Technology and Innovation

Passive House Accelerator publishes new case study on Parkview at Terwilliger Plaza

Parkview at Terwilliger Plaza is now featured in a case study on Passive House Accelerator! This project became the largest Passive House structure of any kind on the West Coast when it was completed in 2024, and this new case study digs into our project team’s journey to certification. From our earliest conversations with this long-time LRS client, through design and construction, Parkview offers great lessons learned and for major projects with sustainable design ambitions and a deep interest in creating a building that is comfortable and meaningful for its occupants.

“This was an opportunity to create something not just comfortable for themselves, but also an exemplary building for posterity.”

Find the full case study with interviews from major project collaborators on Passive House Accelerator at this link.

Blueprint for Inclusivity Pt. 3: Responsive Design Framework Case Study

By Jenny Baines and Britney Hale | Adapted from their presentation “A Blueprint for Inclusivity – A Human Centered Design Process” delivered for the IFMA Oregon & SW Washington Chapter in Ridgefield, Washington. This piece is the third in our series discussing inclusivity, human needs, and Trauma-Informed Design (TID) in office and workplace design. Check out Part 1: Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs As A Design Lens and Part 2: Trauma-Informed Design Applications for the Workplace to learn more.

In our previous installments of this series (linked above), we’ve explored topics related to inclusivity, human needs, and Trauma-Informed Design (TID). But how, as architects and designers, do we integrate all these ideas into our work? How do we design to exemplify these values and bring them to life in the real, built world? That’s where a responsive design framework structured around human needs and experiences comes in.

As designers, we work with a variety of organizations with vastly different purposes, missions, and work cultures. At LRS, we work with engineering firms, product design firms, law firms, global tech firms, government agencies, and non-profits. We’ve designed everything from corporate headquarters to regional satellite offices and local tenant improvements. Each project and client is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

In workplace design, we see employees as the secret ingredient. When it comes to company culture, mission, and values, employees are invaluable subject matter experts. As workplace designers, it is our job to leverage the knowledge of our clients and their staff, asking the right questions to spark new ideas and applying what we learn.

We start with the big questions: What are your must-haves in a new office space? Are you all about collaboration, need your personal bubble, or crave some lounge spaces that simulate you’re at home environment? If you have the choice to work at home or at the office, which type of space encourages you to make the drive into work?

For a recent project, LRS surveyed 300 of a client’s employees about their top priorities in the design of their new offices. The results shown in the pie chart above offer a representative breakdown of the responses we typically see. At a glance, this suggested some conflicting priorities would come into play. As with many of our clients, this survey identified a strong split in employee’s desire for collaboration space and individual workspace. This client has perhaps an even split of staff who see the office as a collaboration destination, who come in-person to work with their colleagues, and feel strongly that it is important to their success. They also have staff who crave their focus space for individual work. Using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a design lens, we understand as designers that we need to include both types of spaces for this workforce to thrive as a whole.

We also ask open-ended questions, like: What are you looking forward to the most? (And yes, even with over 300 responses, we read through each answer!) Each response is like a little nugget of insight into the soul of the workplace.

Case Study: Inclusive Space Planning at KinderCare Headquarters

Working Neighborhoods: In many of our workplace projects, we promote the idea of “neighborhoods,” as shown in the floor plan below, that LRS developed for our clients at KinderCare, to reimagine their post-pandemic hybrid office. Various working neighborhoods are located around the perimeter, prioritizing views to the trees. Each neighborhood has a very different vibe: one provides workstations focused on collaboration and celebrates the client’s bold brand colors; the quiet neighborhood features desks with tall plants dividing each workstation to reduce chatter and create a sense of seclusion; a social garden is located near reception, offering a venue for quick, informal meetings or gatherings without the need to book a conference room; and the social garden, which provides a lively, flexible space for collaborative work, informal meetings, and social gatherings.

Amenities & Wellness: KinderCare has employees who come into the office every day, and they have their preferred workstations available. They also have employees who prefer to choose where they sit based on their tasks that day, whether it be a hoteling office, an open collaboration space, or a workstation in the quiet neighborhood that fits their workload and activities for the day.

Collaboration & Gathering: The amenities at KinderCare are centrally located with ease of access for employees as well as visitors. Amenities are located down a hallway to provide privacy from the workstation neighborhoods, including two wellness rooms and four unisex restrooms in addition to the gendered restrooms. Other design moments like the phone rooms and restful nooks throughout the office provide many opportunities for rest and recovery throughout the day.

This concludes LRS Architects’ three-part series Blueprint for Inclusivity, exploring real-world examples of office and workplace design that successfully incorporates principles from Trauma-Informed Design, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and human-responsive design to create more inclusive, accessible workplace environments.

