In-Between

credit: Graphic Print Solutions

Look up! It’s new public art along NE Holladay Street. Titled “In-Between,” the banners are part of Portland’s Percent For Art program made possible by the new Oregon Convention Center parking structure. With text by Brooklyn-born artist, Hank Willis Thomas, and photographs by local artist, Intisar Abioto, the artwork transforms five utility poles in the street median to hold ten large banners, displayed in pairs. The exhibit kicks off an on-going art banner series that will be refreshed every six months with new works by different artists.


As the lead urban designer for the parking garage, it was such a rewarding experience to serve on the art selection committee with partners from the neighborhood, local artists, Portland Art Museum, Prosper Portland and Metro. Many thanks to Peggy Kendellen at the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC) for her vision and guidance throughout this process in the spirit of innovation. Through the synthesis of team brainstorming our committee discovered a path forward by questioning, “Who are we, how did we get here and where are we going?” all while dealing with a very visible, complex, and congested urban site. We have deep appreciation for both artists – Intisar Abioto and Hank Willis Thomas – for their melding of talents, curatorship of their combined works and synergy to bring this work to fruition. It’s not often we find a single installation speaking in such a clear voice to convey collaboration, respect, historic truth telling and beauty.

Renovated Oregon Convention Center Reveals New Public Open Space, Enhanced Wayfinding

Designers, contractors and community leaders recently celebrated the completed renovation of the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. The major upgrade elevates the visitor experience – indoors and out – at the largest event venue in the Pacific Northwest.

The new outdoor environment designed by Mayer/Reed adds a hospitality terrace and events plaza and improves pedestrian circulation throughout the site.
An identity pylon of weathering steel and luminous glass marks the main entry.
Inside the building, our signage design complements LMN Architects’ renovated interiors with internally illuminated wayfinding pylons that glow as landmarks within the large volume spaces.

Mayer/Reed Projects and Staff Honored with 2019 ASLA Oregon Awards

Each fall we look forward to celebrating design with the Oregon landscape architecture community at the annual Oregon ASLA Awards Soiree. This year we are proud to share that two Mayer/Reed projects and one Mayer/Reed landscape architect took home honors.Representatives from Mayer/Reed and the City of Portland accepted an honor award in analysis & planning for the Green Loop, a concept and planning framework for a continuous pedestrian and bicycle trail encircling Portland’s inner city utilizing existing street rights-of-way as its network.

A second honor award, this one in the category of community service, went to our pro-bono Portland Winter Light Festival installation – Kinetic DeLight. Crafted of 700 human-powered LED skateboard wheels on a custom steel frame, the exhibit invited visitors to spin streaks of light, offering both touch and visual sensations. Kinetic DeLight will be making a re-appearance at the free 2020 Portland Winter Light Festival in February.In addition, Mayer/Reed landscape architect, Shannon Simms, received the President’s Chapter Service Award in recognition of her outstanding volunteer service on behalf of the chapter and the profession.

Meet Our Newest Landscape Designers

Mayer/Reed welcomes landscape designers, Anna Chen and Rachel Lingard.

Anna Chen, ASLA, LEED GA joined Mayer/Reed as a landscape designer. Her current work includes Washington Way at OSU, Benson High School modernization and Evergreen School District improvements. “Landscape architecture is the medium that links society with nature,” she says. “Whether designing a natural area or urban landscape, I aim to create both physical and poetic connections to place.” Anna has a Bachelor of Science in landscape architecture with a minor in urban planning from Arizona State University. She serves on the ASLA Oregon Executive Committee as the Emerging Professionals Chair.

Rachel Lingard, ASLA joined Mayer/Reed as a landscape designer. Her current work includes the Lincoln High School replacement, Errol Heights Park and Evergreen School District improvements. She brings a holistic perspective and affinity for sustainable design. “The field of landscape architecture requires us to think not just about one piece of the puzzle, but about how it all fits together,” she notes. A lover of learning and the outdoors, Rachel finds the beauty of our planet a constant source of design inspiration. She has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning degree from Utah State University.

Posted November 09, 2019
Written by: Mayer/Reed
Categories: IN THE STUDIO