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

Designed as a place of belonging, the Multnomah County Library - Holgate branch prioritizes the diverse needs of its Southeast Portland patrons and serves as a safe and inviting center for the community. A hands-on outreach process which allowed us to hear people's wishes for their new library guided a design inclusive of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Vibrant, dedicated spaces for children and teens as well as an upper reading room showcasing a multilingual "We Speak Your Language" collection ensure everyone has a place--and reading material--to call their own. Thoughtful elements such as child-height handrails, accessible tactile indicators at stairs and elevators, all-gender and family restrooms, and a lactation room are considerate of all library-goers, making sure everyone feels welcome and cared for in their library experience. 📸: Lara Swimmer #BoraArchitects #librarydesign #belonging #movetheneedle

Color shapes the way we experience the built environment—it sets the mood, enlivens a space, and supports brand identity. From bold and dynamic to soft and serene, every hue plays a role in how a space feels and functions. Watch how we use color to elevate design and create memorable moments, one Pantone at a time!   #BoraArchitects #design #designwithcolor #movetheneedle

Did you know the average American spends 87% of their time indoors? This makes indoor air quality (IAQ) a critical factor in overall health and well-being. IAQ affects both short- and long-term health and is directly influenced by a building’s design. In renovating our own Volta studio, for example, we incorporated operable windows, ceiling fans, outdoor air heat recovery ventilation systems, toxin-free materials, and indoor plant life to ensure healthy air in our workplace. We extend these strategies to all our projects, using indoor monitors and post-occupancy studies to continuously track air quality.   📸: Josh Partee   #BoraArchitects #highperformance #sustainabledesign #movetheneedle

Calling all Project Managers! Bora is seeking an experienced project leader who shares our values of positive social impact, sustainable innovation, and forward-thinking design to join our firm. If you have a background managing teams and working closely with clients on commercial, arts, educational, and public projects, we'd love to hear from you!   Please send your cover letter, resume, and portfolio to careers@bora.co to apply.   Click here for more info: https://lnkd.in/gxq2t4xh   #boraarchitects #nowhiring #projectmanagers #movetheneedle

Acoustic precision is paramount when designing for musicians perfecting their art. Inspired by the jazz clubs of Detroit, the walnut walls lining the jazz room at Michigan State University's Billman Music Pavilion are defined by custom-milled acoustic panels, each shaped to mimic the curved sections of stringed instruments. Our panel layout varied 3"-thick absorptive panels and 3-6"-thick diffusive panels atop a diffusive battered wall to optimize sound quality for practice and performance.   📸: Lara Swimmer With TMP Architecture, Kirkegaard Associates, Schuler Shook #BoraArchitects #design #performingarts #highereducation #movetheneedle

Hey! Couldn’t join us for Capitol Day, but still want to help us along? Please submit written testimony in support of HB 2141-1, the amended bill. ⏳ Testimony Deadline: THIS Thursday at Noon We have until Thursday at 12PM to submit written testimony in support. Legislators are listening, and they’re looking for volume and diversity of support. Here’s how you can help:   •  Submit a letter of support — either typed into the form or uploaded as a PDF. If you have permission, use company letterhead (clean and polished is great!). https://lnkd.in/e8qtZ8Wb   •  Ask at least 10 people in your network to do the same — this could be colleagues, clients, architects (especially powerful), contractors, and anyone who understands the value of our work. We need a broad pool of support, and get as many submissions of support as possible by tomorrow at 12!

Drum roll, please...the sixth and *final* episode of our Mass Timber 101 Podcast is out! (A timely segue to this week's International Mass Timber Conference!) "Mass Timber: Is It Affordable? (Part 2)" Today Scott Barton-Smith and Sara describe the types of projects and design decisions that are a best fit for mass timber--aka the current "sweet spot" criteria for economical mass timber construction! Then we end with how you can use the supply chain to your advantage to make mass timber affordable. It's what we all want to know, right? Thanks to our listeners for following along on this journey! Mass Timber 101 just scratched the surface (trust us, we could totally nerd out), but we hope we've left you more informed and inspired to lean into mass timber as a building material. Still have questions? Reach out to us anytime, but particularly if you're (1) a developer or owner wondering if mass timber can fit your project, or (2) an architect with mass timber ambitions who wants to leap ahead of the learning curve. Let's continue the dialogue together! 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/g4Prqe6q 🎧 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/g6zi-BQy

As architects we're avid #masstimber fans--and not just because we live in a state that's nearly half forest! Why choose mass timber for a building structure over steel or concrete? Namely, when well done, it's healthier for the planet, reducing a building's carbon footprint and avoiding the greenhouse gases associated with traditional alternatives. And aesthetically, it's beautiful, providing people with a warmer, more tangible connection to nature in the built environment. At this week's International Mass Timber Conference Associate Principal Scott Barton-Smith will be presenting the unique qualities of mass timber structures: https://lnkd.in/gxFxGP2q Shown: ■ Multnomah County Library Holgate Library | 📷 Lara Swimmer ■ Portland Community College Opportunity Center at 42nd Ave. | 📷 Josh Partee ■ Portland Public Schools Lincoln High School Teen Parent Center | 📷 Jeremy Bittermann Can't get enough mass timber? Check out our other resources: 📰 "Getting Acquainted With Mass Timber" White Paper: https://bit.ly/3yoHawk 🎧 "Mass Timber 101" Podcast (Apple): https://lnkd.in/g4Prqe6q 🎧 "Mass Timber 101" Podcast (Spotify): https://lnkd.in/g6zi-BQy

Commercial interior designers are instrumental in creating healthy, safe spaces in the built environment. They are rigorously trained technical experts in space planning, code compliance, and occupant well-being, guiding strategies like daylighting, healthy materials, and accessibility. This translates into thoughtful, inspiring spaces that holistically consider how to optimize the human experience.   But despite this important work, this role is not yet legally recognized in Oregon. Passing House Bill 2141 will establish a voluntary registry for our state’s Commercial Interior Designers, giving them a legal definition of practice, enabling stamp and seal privileges for permitting, and placing them on par with other design professionals.   30 other states have already made this recognition, and IIDA Oregon has a signed petition in hand to get HB 2141 passed so Oregon is among them. This Tuesday, March 25, join us at the Oregon State Capitol 9am-4pm to advocate for the profession of Commercial Interior Design in person. Questions? Email heather.green@shawcontract.com. #boraarchitects #interiordesign #commercialinteriordesigners #movetheneedle