Alumni Stories

Michael Wilkes photography of an architectural feature.

Eye for Architecture

Michael Wilkes, BArch ’71, started fresh out of college as an architect at the San Diego firm that would later become Delawie/Bretton/Wilkes Associates. That’s also where he started to learn photography and how he became enamored with the discipline.
Photo of person at desk with a Taskshade

Architecture, Product Design Team Launches Taskshade to Improve Workspace Health

The “personal shading companion” provides protection from glare while keeping all the benefits of sunlight.
Photo of Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

Architecture Alumnus Johnpaul Jones Wins Tau Sigma Delta Gold Medal

The TSD Honor Society in Architecture and Allied Arts recognized Jones for his record of high distinction in design in the field of architecture.

Graphic art of an ADU

Architecture Alumna Helps Angelenos Permit, Design, and Build Accessory Dwelling Units

Cultured magazine features the work of Architectural Designer Chazandra Kern and the Los Angeles nonprofit LA Más.

The School of Architecture & Environment Welcomes Michael Zaretsky as New Department of Architecture Head

Coming from the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, Zaretsky discusses his commitment to sustainability, social justice, and public interest design in architecture.

Graphic of architecture rendering

Dezeen Showcases Five SAE Student Projects on Environmental Justice and Inclusivity

Five architecture students present designs—ranging from a water research facility to an education hub in an underserved Portland neighborhood—for a sustainable urban design studio

Photo of a woman at a laptop

Mentorship in a Pandemic

With the launch of mentoring circles in SAE, students, alumni, and professionals are bridging the gap between current and future architects.

Photo of Oregon Coast

Architecture Alumnus to Design Oregon Coast Longhouse

The architect Todd Lawson discovered his ties to the Clatsop tribe while studying at the University of Oregon.

Architectural rendering of the exterior of a library

MArch Alum Wins a 2020 AIA Northwest & Pacific Region Student Design Award

Austin Gutierrez won the Citation Award for his public library design.

Close up photo of art installation "suffrage quilt' at Boise City Hall

Architecture Alumna Designs Suffrage ‘Quilt’ for Boise City Hall

Stephanie Inman says the 26-foot-long aluminum quilt is unfinished as there is still ‘work to be done.’

Graphic of trees and root system

Landscape Architecture Alumna Wins ASLA Award

The American Society of Landscape Architects recognized Deanna Lynn (MLA, ’20) for her research in designing for soil carbon sequestration.

susan Dolan doing work with the National Park Service

National Park Service’s Susan Dolan Named 2020 Lawrence Medalist

The NPS Cultural Landscapes Program manager recieved a Bachelor and Master of Landscape Architecture at the College of Design.

Basking shark

The Shark, the Filter, and the Partnership

Architecture alumna Julia May and graduate student Alex Balog look to the basking shark for solutions to public health, environmental, and economic issues.

clear marble reflecting landscape

Shaping the Future of Architecture Education

More than 100 practitioners and academics sign the Portland Declaration, asking NAAB, the top accrediting board, to prioritize sustainability, climate action, and environmental stewardship.

Nike Air Max 1 shoe (1987)

Tinker Hatfield Wins 2019 National Design Award for Product Design

The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum recognizes the architecture alum for his disruptive and innovative career designing footwear.