Explore new patterns. Embrace iteration. Wishing you a joyous 2023 filled with creative endeavors that click into place.

Happy New Year from Mayer/Reed!

We’re delighted to announce the promotion of Shannon Simms, ASLA to associate principal and shareholder. With her expertise as a landscape architect and urban designer, Shannon leads planning and design of complex, urban environments for recreation and active transportation. Her recent projects include the Green Loop Concepts (Portland, OR), Southwest Corridor Light Rail Urban Design (Portland to Tualatin, OR), Ebey Waterfront Trail, Master Plan & Phase 1 (Marysville, WA) and St. Helens Riverfront Park (St. Helens, OR).

Shannon holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Boston University. She is a past vice president of member services for Oregon ASLA and has mentored design students as an adjunct instructor for urban design and landscape programs at the University of Oregon.

Mayer/Reed is marking the next chapter of our interdisciplinary design leadership—honoring a legacy of design excellence and promoting from within.

Kathy Fry, SEGD and Jeramie Shane, ASLA lead the visual communications and landscape architecture groups respectively and continue to work side-by-side to evolve Mayer/Reed’s collaborative approach to forward-thinking design. Together with Shannon Simms, ASLA, who was recently promoted to associate principal and shareholder, they see a future filled with possibilities where the studio’s integrated disciplines thrive through curiosity and cross-pollination.

“We’re designing for an ever-changing world,” says Jeramie, “and we’re cultivating a studio that encourages pressing beyond what we know to what might be revealed through a creative process. Listening, collaboration and making space for tinkering and iteration is a mindset.”

“As we navigate evolving technologies, new social patterns and climate change with our clients, we’re guided by our long-standing core values,” adds Kathy. “We’re talking about enduring, resilient and adaptive design—key for the health and well-being of our communities and environment.”

Founding partner Carol Mayer-Reed, FASLA remains focused on client relations, projects and design mentorship. “I’m reflecting on the people who inspired me and encouraged me to find my voice in design. In turn, I’m continuing to express my passion for the profession as a mentor and encouraging women to lead with their strong design sensibilities.”

“Carol has been an inspiration to so many people including me,” notes Shannon. “Her influence is far reaching. I’m honored to be a part of the firm’s ongoing success as a women-owned business.”

Mayer/Reed welcomes landscape architect, Michael O’Brien and industrial designer, Fred Stiber.

Senior landscape architect and project manager, Michael O’Brien, ASLA brings over 30 years of experience in the Portland area, focusing on public open space, mixed-use and municipal projects. His current work includes Errol Heights Park (Portland, OR), Cascades Academy Expansion (Bend, OR) and Multiple Pathways to Graduation (Portland, OR). Active in the design community and committed to the future of the region, Michael serves on the Metro Technical Advisory Committee and is a former chair of the Oregon State Landscape Architect Board.

Fred Stiber, SEGD joins the visual communications team with a focus on industrial design. With a background in exhibit design and wayfinding, he supports project development through thoughtful programming and structure design. His current work at Mayer/Reed includes signage and wayfinding for Nike World Headquarters (Beaverton, OR) and SeaTac Airport’s C1 Building Expansion (Seattle, WA).