Innovation Through Research
Our culture of continuous learning has led us to invest in research that advances sustainability, equity, and craft—building on what works while thoughtfully pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
By dedicating in-house talent to tackle critical questions—from the biggest idea to smallest crafted detail—we’re pushing the industry forward and striving to build better buildings for the future.
Building on Our Experience
By conducting post-occupancy evaluations, we have continued to learn from our completed projects.
Our 2023 study of 72Foster—an affordable housing project designed for intergenerational families—provided valuable insights that inform our future work. We learned that the indoor environmental quality, safety, accessibility, and connection were top-of-mind for residents and influenced their resident experience the most.
This commitment to learning from every project continues with our 2025 Energy Trust of Oregon grant to evaluate Argyle Gardens, a deeply affordable housing project in North Portland.
Carbon Intelligence
Our 2023 research grant from Energy Trust of Oregon enabled us to study whole life carbon impacts across eight Pacific Northwest multi-family buildings.
This research gives development teams insights into embodied and operational carbon, supporting the path to net-zero carbon buildings.
Healing Through Nature
At Fora Health’s treatment facility, we transformed three acres of urban brownfield into a healing landscape that supports recovery.
This 2023 AIA National Healthcare Design Award winner demonstrates how trauma-informed, nature-inspired design can dramatically improve patient outcomes. Our innovative approach led to patient satisfaction and program completion rates well above national averages.
Mass Timber Innovation
Julia West House, a 12-story permanent supportive housing project for houseless elders, represents the next chapter in mass timber construction. As one of the Pacific Northwest’s first high-rise mass timber buildings, this project advances both sustainable building practices and social equity. Our team’s innovations in structure, acoustics, and fire safety are creating new possibilities for sustainable urban housing.
