Courageous Architecture for the 21st Century

About

There is already enough architecture in the world. Hell, there are probably enough architects too.

I believe that I am part of a generation of designers who must candidly prove our worth. Our time comes as our culture is absorbed by desire. Manufactured lifestyles endorsed by influential figures aim to sway audiences who struggle to weigh needs versus wants. Amongst the noise, we must answer why the work we do is necessary, let alone worth paying for. As designers, we are tasked with addressing a world bequeathed to us by those who have held it in an expendable regard for so long. It is not news that the resources our current environments depend on will run out. Unfortunately, the instant gratification way of living will not be as easy to end.

I am a healthcare architect who believes healthcare design is more than building hospitals and clinics. Healthcare is in everything we design from our cities and neighborhoods to the products we use to sustain them. The aspiration for global health is no isolated undertaking, creatives and clinicians must work together to fix the errs of our previous constructed ways. Good design comes from thoughtful response to complex problems and we live in a time when there are many to address.

I believe that we must be mindful of health in order to successfully improve our environment. Health cannot be defined as either good or bad, as it is not simply black or white. There is relief in healing just as there is peace in passing. Throughout our lives we learn to endure. There is no excuse or time to be passive. We must strive to create spaces to live fulfilling lives.

Our time is short, our task is huge. Health is my obsession, design is my remedy.

THE DAILY GRIND

By day, and sometimes night, I design for healthcare environments. I create spaces that respond to the values of the facilities I work with and the needs of the people they serve. My projects are located in the stunning Northwest United States which I also call my lifelong home. I draw, write, read, and soak up as much as I can in order to make better decisions. I find my role as an architect is equal parts listener and adviser. I am entrusted with problems and concerns that must be turned into an elegant design solution.

THE PROCESS

Every opportunity that comes my way has the potential to be the most important work of my life. I search for evidence based solutions, do my homework, and only issue products of which I am 100% proud to put my name on. I am part of a dynamic, integrated team and believe I have as much to learn from my mentors as I do our clients. I keep in mind that the spaces I create will impact so many I will never meet. I work hard, stay honest, and allow thoughtfulness to guide my pen (or mouse). I have learned that dedication and persistence is as critical to success as staying light-hearted and kind.

THE QUICK + DIRTY BIO

I am am inspired by buildings that heal, music that envelops, and stories that engage. I am an organizer, a planner, and a bit of geek with the heart of an artist. I struggle daily to replace my anxiety with mindfulness, for only then does my best work get done. I realized early on in my life that I have the potential to do something positive with my time. Now that I have the opportunity to give back, I am committed to using my talents and influence to make a difference in the way we design our world.

8437

cups of coffee

131

sketchbooks

years

Passion

a lifelong passion for health + design

curriculum vitae

health

If it wasn’t for the fact that the depiction of blood made me queasy and pass out, I may very well have considered a career in medicine. Fortunately, a strong creative streak takes the place of a strong stomach and I’ve been able to supplement my love of architecture with an interest in health. The fainting thing hasn’t been an issue. So far.

Work

GBJ Architecture | Portland, Oregon – Principal
This small and mighty architecture firm has been influencing healthcare design in the Northwest for over 30 years. As a principal, I am involved on projects from schematic design through construction completion. My experience includes inpatient care, clinical spaces, medical office buildings, campus wayfinding, and support services including labs, imaging, vision and dental. It’s complex work with serious soul and I’m fortunate to be part of a team that does a damn fine job blending the two.

Identity

ARENDURANCE – What began as a personal narrative of the process of preparing for and taking the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) quickly turned into a nationally recognized blog and study guide collection for other aspiring architects in the US. While my ARE journey is over, the site still welcomes over 1,000 visitors a week.

Education

University of Oregon | Portland – Master of Architecture
Washington State University | Spokane and Pullman – Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies

Registrations + Memberships

Registered Architect – Washington and Oregon
LEED Green Associate
American Institute of Architects Member
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Member
Architecture for Health Panel Member

WORK

All Blogs Design Urban Storytelling

Fostering Recovery

Design

Roadtrip.

Design

AREndurance

Blogs

Firmitas. Utilitas. Venustas.

Vitruvius - The Ten Books on Architecture
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood…Make big plans; aim high in hope and work.

Daniel Burnham
If you want something you’ve never had, you have to be willing to do something you’ve never done.

Thomas Jefferson - Attributed

Latest from the Blog

Tool box

Patient Room Design Insight and Strategies Tool

I ran across this cool interactive guideline for patient rooms (including med surg, ICU and maternity) on the Center for Health Design’s site It offers evidence based design strategies for elements in the room based on the desirable outcomes of users (for example how walls can both reduce patient stress and anxiety and improve job satisfaction). Seasoned…

February 12, 2017

Tool box

On Color

The challenge with color is that everyone is allowed an opinion, disastrous as it may be. Color is a fundamental element of design. Not only of space, but of the clothes we wear, the websites we visit, even the food we eat. It impacts our psychological, social, cultural, and physical reactions. It aids in relaxation as easily as it increases agitation. Color…

February 12, 2017

Building Design

Palomar Medical Center

I have never been so excited to see a relite in my life. Daylight spilling into an operating room from a lightwell beyond in the staff corridor? I suddenly have a little more confidence that good things can happen in this field. Image (c) 2015 CO Architects, available here.

June 14, 2015

Uncategorized

Valley Medical Center Live Simulations

Valley Medical Center Live Simulations from nbbjdesign on Vimeo. “Opening day was no time to stumble.” – Scott Alleman, Chief Nursing Officer Before an emergency department goes live, architects NBBJ host a simulation with staff and actors to fine tune any operations and efficiencies before the first patents come in the door.

June 14, 2015

Manifesto

On Taking an Oath

When I became an architect I didn’t take an oath. I didn’t stand up and publicly swear to protect the health, safety, and welfare of for those whom I design. I didn’t promise to uphold the tenants of my profession so long as I practice the craft. After a decade of academic and practical study,…

June 14, 2015

Building Design

Firehouse Clinics

I recently learned about the Firehouse Clinic project during a talk about social outcomes to architecture by John Peterson of Public Architecture. The story is that there is a critical need for primary care services in Alameda County near San Francisco. Too many of the low income residents rely on emergency department visits and…

June 14, 2015

AIDING THE WORLD FROM THE ROSE CITY

PORTLAND