Archinect - Features

'A Commitment to Craft Is Intrinsic to This Place': A Conversation with Portland-Based Linden, Brown Architecture

2024-02-13T13:28:00-05:00

For our latest Studio Snapshot conversation, we had the pleasure of chatting with Brent Linden and Chris Brown, founding partners of Portland, Oregon-based Linden, Brown Architecture (rebranded as Observation Studio in July 2024). Established in 2018 as a collaborative venture after working for large, established firms, the small studio of five seeks inspiration in the rugged beauty and self-reliant spirit of its Pacific Northwest environment.

Our conversation touches on the importance of craft and material culture, favorite design innovators in the greater Portland region, and what qualities the firm looks for in new hires.

Skylab Architecture on Design Driven by Optimism, Exploration, and the Portland Spirit

2020-07-07T12:01:00-04:00

Formed two decades ago in Portland, Skylab Architecture has grown from a one-man office into an established design powerhouse with a reach well beyond the Oregon borders. With principals Jeff Kovel and Brent Grubb at the helm, the practice has expanded to a team of 36 and yet retains its nimble, intimate approach towards projects of all scales — from mountain dwellings in the Oregon woods all the way to signature corporate buildings like the soon-to-open Serena Williams Building at the Nike World Headquarters.

In this installment of Studio Snapshot, Kovel and Grubb discuss the importance of sustainable design practices and the desire to heal mistreated and undervalued places.

From Architecture to Marijuana Edibles, Christine Smith is Working out of the Box

2017-05-03T12:29:00-04:00

In 2015, Oregon joined Colorado, Washington and Alaska in being one of a handful of states to legalize the use of recreational marijuana. Along for the ride was Christine Smith, founder of Grön, a cannabis-infused fair trade chocolate company.

For this installment of Working out of the Box, our series on architects with alternative career paths, we talk with the architect-turned-weed-chocolatier about her transition into the burgeoning marijuana industry and how her architectural prowess allowed her to sail right through the growing (no pun intended!) industry.