Mayer/Reed Signs Downtown Lease

Mayer/Reed is proud to announce the signing of a new 10-year lease at the Power + Light Building in downtown Portland. Our roots run deep in this city and we are committed to taking an active role in its revitalization.

Since 1977, our firm has been located on the corner of SW 3rd and Washington. In that time, we have seen and experienced a lot of change – but none quite like the last four years. With a changing neighborhood, an expiring lease, and the option to relocate elsewhere, we took a hard look at what we need and value in a location. “Ultimately, we determined downtown is still the place to be,” said Principal Jeramie Shane. “We’ll be near Pioneer Courthouse Square, the heart of the city.”

“The space we selected is on the transit mall – a place we helped design. It has a stop just feet from the front door, giving employees ideal access to bus and light rail,” said Associate Principal Shannon Simms. “The building has high quality bike and locker rooms, which are key amenities that enable our employees to commute on the city’s bike network.”

Our move to the Power + Light Building this summer will begin a new chapter for Mayer/Reed, but it is also a continuation of our enduring legacy. We believe in vibrant downtown, and we are doubling down in our commitment. “We have been intentional about investing firm resources in ways that benefit downtown businesses and activity, especially since returning to in-office work in 2021,” said Principal Kathy Fry. “We are encouraged to see other firms doing the same.”

A Reimagined Errol Heights Park Opens

On December 23rd, Portland Parks & Recreation will reopen Errol Heights Park to the public following a major project designed by Mayer/Reed. Bundle up and explore the new amenities, which include a vibrant play area, an intriguing sculpture crafted by artists Terresa White and Mike Suri and an ADA-accessible elevated pathway connecting the upper park with trails in the lower restored natural area. Stay tuned for a formal grand opening celebration in the spring. 

Posted December 18, 2023
Written by: Mayer/Reed
Categories: IN THE STUDIO 

Celebrating Mayer/Reed Founders Month

During November we celebrated the legacy of our firm by revisiting pivotal projects through the eyes of founders Michael Reed, FSEGD and Carol Mayer-Reed, FASLA. Their passion for design and equitable public spaces has shaped communities and defined the design studio of Mayer/Reed.

Throughout the year leading up to our Founders Month, we unearthed archived drawings and sketches from significant projects of the last four decades. We marveled at the work, along with the reminder that although tools and technology have changed, the core of good design remains. Earlier this year, Carol and Michael shared reflections on how key projects and creative design staff influenced their careers and the firm over time.

Today, Owners/Principals Jeramie Shane, ASLA and Kathy Fry, SEGD lead the studio along with Associate Principal, Shannon Simms, ASLA. We are rooted in the values of environmental stewardship, collaboration and community upon which Michael and Carol established our practice. As we forge ahead, we celebrate the importance of passing down our rich firm history. We hope you’ve enjoyed this look back with us.

Posted December 01, 2023
Written by: Mayer/Reed
Categories: IN THE STUDIO 

ASLA Oregon Names Laura Hartzell President-Elect

Congratulations to Mayer/Reed landscape architect, Laura Hartzell, the newly named President-Elect of ASLA Oregon, the local branch of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Laura will work alongside the current president and executive committee throughout the year, increasing member engagement and implementing ASLA’s Climate Action Plan. She’ll further these ASLA initiatives in the role of president the following year. 

Also serving ASLA Oregon, Mayer/Reed landscape designer Taylor Bowden maintains her term on the executive committee as VP of Chapter Services, and principal Jeramie Shane continues to represent ASLA as the landscape architect on the multi-disciplinary AIA/ASLA/APA Portland Urban Design Panel

We appreciate the time and effort it takes to stay active in the professional community. Thank you to our staff for their dedication to ASLA!

Posted October 30, 2023
Written by: Mayer/Reed
Categories: IN THE STUDIO