Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture Solutions in Portland, OR
Waterleaf Architecture has been dedicated to creating innovative, sustainable architectural solutions since 1952. Our firm specializes in commercial, winery, transit, higher education, residential, historic restoration, and adaptive reuse projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. With over six decades of experience, we collaborate closely with private building owners, nonprofits, and public agencies to develop designs that reflect community values while prioritizing environmental stewardship. As a certified B Corporation since 2016, we uphold rigorous standards of social and environmental responsibility, transparency, and accountability. Our team of LEED-accredited professionals and skilled architects integrates universal design principles, seismic upgrades, and sustainable practices into every project.We emphasize listening to clients' needs, fostering creativity, and delivering economical, efficient spaces that align with stakeholders' visions. Our commitment extends beyond architecture to community engagement, advocating for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion through measurable goals. Recognized for our expertise in seismic resiliency and sustainable design, we have earned accolades such as Portland's Sustainability at Work Gold Certification. By combining technical proficiency with a deep understanding of environmental impact, we strive to create enduring spaces that enhance communities and future generations.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Commercial Design
Winery Architecture
Transit Projects
Higher Education Facilities
Residential Design
Historic Restoration
Adaptive Reuse
Seismic Upgrades
Universal Design
Details
- Year established: 1952
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience in Pacific Northwest architecture.
- Our firm is a certified B Corporation committed to social responsibility.
- 27% of our team are LEED-accredited professionals.
- We prioritize community engagement in all design processes.
- Specialized expertise in seismic upgrades and historic preservation.
Associations and certifications
- B Lab
- U.S. Green Building Council
Services
Sustainable Architecture
We integrate environmentally responsible practices into all projects, focusing on energy efficiency, material sustainability, and ecological impact reduction. Our LEED-certified professionals employ advanced techniques to create buildings that minimize carbon footprints while maximizing functionality. This approach ensures long-term environmental benefits and compliance with evolving sustainability standards.
Winery Architecture
Our winery designs combine functional production spaces with visitor-friendly aesthetics. We specialize in integrating landscape planning with building programming to create cohesive environments that enhance both operational efficiency and guest experiences while maintaining regional architectural character.
Transit Projects
We design transit infrastructure that prioritizes accessibility, sustainability, and community integration. Our portfolio includes streetcar systems, light rail stations, and bus facilities that balance technical requirements with urban design principles to create efficient, user-friendly transportation networks.
Historic Restoration
Our team specializes in preserving architectural heritage while implementing modern upgrades. We maintain original design elements while incorporating seismic reinforcements, accessibility improvements, and energy-efficient systems to extend building lifespans and adapt them for contemporary use.
Higher Education Facilities
We create educational environments that support learning, research, and community engagement. Our designs for classrooms, laboratories, and student housing emphasize flexibility, sustainability, and technological integration to meet evolving institutional needs while enhancing campus aesthetics.
People
Jon Styner
Partner
AIA and LEED AP BD+C accredited architect with extensive experience in sustainable design and project leadership across diverse architectural sectors.
William Bailey
Managing Partner
Licensed architect and NCARB-certified professional overseeing firm operations and strategic direction while maintaining active project involvement.
Stephen Lapp
Partner
Architect with demonstrated expertise in complex design solutions and collaborative project execution across multiple building typologies.
Ellen Krusi
Associate Partner
AIA-certified architect recognized for innovative design approaches and leadership in advancing sustainable building practices.
Richard Aanderud
Partner Emeritus
Retired partner maintaining advisory role, offering decades of accumulated architectural knowledge and institutional memory to current projects.
Questions
What architectural services does Waterleaf Architecture specialize in?
We specialize in sustainable commercial, residential, transit, winery, and higher education projects, along with historic restoration and seismic upgrades.
Are you certified in sustainable design practices?
Yes, we're a certified B Corporation and have LEED-accredited professionals on staff.
Do you work on historic building renovations?
Yes, we specialize in historic restoration and adaptive reuse projects.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon and Washington.
How does your firm approach community engagement?
We prioritize stakeholder collaboration and incorporate community values into every design process.
