Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Architecture & Interior Design in Portland
Ffa Architecture & Interiors is a full-service design firm with a legacy of creating timeless, beautiful, and sustainable architecture since 1956. Our practice focuses on developing contextual projects that prioritize people, combining thoughtful stewardship of investments, craftsmanship, and the environment. We collaborate closely with clients to deliver innovative and interactive design solutions tailored to their needs. Our work spans architecture, planning, and interior design, emphasizing sustainability as a core principle rather than an afterthought. We are committed to equity, actively integrating diverse perspectives to create inclusive spaces that reflect the communities we serve.Our methodology balances environmental, cultural, and economic resources to ensure lasting value for future generations. Recognized for award-winning expertise, we have completed notable projects in civic, commercial, educational, and recreational sectors. Our team combines decades of experience with a dedication to advancing community-centered design through practical innovation and proven processes. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, we serve clients across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Our legacy continues to inspire spaces that enrich lives and foster connections through architecture.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Sustainable Design
Community Projects
Historic Restoration
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of experience in architecture and interior design.
- Our team includes LEED-certified professionals specializing in sustainable design.
- We prioritize community-focused, equitable spaces tailored to client needs.
- Our projects consistently receive regional and national design awards.
- We integrate practical innovation with proven methodologies for reliable results.
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP BD+C
- LEED AP O+M
What people say
Award-winning designs
Strong sustainability focus
Community-centered approach
Historic preservation expertise
Innovative material use
Services
Architecture
FFA provides comprehensive architectural services focused on creating functional, sustainable, and aesthetically timeless spaces. Our approach emphasizes collaboration with clients to develop contextual designs that respond to site-specific needs while prioritizing occupant wellness and environmental stewardship. We specialize in civic, commercial, and educational projects that integrate innovative solutions with enduring quality.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on crafting transformative workspaces that enhance productivity and well-being. We prioritize flexible layouts, natural materials, and daylight integration to create environments that adapt to evolving business needs while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding community and natural context.
Sustainable Design
Sustainability is central to our design philosophy, incorporating mass timber, photovoltaic systems, and energy-efficient strategies to achieve Net Zero Energy goals. We employ place-based solutions that balance ecological, cultural, and economic factors, ensuring long-term environmental responsibility across all project phases.
Community Projects
We specialize in designing inclusive civic spaces that foster social connection and community resilience. Our portfolio includes libraries, public safety facilities, and recreational centers that prioritize accessibility, emergency preparedness, and educational opportunities through thoughtful spatial planning and material selection.
Historic Restoration
FFA restores and repurposes historic structures while maintaining their architectural integrity. Our work combines modern functionality with traditional craftsmanship, ensuring culturally significant buildings continue serving communities for generations through adaptive reuse and seismic upgrades.
People
Ian Gelbrich
Partner
Ian Gelbrich leads civic and community-focused projects, emphasizing place-specific design that elevates small-town architecture. He prioritizes client collaboration and operational efficiency in public safety and municipal facilities.
Richard Grace
Partner
Richard Grace specializes in commercial and residential repositioning projects, focusing on transforming outdated spaces into modern, sustainable environments. He emphasizes material innovation and tenant experience in urban revitalization efforts.
Edward Running
Partner
Edward Running leads educational and agricultural facility projects, integrating sustainable practices with functional learning environments. His expertise includes mass timber construction and net-zero energy design for academic institutions.
Laura Roark
Associate Partner
Laura Roark specializes in civic and community center projects, focusing on seismic upgrades and multi-functional spaces that serve as neighborhood hubs. She emphasizes resiliency and public engagement in design processes.
Christine Rumi
Partner
Christine Rumi drives equity initiatives and sustainable design strategies across projects. She focuses on creating inclusive spaces that reflect diverse community needs while advancing environmental stewardship through material and systems selection.
Questions
What types of projects does FFA specialize in?
FFA specializes in architecture, interior design, and planning for civic, commercial, educational, and recreational projects with a focus on sustainability and community impact.
Does FFA work outside the Pacific Northwest?
While based in Portland, Oregon, FFA has completed projects in Idaho, California, and Washington, maintaining regional design sensitivity across diverse locations.
How does FFA incorporate sustainability into designs?
We use mass timber, photovoltaic systems, passive ventilation, and energy-efficient strategies to achieve Net Zero Energy goals while prioritizing durable, locally sourced materials.
Can FFA handle historic building renovations?
Yes, we specialize in historic restoration and adaptive reuse projects that preserve architectural integrity while implementing modern functionality and seismic upgrades.
What sets FFA apart from other architecture firms?
Our commitment to equity, community engagement, and integrating sustainability as foundational design principles distinguishes our approach to every project.
How long has FFA been in business?
FFA Architecture and Interiors was founded in 1956, bringing over 60 years of experience in creating timeless, people-centered spaces.