Curious about integrating inclusive design principles into your project, or interested in speaking events with Jenny Baines and Britney Hale? Directly connect with our team by clicking on this link!

Architects Embrace Placemaking: Parkview at Terwilliger Plaza featured in Seniors Housing Business Oct-Nov 2024 issue

“As the seniors housing industry matures and evolves to meet the needs of a changing customer, so too does the design of the communities.”

For their October-November 2024 issue, Seniors Housing Business interviews leading architects from across the country about the evolution of senior living design and the changes on the horizon. LRS Principal Chuck Archer shares his projections for the coming years and explores some of the shifts we’ve already seen as our senior living clients begin to welcome the baby boomer generation, exemplified in the design of Parkview at Terwilliger Plaza.

Read “Architects Embrace Placemaking” in Seniors Housing Business magazine online at this link.

Blueprint for Inclusivity Pt. 2: Trauma-Informed Design Applications for the Workplace

By Jenny Baines and Britney Hale | Adapted from their presentation “A Blueprint for Inclusivity – A Human Centered Design Process” delivered for the IFMA Oregon & SW Washington Chapter in Ridgefield, Washington. This piece is the second in our series discussing inclusivity, human needs, and Trauma-Informed Design (TID) in office and workplace design – read Part 1: Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs As A Design Lens at this link.

Over the years, the concepts of inclusivity and accessibility in the built environment have evolved. The idea of accessibility gained prominence during the civil rights movement of the 1960s and was established as law in 1990 through the Americans with Disabilities Act. This legislation primarily focused on physical barriers, developing a checklist that architects and designers must follow to comply with code.

However, inclusivity in the built environment has expanded to be much broader today. The concept aims to create spaces that are accessible, welcoming, and usable for all people, irrespective of their age, abilities, body size, gender, race, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic that could lead to exclusion. Inclusivity goes beyond just compliance with accessibility laws and regulations. The concept encompasses a more holistic understanding of diversity and inclusion, with the expectation that it should permeate every aspect of the built environment. The ultimate goal is to make everyone feel valued and respected and provide everyone with opportunities to succeed.

One of the earliest, and most successful examples of inclusive design are curb cuts: Conversations about curb cuts picked up momentum in Berkeley, CA, championed by a group of disabled students and their able-bodied allies during the tumultuous 60s. In 1972, the City of Berkeley installed its first curb cut on the University campus. In 1990, after many years of activism throughout the country, they were codified into law by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This simple intervention was intended to accommodate wheelchair users. However, they benefited everyone, including families with strollers, small children, delivery people, individuals using mobility devices, and the occasional person pulling their luggage down the street. This simple move dramatically illustrates that designing for the least privileged and most marginalized benefits everyone.

So – how do we create inclusive, accessible spaces and what design principles should we embrace?

There are several design frameworks available that address the important questions of safety, comfort, personal agency, and community. Some of these frameworks have been around for a while, such as Universal Design, while others are more recent, such as Human-Centered Design.

Trauma-Informed Design (TID) involves designing environments that take into account the experiences of individuals who have faced different forms of trauma in their lives. According to recent studies, around 70% of adults have experienced some form of trauma. Initially, this approach was developed and utilized in (unsurprisingly) high-trauma environments such as homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and medical facilities. As we have studied this approach and shared it with others in our firm, it has become clear that the principles of TID can be applied to all types of environments and can be beneficial in any design program. The TID approach emphasizes creating a space that is safe and comfortable, which gives individuals control over their environment, and fosters connection and community.

Trauma-Informed Design Principles in the Workplace:

To create a well-designed space that accommodates everyone’s needs, the building’s relationship with its surroundings must be carefully examined. The building should be designed to prioritize safety and accessibility, with clear and secure entrances. It should also maximize connections to nature. This helps to create an environment that is both visually appealing and welcoming to all.

Easy navigation and wayfinding are crucial. Simple and straightforward layouts promote a sense of community and safety. Clear sightlines and wayfinding can help to alleviate anxiety and provide a sense of direction. Thoughtful space planning considerations such as adjacencies and access to community spaces can maximize productivity and cultivate interpersonal connections.

Biophilic design is an increasingly popular technique that can enhance our sense of well-being while we are in a space. By incorporating natural elements such as plants, water features, and views of the outdoors, we can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels, ultimately improving everyone’s mood and emotional state. By incorporating biophilic design into our spaces, we can create an environment where people feel valued and respected.

