Opsis Architecture

Check out OPB’s Think Out Loud interview with Columbia River Maritime Museum Executive Director Bruce Jones to learn more about the new Mariners Hall Expansion, opening in Fall 2026. We’re excited to work with the museum on this visionary 24,000 sf facility, advancing its commitment to world-class cultural and educational opportunities for the region. The expansion will showcase hundreds of boats and artifacts currently not on display, two new Indigenous-focused exhibits, and classroom and STEM spaces to inspire visitors of all ages.   “We are so excited about this project. Because of our generous donors we have a unique opportunity now to dramatically expand our offerings and our programming…and now we have the opportunity to really build on our Founder’s vision.” – Bruce Jones.

Join us this Thursday, November 7, from 9:45–11:00 AM CST at the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) conference to explore how Design Build Done Right principles transformed the University of Washington’s Intramural Activities Building into an inclusive, modernized facility. Opsis Principal Paul Kinley, Erin Gocke of Hoffman Construction Company, and Sydney Thiel and Matthew Newman from the University of Washington will present "Delivering Design Excellence for Student-Mandated Inclusivity and Wellness." The integrated team prioritized equity, accessibility, and universal design principles, resulting in all-gender locker rooms and an enhanced pool that reflect UW’s commitment to an inclusive, welcoming experience for generations to come. We hope to see you there! #DBIA

The deadline to apply for the Pat Sanchez Women's Fellowship, in partnership with the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, is approaching! This fellowship is available to mid-career women seeking to advance their work and professional development. The selected recipient will receive up to $3,000, which can be used for professional conferences, local college courses, or industry-focused seminars on topics such as design, firm management, building enclosure design, business development, and leadership. Check out the link below to learn more and apply by Sunday, October 27!

The third annual Pat Sanchez Women's Fellowship is now open for applications! Established by Opsis Architecture in partnership with the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, the fellowship honors Pat Sanchez, retired Principal and Business Manager at Opsis. It is open to mid-career women looking to advance their work and professional development. The selected recipient will receive up to $3,000, which can be used for professional conferences, local college courses, or industry-focused seminars on topics such as design, firm management, building enclosure design, business development, and leadership. Learn more and apply through the link below! Applications are due by October 27.

The Chris White Scholarship is here to support YOU on your path to licensure! This annual award offers up to $1,000 to one or more first-time architecture license candidates in Oregon. Created in memory of Portland architect Chris White, AIA, a dedicated mentor who inspired many, this scholarship helps ease the financial burden of exams, education, and training. Funded through the Chris White / AIA Oregon Scholarship Golf Tournament and community contributions, this is your chance to kick-start your career! 🏌️♂️🏛️ Don’t miss out—apply before the deadline! #EmergingArchitects #AIAOregon #ScholarshipOpportunity #ArchitectureCommunity #ChrisWhite

Join us and AIA Oregon this Thursday, September 19, for a great day of golf in memory of our friend Chris White for the annual Chris White Scholarship Golf Tournament. In the spirit of Chris’s consistent support and engagement of the next generation, proceeds from this event will help fund the Chris White Scholarship for Emerging Professionals – created by AIA Portland to offset financial barriers to licensure. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to play together, have fun and help support the next generation of architects! Follow the link below to register!

Association of Zoos and Aquariums award-winning Oregon Zoo Education Center is a vibrant hub for community education and exploration. This dynamic space offers an interactive exhibit that showcases practical ways to make our planet healthier and more sustainable. Inspired by the circular woven nature of a bird’s nest, the organic architecture creates an intertwined relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, blending seamlessly into the Zoo landscape and animal exhibits. The sweeping cantilevered entry roof draws visitors into the lobby’s interactive displays, insect exhibit and events space. As a crossroads for sustainable learning and exploration, the AIA COTE Top 10 Education Center embodies the Zoo’s mission of advancing animal welfare, environmental literacy, and conservation science within the community. Client: Metro Photographer: Christian Columbres

The Pavilion, located in Bend, Oregon, is a year-round destination for play set in a park-like environment. This 50,000 sf open-air Pavilion features an NHL-size ice rink that transforms in warmer months to host soccer, skateboarding, basketball and community events. Whether visitors are there to play sports or simply relax, the Pavilion offers a variety of inviting spaces, including a covered gathering shelter, sculptural seating, fire pits and terraced courtyard. Both inside and out, the recreation and event center creates an inviting community atmosphere and serves as a model for the expression of how elementally elegant a building’s fundamentals can be. . . . Client: Bend Metro Park & Recreation District Photography: Alan Brandt

Discover how LEED Innovation and pilot credits are reshaping our approach to health and wellness in building design! Opsis Sustainable Design Director and LEED Fellow Heather DeGrella shares strategies for meeting human health and wellness goals at the Student Experience Center at Oregon State University and the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. Heather discusses how these credits can track metrics for existing practices, refine policies, and elevate design—all with the goal of aligning with the client's mission and vision. Check out the article to learn more! #LEED

We are excited to share I+S Design Magazine’s latest feature on the Redmond Senior & Community Center, which highlights our collaboration with Johnston Architects on this new facility that centers wellness and nature in its design. The center, designed to achieve LEED Gold, replaces the former Senior Center and offers amenities and public spaces, such as a dedicated lounge and library tailored to Redmond's seniors, while also providing community and recreational facilities for all ages. The building integrates wellness through thoughtful design elements, ranging from color schemes and lighting fixtures tailored to an aging population to exercise amenities like the gymnasium and raised walk/jog track. It also supports sustainability through energy-efficient systems and celebrates local arts and culture with integrated art both inside and outside the center. Check out the full article for more: https://ow.ly/yRqf50SY2PZ Photos courtesy of the City of Redmond and Carpentry Plus, Inc. Client: City of Redmond, WA Associate Architect: Johnston Architects Contractor: Absher Construction Article: i+s Landscape: Groundswell Studio Structural: Lund Opsahl Civil/Environmental: Herrera Environmental MEP: PAE Signage: Mayer/Reed, Inc. Lighting: LITTLEFISH LIGHTING, INC. Public Engagement: EnviroIssues Cost: DCW Cost Management