combined with our existing projects in the area, makes this the perfect opportunity for the on-going success of LRS.”
LRS Becomes the Largest Women-Owned Firm in the PNW!
We are thrilled to announce that LRS has recently become the largest women-owned architecture and interior design firm in the Pacific Northwest! Janice Sanada and Michelle Startt join the current majority owners Trish Nixon, Dan Purgiel, and Paul Boundy. With this exciting change we look forward to continue building upon the foundation of strong design, client service, and our culture of respect, inclusivity, and transparency.
Read the full article HERE.
When I started at LRS Architects over twenty years ago, the industry was very male-dominated. I was one of only four women on the architectural staff. Since then, the landscape has changed dramatically, and I’m proud to say that LRS Architects is now almost fifty percent female.
Meet The Designer: Lisa Sneddon
Meet Lisa Sneddon, an NCIDQ certified Interior Designer who specializes in Senior Living projects of all types. Lisa started her career as a successful sales director with a national webhosting company. After her grandmother passed away in 2001, Lisa did some soul searching and decided she needed a change. This change came in the form of a major career change where she went from managing a large team selling webhosting services to marketing a new assisted living building in Chicago. Since then, she has remained passionate about making a difference in the lives of seniors.
One day while touring I had an “A-ha” moment. I pointed out a specific design feature in the building and realized someone had that job. Someone designed that for a reason. That’s the moment when I knew what I wanted to do and decided to go back to school again, this time to be an interior designer.
Joined LRS:
2015
Favorite LRS Project:
Either Mennonite Village or The Springs Living Happy Valley
What made you want to join the architecture and interiors field?
I realized that I needed to devote my career to creating better spaces and environments for seniors and the hardworking caregivers and staff that work in them. I strive to design places that feel good and look good while still be safe and inviting.
What are you passionate about?
I have the unique ability to translate between architects and providers. I am passionate about sharing this knowledge and positively impact the design of these welcoming, comfortable settings. Working with some of the most forward-thinking assisted living companies allowed me to see that good design can significantly lessen the effects of some chronic age-related diseases. I have witnessed how a relaxing, sensory-based room can help calm a person experiencing anxiety, depression, or pain. I have observed how taking special care in selecting the colors for plates, placemats, and tablecloths can help visually impaired seniors with no assistance. I have seen safety features built into bathrooms that allow people to live more independently than they did at home.
Favorite Building or Interiors?
I love Frank Lloyd Wright and had the opportunity to spend a few nights (like an Airbnb) in the Penfield House, a FLW home which makes you appreciate him (and his interiors) even more. From the Chicago river, I just love looking at the Aqua Tower (Jeanne Gang) and 333 W. Wacker which was designed to reflect the river and the city in its façade.