Providing choice within a space is also essential. This can be achieved by offering a variety of furniture options that are easy to move, in spaces that can be reconfigured to accommodate different activities and needs, supporting group collaboration or independent work. Different seating options ensure that everyone can be comfortable, regardless of their body size or abilities. Granting people the power to choose and control their environment can be empowering and foster a sense of independence.

The color palette used in a space can also have a significant impact on our mood and well-being. Cool color palettes, such as blues and greens, can create a sense of calm and relaxation and are especially beneficial for individuals with neurodivergence. Warmer colors like reds and oranges can promote energy and focus. The psychology of color suggests that certain colors can influence our behavior, mood, and productivity levels. By using color strategically, we can create an atmosphere that enhances focus, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being.

When designing spaces, it’s important to incorporate visual interest. Not just for aesthetic reasons, but for psychological reasons as well. This can be achieved by introducing interesting textures and natural materials like wood, which connects us to the outdoors. Softer textiles can also be used to improve acoustics and create a comfortable atmosphere. Good acoustical design is beneficial for everyone, as it helps people who are feeling stressed or anxious, those with neurodivergent disorders, and improves productivity.

Finally, the selection and use of art can have a significant impact on individuals and communities interacting in a space. Artwork has the potential to connect people to their sense of identity and community. It can also create an inspiring environment by enhancing aesthetics. Art can improve corporate identity and branding. Most importantly, it can promote diversity and encourage dialogue among people from different backgrounds, creating a sense of inclusivity and community.

As architects and designers, it is our responsibility to focus on the needs of the people who will be using the space. We must approach every project with a sense of humility, acknowledging that we do not have all the answers, bringing curiosity and open minds as we gather all the necessary information. It is crucial to invite our clients into the design process and continue to seek their feedback as the design takes shape. If we’re doing our job well, the result will be a space that reflects our clients’ input and directly caters to the needs of every employee. By creating a responsive, human-centered design framework, we can show our clients and the people who work for them that they are important and that the design process is truly for them.

As humans, we have different needs and preferences, which can vary from person to person and from day to day. Providing employees with a range of options acknowledges their value and sets them up for success. It gives them the opportunity to work in an environment that brings out their best selves. This approach is not only beneficial from a moral perspective but also enhances the company’s productivity, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Stay tuned for our third installment of Blueprint for Inclusivity, exploring real-world examples of office and workplace design that successfully incorporate these principles to create more inclusive, accessible workplace environments.

Blueprint for Inclusivity Pt. 1: Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs As A Design Lens

What do humans need to thrive?

Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s theory of self-actualization suggests human motivation is driven by a hierarchical structure, as shown in the five-level pyramid graphic below. Maslow theorized that to reach self-actualization, humans must first satisfy the more basic needs identified in the hierarchy – beginning with basic physiological needs like food, water, and shelter.

The theory acknowledges that individuals may prioritize different needs based on personal circumstances or cultural influences, but for the most part it remains true that you cannot maintain the higher levels of the pyramid if the basic needs like food or safety is threatened.

Reflecting LRS’ design philosophy and human-centered approach, we see Maslow’s hierarchy as deeply relevant to the design of productive, supportive working environments. Below, we explore how architecture and design can be mapped over the hierarchy of needs, resulting in a new design framework to support accessibility and inclusion.

Tier 1: Physiological Needs. Think of these as the building blocks of survival—food, water, and shelter. In architecture, this translates to creating a space to fulfill basic needs, such as providing an insulated building envelope, essential facilities, and proper ventilation. This tier lays the groundwork for the following needs of the pyramid. As a designer, this is the easiest level to achieve of course, as it’s basically the minimum code requirements.

Tier 2: Safety. Safety is not just about sturdy structures and locking doors; it’s about creating a secure and inviting space. We’ve all tried to access a building that was confusing, and not intuitive. Wayfinding can add to your sense of security by making you feel confident and at ease as you find your destination. Safety is not only about physical protection—it’s about feeling comfortable in your surroundings. One example of how this impacts the employee is the workstation layout. Think about sitting at a workstation in an office where your back is exposed to a busy walkway, unable to see people coming your way and – perhaps – experiencing a sense of unease as others approach. Security is felt both consciously and on a subconscious level, so it’s important for architects and designers to think critically even in the space planning stage about how to minimize this kind of unease and support a sense of safety.

Tier 3: Love and Belonging. Beyond the basics, this tier of Maslow’s hierarchy emphasizes the importance of connection and community. In architecture and design, this translates to creating inclusive spaces that give employees a genuine sense of belonging in the workplace. As an employee, it’s important that you have a place that feels like it’s designed for you and your needs. That includes spaces like inclusive restrooms and wellness rooms, which have become a vital amenity for new parents returning to the workforce. Building code requires a lactation room when you exceed 50 employees, but we encourage smaller workplace clients to include them regardless. Wellness rooms and an additional quiet secluded spaces can be vital for a range of employees, from new parents returning to the workplace after leave, to neurodivergent staff seeking a decompression space, to those emerging from particularly difficult meetings or interactions. We are always sure to include many types of spaces that create connections between employees and foster a sense of belonging.

