Bora Architecture & Interiors

We’re excited to partner with Portland State University to lead conceptual design for a new performing arts + cultural center! Our design is one of three options being considered by the City of Portland. “There is nothing more inspiring than working with a great partner to envision a project that will be truly transformational for downtown Portland. This is a chance to create a visionary artistic and community resource to serve our city for the next 100 years,” said Bora Principal Michael Tingley. The proposed mass timber multi-use arts and culture complex on PSU’s University Place Hotel site will feature a 3,000-seat auditorium, a second 1,200-seat performance venue, a hotel, and community and educational space—a bold effort elevating the arts and catalyzing development within the downtown core.  For more information on the project click on the link here: https://lnkd.in/gu9kw_98 #BoraArchitects #MoveTheNeedle PC: Nephew Studio

A Thanksgiving treat indeed! Corey Squire, AIA, Director of Sustainability, was recently featured on the Green Building Matters podcast by GBES - A company of TÜV SÜD. He discusses his book "People, Planet, Design" and shares his journey into the field of sustainable design. Learn more and listen to the podcast here: https://bit.ly/3OtOw6t

Join Literary Arts on December 7th at their new headquarters, 716 SE Grand Ave in Portland, for the grand opening of the largest literary center in the Western U.S. Enjoy a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m., holiday shopping, and more!

We asked our staff a few festive questions and got some fun answers! Take a peek to hear about our favorite holiday memories, go-to comfort meals, and what we’re personally thankful for this year.   #BoraArchitects #HappyHolidays #LetTheFestivitiesBegin

Congratulations to our Director of Sustainability, Corey Squire, AIA, on the one-year anniversary of his book "People, Planet, Design"! This year, Corey traveled across the country, giving 23 book talks and sharing his insights far and wide. Along the way, the book reached an exciting milestone—hitting #1 on Amazon’s list of sustainability books! Here’s to many more years of inspiring professionals and driving meaningful change.

Last week we celebrated the final groundbreaking for Multnomah County Library - St. Johns in North Portland funded by the November 2020 capital bond. This 8,500-square-foot renovation and addition will modernize and transform the cherished Carnegie library, ushering in a new era for St. Johns and its surrounding communities. We're proud to continue our partnership with Multnomah County Library Administration and collaborate with Convergence Architecture to bring the St. Johns community's vision to life. “Community members deserve a space that is really and truly for them,” said Annie Lewis, Director of Libraries. “With this spacious, updated library, St. Johns will be that place." The reimagined library is set to open in 2026. Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty company #BoraArchitects #LibraryDesign #MoveTheNeedle

A big welcome to Pip Allen and Mackenzie Snyder! A little bit about our new hires: Our newly minted Design Technology Specialist Pip Allen is a licensed architect passionate about integrating technology and sustainability in architecture. Pip will handle all things BIM, Revit, and IT—tools that make every design firm’s life smoother and smarter. Fun Facts about Pip! ▪️Apple or Android: Apple ▪️Travel solo or with people: Solo ▪️Public speaking or holding a snake: Public speaking ▪️Currently listening to: Ezra Klein Podcast, Radiohead Interior Designer Mackenzie Snyder has experience across hospitality, residential, and commercial projects. She is especially passionate about designing spaces that shape community interactions in meaningful ways. Fun Facts about Mackenzie! ▪️Camping or glamping: Camping for sure ▪️Pie or cake: I’d pick chips over both! ▪️Netflix at home or theater: Netflix at home ▪️Currently reading: A Freida McFadden book! Such shocking endings. #BoraArchitects #WelcomeToBora #TeamBora

Ever wondered how mass timber holds up against coffee spills, cranberry juice, or even fish oil? Spoiler: we’re making a mess so you don’t have to. Our LaBORAtory team has been hard at work testing the effectiveness of various sealers on the two most common Pacific Northwest mass timber species: Douglas Fir and Spruce-Pine-Fir. After applying several sealer products and exposing the wood to 10 weeks of UV radiation, it was time for the staining phase! We simulated real-world scenarios by applying substances like sharpie, tomato soup, coffee, and fish oil to the sealed wood, mimicking potential spills or vandalism that could occur in public buildings. Next, we’ll scratch the surfaces and attempt to clean off the substances to evaluate how well each sealer protected the wood. This experiment allows us to better understand how these products perform —or fall short—so we can recommend the most cost effective, low-carbon, healthy, and low maintenance solutions for our clients.

The number of mass timber projects across the country is rising due to the material's significantly lower carbon emissions compared to concrete and steel, but this growth shouldn’t come at the expense of the forests. Do you know the origins of your timber, and how do you know it's being sourced responsibly?   Next week Associate Principal Scott Mooney will serve as a panelist for the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo session “Cultivating Transparent Wood Procurement Practices to Support Healthy Forests." This presentation will explore forest management and how our design choices directly influence sustainable outcomes in these landscapes—intentional design leads to intentional wood sourcing!   #BoraArchitects #WoodSourcing #Sustainability #MoveTheNeedle

We acknowledge that there is grief and uncertainty for many with the election outcome. In the heaviness, though, these remain certain: our commitment to each other and our shared values as a firm. When hope feels distant, our sense of community, and our advocacy for impactful design, become all the more essential. Our work has always been about driving positive change for people and the planet. While what has transpired in our nation may challenge us, it also deepens our resolve. It strengthens our mission as creatives and reinforces our role in leading this important work in our communities. To echo the words of columnist Moira Donegan, let us “turn our attention to the most vulnerable among us: those [who have been] antagonized and ridiculed, those who feel less safe today than they hoped they might be yesterday. It is those targeted groups who need us, our solidarity and careful attention.” Today we will take a much-needed minute. But we’re not finished; the work is before us and the work is around us. By looking beyond ourselves to the marginalized and underserved, we will continue to show up for those who need our energy and care the most.