1 AIA LU|HSW Available
Scott Edwards Architecture will be presenting their Architecture Headquarters project, recipient of a 2022 Oregon Architecture Awards Merit Award.
As a company focused on architectural design, Scott Edwards Architecture tapped the firm’s existing knowledge and engaged staff with a company-wide charette process to design a headquarters that is purposeful in its commitment to preserve, innovate, and connect to people and place. The building is both meaningful for the occupants as a comfortable workplace and an important addition to the neighborhood as a beacon of forward-looking design. Everything from the kitchen functionality to the roof deck to workstation sizing and layout is a direct result of active discovery—'moments’ like the feature stair and associated sitting areas encourage staff to linger, connect, share ideas, and pause at times throughout the workday to build in some whitespace for deeper thought.
Attendees of this course can expect to learn what drove SEA’s decision to renovate and add to the firm’s existing office, rather than move to a new location, and how the use of mass timber helped integrate old and new. The course will also explore the project’s sustainability strategies, a case study for code appeal that helped maintain the design vision, and how intentional design elements throughout the headquarters promote staff well-being.
Learning Objective 1:
In this presentation participants will be able to understand the decision to renovate and add to the existing bowstring truss building and how the sustainable design choice to use mass timber helped integrate old and new, breathing new life into an existing building.
Learning Objective 2:
In this presentation participants will be able to understand how sustainability strategies like locally sourced materials, energy and daylight modeling, and a green roof were used in the renovation and addition to promote environmental stewardship.
Learning Objective 3:
In this presentation participants will be able to understand how design elements like an open feature stair, a central town hall, and informal gathering areas encourage staff connection and a shared experience in the built environment
Learning Objective 4:
In this presentation participants will be able to understand the SEA HQ as a case study for code appeal for safe egress that maintains design intent of 3-story open stair.
Peter Grimm, Architect, AIA, NCARB, Principal
Peter has 26 years of experience in the architectural profession, 23 of those working with Scott Edwards Architecture, with 9 years as Principal. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Oregon. His experience includes ground-up expansion and remodel projects for a wide range of clients including office, retail, industrial, community, education, housing, child development, and hospitality.
In recent years, Peter has focused on urban infill, redevelopment, and adaptive reuse for housing, creative office, and retail projects in the Portland metro area and beyond. He has also provided highest and best use analysis, zoning assistance, and consulting services to several clients who are in early stages of either purchasing or redeveloping properties.
Peter excels in providing superior design, client engagement, and project team coordination and integration. Peter emphasizes the importance of maintaining an active presence during construction to ensure the design intent is preserved through project completion.
Eric Wenzel, Architect, Associate
Eric has worked on several diverse projects during his time at Scott Edwards Architecture, focusing specifically on commercial tenant improvements. Eric’s project experience with community-based, commercial, and hospitality projects has provided him a well-rounded framework. His attention to detail and schedule makes him an asset when coordinating with clients and consultants. He is technology savvy and possesses an increased level of curiosity and innovation that lends itself well to his work. His skills and experience make him a valuable part of the design team through all phases of the project.
As Associate, Eric has taken the lead on coordinating many volunteering efforts at Scott Edwards Architecture, this includes his shelter-focused work with the Kenton Women’s Village, St John’s Village, and Arbor Lodge Safe Rest Village.