Tier 4: Self-Esteem. As we ascend through the hierarchy, translating Maslow’s identified human needs into a design framework becomes richer and more challenging. Beyond designing for physical comfort, the self-esteem tier prompts a consideration for designing to nurture personal growth and empowerment. Imagine a workspace designed to celebrate achievements with visible displays of recognition and appreciation. Well-designed environments empower employees to voice their ideas and allow for choices throughout their workday. By strategically designing spaces that promote autonomy, recognition, and the opportunity for advancement, we can foster a culture where employees feel valued, capable, and confident. This isn’t only about aesthetics; it also takes leaders that support the development of their employees and enable them to thrive personally and professionally. In essence, the design of the workspace becomes a powerful tool for enhancing the self-esteem of its occupants by providing spaces for productivity, innovation, and overall well-being.

Tier 5: Self-Actualization. Self-actualization means to achieve one’s full potential through creativity, independence, and spontaneity. This is what we all strive for in our personal and professional lives. To fulfill this level through design requires us to meet and embrace the unique needs of each person. It calls us to design a creative and inspired workplace environment where employees are not just punching the clock but chasing their dreams and making magic happen. Productivity soars, fueled by passionate employees who are connected to the company mission. When employers provide spaces that nurture self-actualization, they’re not just building a business, but crafting a community of company superheroes ready to take on the industry.

Stay tuned for our second installment of Blueprint for Inclusivity, exploring applications for Trauma-Informed Design (TID) in the design of offices and workplace environments.

Studio Highlight: Meet the next generation of leadership in the LRS Auto Studio

The LRS Auto Studio has enjoyed an exciting year, celebrating the completion of their 100^th built project (the now award-winning Porsche Studio in Portland) and the well-earned retirement of Auto Studio founder, Principal Emeritus Steve Mileham. Coming as no surprise to those who have had the pleasure of collaborating with this dedicated group of 14 architects and designers, they’ve embraced major changes without missing a single beat.

We’re excited to take a moment to introduce the second generation of leadership in the LRS Auto Studio. Between them, this visionary group of leaders brings a combined 70+ years of experience in auto design! They hit the ground running this year, ensuring our auto clients – new and returning – continue to receive the same excellent service and forward-thinking design work that LRS has always been known for. Below, get to know our next generation of LRS Auto Studio leaders, including Senior Principal T. Paul Frank, Senior Associate Byron Balogh, Associate Alex Karel, Brian Dueltgen, and Paul Kurth, and keep an eye on their evolving auto portfolio at this link.

“These creative, strategic, and passionate individuals put our clients’ goals first and do everything in [their] power to exceed expectations.” – Steve Mileham, Principal Emeritus and Auto Studio Founder, LRS Architects

Amalia Mohr in Legal Management Magazine: How to Design a Law Office That Promotes Employee Wellness

This month in the ALA’s Legal Management Magazine, Principal Amalia Mohr shares strategies and new best practices for law office design, using examples from our recently completed work with Davis Wright Tremaine in Portland. As the legal field embraces hybrid work, and with the rise in digital record-keeping, the needs of the law office have shifted significantly.

“Offices designed for exclusive in-person work are no longer being used in that way. The design challenge for this new era is to create the optimal environment for the hybrid worker, ensuring that their needs are met and that they get the most out of the office environment when working in person.”

Check out “How to Design a Law Office That Promotes Employee Wellness” by Amalia Mohr in Legal Management Magazine here, and learn more about LRS’ innovative new office design for Davis Wright Tremaine here.

BD+C: Top 10 trends in affordable housing

We were excited to see LRS President Trish Nixon quoted in a recent piece by BD+C Network exploring ten emerging design trends in affordable housing! Our team has been very moved by the many applications of Trauma-Informed Design (TID) principles in a wide range of project types, from courthouses to workplaces to affordable housing. Our Multifamily Housing Studio currently has several affordable housing projects in design that incorporate TID, which we are excited to share in the coming months – keep an eye on the Studio’s webpage for updates!

Check out “Top 10 trends in affordable housing” at BD+C here.

