Business Details
Sustainable Architecture & Urban Design Solutions
SERA Architects is a 100% employee-owned firm dedicated to sustainable placemaking through architecture, urban design, and interior solutions. Founded on principles of collaboration and innovation, we prioritize resilience, equity, and environmental stewardship in every project. Our team of multidisciplinary experts specializes in mass timber construction, adaptive reuse, and community-driven design, delivering spaces that enrich lives and inspire positive change. With offices in Portland and Oakland, we combine decades of experience with cutting-edge methodologies to address complex challenges like embodied carbon reduction. Our employee ownership culture fosters creativity and accountability, ensuring every project reflects our commitment to designing a better future.Recognized for our work in hospitality, housing, and public sectors, we partner with clients to create healthy, inclusive environments that stand the test of time. From concept to completion, we emphasize transparency, technical excellence, and measurable sustainability outcomes. Our approach integrates cultural sensitivity with technical rigor, as demonstrated in award-winning projects like the Hattie Redmond Apartments and Saltwood development. As industry leaders in mass timber innovation, we actively contribute to advancing sustainable construction practices. Whether renovating historic structures or crafting modern facilities, our focus remains on creating places where people and communities thrive.
Services
Architecture
Urban Design
Interior Design
Sustainability Consulting
Mass Timber Projects
Adaptive Reuse
Public Sector Design
Hospitality Architecture
Affordable Housing
Resilient Planning
Highlights and features
- We are 100% employee-owned with over 50% female leadership.
- Specialists in mass timber construction and embodied carbon reduction.
- Award-winning expertise in adaptive reuse and community-driven design.
- Committed to equity, resilience, and measurable sustainability outcomes.
- Collaborative approach integrating architecture, interiors, and urban planning.
Services
Architecture
We create innovative architectural solutions that prioritize sustainability and community impact. Our designs integrate cutting-edge materials like mass timber with timeless principles of form and function. From concept to construction, we deliver spaces that reflect client vision while meeting rigorous environmental standards.
Urban Design
Our urban design practice focuses on creating vibrant, equitable public spaces that foster community connection. We develop comprehensive frameworks for neighborhood revitalization, transit-oriented development, and mixed-use environments. Projects emphasize walkability, green infrastructure, and cultural preservation.
Sustainability Consulting
We embed sustainability into every project phase through embodied carbon analysis, energy modeling, and material innovation. Our consultants help clients achieve LEED certification and net-zero goals while maintaining budgetary efficiency. This includes specialized expertise in mass timber performance and lifecycle assessment.
Mass Timber Projects
We lead the industry in mass timber design, delivering structurally sound, aesthetically striking buildings with reduced carbon footprints. Our team navigates code requirements, material sourcing, and construction techniques to maximize timber's environmental and economic benefits across commercial and residential projects.
Adaptive Reuse
We transform existing structures into modern, sustainable spaces while preserving historical character. Our approach extends building lifecycles, reduces waste, and maintains community heritage. Recent projects include converting industrial warehouses into creative office spaces and revitalizing aging housing developments.
People
Stuart Colby
Principal, Workplace Studio Director
Stuart leads workplace design initiatives with 20+ years of experience creating innovative office environments that enhance productivity and sustainability. He specializes in integrating biophilic design principles with modern workplace strategies.
Kurt Schultz
Principal, Housing Studio Director
Kurt oversees affordable housing projects with a focus on equitable urban development. His 25-year career includes designing award-winning mixed-income communities that prioritize resident well-being and environmental responsibility.
Lisa Zangerle
Principal, Hospitality Studio Director
Lisa specializes in hospitality architecture, creating immersive guest experiences that reflect local culture. With 18 years in the field, she has designed boutique hotels and resort spaces across the Pacific Northwest.
George Hager
Principal
George leads public sector projects with expertise in civic buildings and institutional design. He has directed major renovations of government facilities while maintaining operational continuity and historical integrity.
Jacob Johnson
Media Relations
Jacob manages public communications and industry outreach, promoting sustainable design practices through speaking engagements and publications. He has over 15 years of experience in architecture marketing and thought leadership.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-service architecture including concept design, construction documentation, and project management for commercial, residential, and public sector projects.
Do you specialize in sustainable design?
Yes, sustainability is core to our practice. We offer LEED certification guidance, embodied carbon analysis, and specialized mass timber construction expertise.
Can you work on historic building renovations?
Absolutely. Our adaptive reuse specialists preserve historical elements while modernizing infrastructure and improving energy efficiency in heritage buildings.
What regions do you serve?
We operate nationwide with primary offices in Portland, OR and Oakland, CA. Recent projects include locations in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Are you involved in community development?
Yes, we partner with local organizations on affordable housing, public spaces, and urban renewal initiatives that address community needs and promote equity.
