GBD Architects

creating places for humans to be…more human.

Our commitment to sustainability is not limited to the buildings we create.  We readily engage personal and collective actions that benefit both our environment and ourselves. These actions are vital, and underscore our desire to leave the earth better than we found it.

creating places for humans to be…more human.

Our commitment to sustainability is not limited to the buildings we create.  We readily engage personal and collective actions that benefit both our environment and ourselves. These actions are vital, and underscore our desire to leave the earth better than we found it.

SUSTAINABLE AT HEART

Portland. It’s our home. From here, our Pacific Northwest ethos of environmental stewardship guides us towards a comprehensive approach to sustainability. We consider the implications of our work not just on a given site, but within the larger context of the environment as a whole. We design for efficiency, longevity and beauty. We value density and urban connectivity. We work to integrate systems that create synergies between empirical performance and holistic place-making.

Our built portfolio is an affirmation to these values: we have realized more than 2.5 million square feet of LEED Platinum work along with the first commercially sized, mixed-use Passive House building in the United States. Additionally, we are committed to the AIA’s 2030 Challenge to keep ourselves on the path to carbon neutrality.

Within our workplace, our Green Team meets regularly to brainstorm and advocates for ways to make our operations more sustainable. As a result, GBD has received the highest level of certification from Sustainability at Work – a program provided through the city of Portland that recognizes the positive environmental and social impacts of local businesses. We proudly encourage employees’ low-impact lifestyles, including active transportation, waste minimization, and support of local businesses.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

GBD is actively committed to serving the communities we call home. We donate our time, energy and knowledge to a variety of social and civic causes including Rotary, the ACE Mentor Program, and the Oregon Food Bank. 

We are especially proud of our connection to Kelly Elementary School in SE Portland. For more than a decade, GBD has been a key contributor to the Kelly School pantry, which serves underprivileged families in the neighborhood. During this time, GBD Employees have donated more than $90,000 – several tons of food – to help keep the shelves stocked. In addition, GBD conducts the Kelly School Toy Drive every holiday season, and has provided more than 3,000 toys to happy children and grateful parents.

Within professional circles, GBD is an active participant and supporter of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), and the AIA’s Committee on the Environment (COTE).

A HEALTHY WORKPLACE

We balance our culture of hard work with serious fun. As a firm, we strongly believe that our best work can only come about through the strong and positive relationships we share with each other as teammates, collaborators, and friends. It’s a tradition at GBD to foster these relationships outside the office through outings and events. Twice a year, we make time for GBD Recess, a day-long event of community service or just plain fun.

Getting outside is a big part of our culture. We proudly participate in the annual Hood to Coast and Pole Pedal Paddle races, field a softball team each summer, and tee it up for a day each fall.  Closer to home, our Wellness Team keeps us active with wellness stretching, wellness challenges and group runs.

BUILDING KNOWLEDGE

Professional development is critical to our success. Therefore, GBD believes strongly in enriching and expanding the knowledge of our staff by creating an office-wide culture of learning. To facilitate this culture, we host in-house events in our Family Room that feature presentations on a variety of topics.

GBD-U is our lecture series that explores sustainability issues, project case studies, or methods of best practices.  Quarterly lightning talks (best known as Pecha Kucha presentations) provide insight into individual passions or areas of expertise. Our robust schedule of Lunch and Learns helps keep staff up to date on products and processes, while providing valuable AIA Continuing Education credits.

As day-to-day resources, we employ specialists in sustainability, information technology, and building information management. We encourage professional licensure for those eligible and LEED accreditation for everyone.  GBD furnishes study materials for all professional exams and offers reimbursement for successful completion of LEED certification.

ALWAYS INNOVATING

Advances in technology continue to redefine how we work. Through the latest building information, visualization and project management software, we are able to share information with clients and consultants, creating an integrated flow of ideas that helps propel each project towards success.

Our workflow methods facilitate an iterative approach to design, allowing us to test and evolve design solutions in order to find the right balance of design criteria, constructability, and budget. When needed, we engage close and trusted consultants to expand upon our abilities to produce information related to energy modeling and data analysis.

Through our effective use of industry leading software, we are able to conceive, visualize, and produce a wide variety of project types, creating smooth project delivery for all stakeholders. 

 

 

 

 

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© GBD Architects Incorporated 1120 NW Couch St., Suite 300 Portland, OR 97209 Tel. (503) 224-9656 gbd@gbdarchitects.com

©GBD Architects Incorporated

  • 1120 NW Couch St., Suite 300 Portland, OR 97209
  • (503) 224-9656 gbd@gbdarchitects.com