Environment for Aging 2023 Conference Takeaways – Industry Trends to Be Aware of

LRS designers Janice Sanada, Amy Smith, and Lisa Sneddon, attended Environments for Aging’s (EFA) 2023 Conference + Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Charlotte Convention Center between April 15-18 and returned recharged and inspired! Janice, Amy, and Lisa’s attendance also reinforced our firm’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the senior housing industry. Here are some of the highlights they felt were most impactful from the conference:

Innovative Products for Safety and Design

There were over 20 must-see products at this year’s Expo, and a few stood out to the LRS team.

Falls remain a central concern in senior living communities—they are inevitable and can often cause severe injury. Viconic, a company that designs impact flooring to reduce injuries from falls, showcased patented flooring that supports mobility, healthy aging, and independence while reducing fall injury risk, providing a greater sense of safety and ease. Their product has seen successful usage in military combat vehicles, passenger vehicles, and senior living facilities.

Additionally, hospitality furniture companies are seeing greater interest in more stylish and contemporary designed furnishings in senior living communities. This interest, and future production, will provide more options for designers to choose from when contemplating how to design and furnish a development. This expansion of choices allows for a greater variety of design aesthetics that will better differentiate senior living communities from each other.

Multi-Generational Integration & Design Concepts

For decades, senior housing communities were built in their own self-contained bubbles. Now, design studios are looking to shift this philosophy, integrate various multi-generational living accommodations, and choose locations that allow easy access to other amenities. For example, a development may include retail on the first level, senior living on the following two to three levels, and single families above. Integrating these aspects fosters a greater sense of community and a healthier social environment for all residents. It also improves recruitment and retention of senior housing staff by providing easy access to restaurants, shops, and childcare facilities.

An example of this growing trend comes from our recently completed project, The Springs at Happy Valley. Happy Valley is a senior living community placed as the anchor in a retail center. The development is an urbanized element in a suburb connected to other communities fostering a healthier pedestrian environment, three levels of care (independent, memory care, and assisted living), and a welcoming atmosphere.

AI & Technology Impacting the Future of Design

As technology helps people live happier and healthier lives, the opportunities posed by integrating new technologies require innovative minds and sound project management. AI will likely have a more significant hand in evolving the design and development of senior living, with human designers providing the groundwork for innovative design and the human touch. Flooring with sensors is an example of technology that continues to find a foothold in senior living. These floors provide activity data about resident movement and activity, frequency of bathroom trips, and even alerts for slips and falls. This kind of technology has clear advantages for maintaining the health of senior living residents. However, even as efficiency has increased, no piece of technology or AI can replace the impact of face-to-face contact with a person. Building a community and culture is something only humans can do, and this is crucial for any senior living community to thrive.

Dynamic Speakers and Programming

The conference also highlighted some dynamic speakers, including Vijay Gupta, founder and artistic director at Street Symphony, who took the stage and highlighted the impact music has on spaces and emphasized his mantra, “Music is Medicine, Music is Sanity.” Other presentations included the EFA Magazine Awards for Design Showcase, Remodel/Renovation, and Design Champions; the Center for Health Design Changemaker Award, which was presented to Lorraine Hiatt, a Ph.D., environmental gerontologist; and a General Session Panel led by EFA’s Editor-in-Chief, Jennifer Kovacs Silvis, moderating industry leaders on pressing issues in senior living and the role design plays in successful operations going forward.

We had a blast at this year’s EFA Conference + Expo, which highlighted innovative work that will drive the future of the senior living industry. LRS is excited to incorporate these design elements and see how they evolve to serve the senior living sector more effectively. Hopefully, we will see you at next year’s conference!

Smart Design Pays Dividends – Seniors Housing Business Annual Architecture Story

Principal Chuck Archer is quoted in a feature story published on 11/09 regarding the latest design elements that improve various aspects of senior living. From sustainable features to family-friendly dining venues to comfortable staff lounges, intricate and thoughtful design inspires and comforts those who occupy those spaces.

“Great design is critical for significantly reducing the impact of the current shortage of labor and materials. In today’s market, it’s vital to understand the construction process from every perspective and be prepared to adapt throughout the project to alleviate cost impacts and mitigate risk.”

Chuck Archer, LRS Principal

Strong partnerships between the developer and the design team are essential.

The pandemic has heightened concerns regarding budgets, scheduling, and supply chain issues among stakeholders. The article details the rapidly changing design environment and highlights how architects must keep up with these changes and demands.

LRS has been designing in the senior housing space since the 1980s, and the article features The Springs at Lake Oswego, which the firm recently designed.

Click here (advance to pages 26-32) to read the story.

Technology and Innovation

Innovative Products for Safety and Design

Multi-Generational Integration & Design Concepts

AI & Technology Impacting the Future of Design

Dynamic Speakers and Programming

Great design begins with meaningful connection.