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 

Committed to the Future of Design

In continuation of our commitment to the future of the landscape architecture and experiential graphic design professions, Mayer/Reed has pledged multi-year support for two new programs. We have joined fellow design firms as founding donors of the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) Ignite program and the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) 50th Foundation. These foundations address the imperative for a richer diversity of future designers who are well-prepared for the growing challenges of designing for the built environment.

LAF Ignite supports BIPOC landscape architecture students from acceptance into the program to completion of their landscape architecture degrees. Participants receive annual $10,000 scholarships and paid summer internships as well as  mentorship throughout their academic experience.

The SEGD 50th Foundation marks the 50th anniversary of the organization with a recommitment to the future of experience design. It provides resources to educational institutions and emerging professionals and reduces barriers to and within the field through mentorship programs.

As the professions of landscape architecture and experiential graphic design confront increasingly complex social and environmental responsibilities, we are inspired by the undaunted ambition we’ve seen in the upcoming generation of designers. Please join us in contributing to their success.

Celebrating AFO’s 2023 Honored Citizen

On October 10th, the Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO) hosted its 30th annual Honored Citizen event in recognition of 2023 honoree, Hermann Colas Jr. Mr. Colas established Colas Construction in 1997 and the family-run business has gone on to record-breaking achievements such as leading the $39 million Oregon Convention Center renovation, the largest contract of any BIPOC contracting firm in the state.

The spectacular and heartfelt evening at the Oregon Convention Center featured stage and tablescape design contributed by Mayer/Reed. Inspired by Colas’ Haitian heritage, we crafted lush foliage accents, branded table graphics and a dramatic stage design lit with the changing colors of a sunset. The installation offered a perfect backdrop for an outpouring of enthusiastic storytelling in praise of Hermann Colas’ contributions to the region’s built environment.

The warmth and respect for Mr. Colas was palpable at the event. It was a joy and privilege to participate in celebrating Hermann Colas, Jr. and the 30th anniversary of AFO’s Honored Citizen Award.

Photos by Mayer/Reed and Andrea Lonas
Posted October 12, 2023
Written by: Mayer/Reed
Categories: COMMUNITY  EVENTS 

Construction Kicks Off at Mill Park

Residents, school children and City of Portland representatives gathered for the Mill Park development construction kick-off party. The new 6.2-acre park, designed by Mayer/Reed, is being built in Southeast Portland’s Mill Park neighborhood, adjacent to an elementary school of the same name.

The September 28th family-friendly event brought out an enthusiastic crowd of young and old who helped dig groundbreaking shovelfuls alongside Parks Director Adena Long, Commissioner Dan Ryan and representatives from the Division Midway Alliance, Mill Park Elementary School and Mill Park Neighborhood Association.

Mill Park Groundbreaking, Mayer/Reed

Through community engagement and collaboration with PP&R and artist Alex Chiu, we designed the park to emphasize active community space with a central promenade that connects with the school. A playground, splash pad, public art, community garden and chinlone/volleyball court will transform this former open space into a lively neighborhood destination.

Raimore Construction is leading the park construction, with completion expected in the fall of 2024.