AIA Portland | Center for Architecture

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Situated in Portland's bustling Pearl District, Holst transformed a former carriage house, one of the oldest structures in the city, into a hub for the region’s architecture and design community. Home to AIA Portland and AIA Oregon, the Center for Architecture houses administrative offices, as well as gallery, education, and community gathering spaces.

For the renovation, Holst embraced the structure's historical elements, celebrating the past while showcasing the future possibilities of design for the city. By situating core elements in the north side of the brick and timber shell, the open public spaces enjoy the light from the south-facing windows.

Chocolate brick

Historically a billboard for a chocolate maker, a garden wall decorates the chocolate colored south façade.

AIA Portland | Center for Architecture

History embraced

The structure's stability was reestablished while honoring its existing form.

“In addition to lush landscaping, the renovation adds to street vitality by creating a stronger connection between street and sidewalk." — Sandra Fernandez Cendon, AIA Architect

Clients

AIA Portland
AIA Oregon

Location

Portland, OR

Completion

2007

Size

10,000 sf

Certification

LEED Platinum

Awards

2009 Portland Daily Journal of Commerce Top Projects, First place

2008 Portland Spaces, ROOT Design Award, First Place, Conference Room