Business Details
21 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design Services
WORKS Architecture is a collective of fearless design leaders committed to redefining architectural possibilities through innovative practices. Since our founding in 2005 by Principal Carrie Strickland, we have pioneered the use of mass-timber construction in Oregon and California, including designing Los Angeles' first high-rise in the Arts District. As a 100% woman-owned firm with a majority female team, we champion collaborative leadership, integrating diverse perspectives from established and emerging voices. Our portfolio spans award-winning projects recognized globally, earning over 60 design accolades for excellence in mixed-use, residential, and adaptive reuse developments.We prioritize bold ideas that merge functionality with artistic vision, ensuring each project reflects our clients' unique goals while advancing sustainable design principles. Our expertise in mass-timber, urban revitalization, and historic preservation has positioned us as industry innovators, consistently delivering architecture that transcends conventional boundaries. With offices in Portland and Los Angeles, we serve clients across the Pacific Northwest and beyond, combining local insight with international standards of excellence.
Services
Mass Timber Construction
Adaptive Reuse Projects
Mixed-Use Developments
Urban Design
Residential Architecture
Commercial Buildings
Historic Preservation
Sustainable Design
Hospitality Architecture
Interior Architecture
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- 100% woman-owned firm with majority female leadership
- Recipient of over 60 prestigious design awards since 2005
- Pioneers in mass-timber construction across the West Coast
- Collaborative approach integrating diverse design perspectives
- Internationally recognized expertise in adaptive reuse projects
What people say
Award-winning designs
Sustainable practices
Collaborative team
Innovative use of materials
Expertise in mass-timber
Services
Mass Timber Construction
We lead the industry in mass-timber construction, combining sustainability with structural innovation. Our expertise includes CLT (cross-laminated timber) systems for high-rise buildings, reducing carbon footprints while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Projects like Framework in Portland demonstrate our ability to push building code boundaries while delivering environmentally responsible solutions for urban landscapes.
Adaptive Reuse Projects
Our team specializes in transforming existing structures into modern, functional spaces while preserving historical integrity. From industrial conversions to mixed-use developments, we maximize material reuse and minimize waste. The Olympic Mills Commerce Center exemplifies our approach, blending historic preservation with contemporary design requirements for commercial tenants.
Mixed-Use Developments
We design vibrant mixed-use spaces that integrate residential, commercial, and public areas seamlessly. Our projects like 7 SE Stark prioritize walkability and community engagement while optimizing land use. By balancing density with livability, we create economically viable developments that enhance urban environments and meet evolving market demands.
Historic Preservation
Our preservation work combines technical expertise with deep respect for architectural heritage. We employ modern techniques to restore historic elements while meeting current safety standards. The Hotel Grand Stark project demonstrates our ability to maintain original character features while introducing contemporary amenities required for modern commercial operations.
Sustainable Design
Sustainability drives every design decision, from material selection to energy systems. We achieve LEED certifications and net-zero goals through passive design strategies and renewable technologies. Our mass-timber projects sequester carbon while biophilic design elements improve occupant wellness, creating buildings that benefit both people and the planet.
People
Carrie Strickland
Principal Architect
Founder of WORKS Architecture in 2005, Carrie Strickland leads with 20+ years of architectural innovation. Recognized as an AIA Fellow, she specializes in mass-timber systems and urban revitalization. Her visionary approach has earned international acclaim for merging sustainability with bold design across 60+ award-winning projects.
Questions
What makes WORKS Architecture unique?
We're a 100% woman-owned firm with over 60 design awards, pioneering mass-timber construction and adaptive reuse projects that combine sustainability with cutting-edge design.
Do you specialize in sustainable architecture?
Yes, sustainability is core to our practice. We use mass-timber systems, prioritize material reuse, and implement energy-efficient solutions to create environmentally responsible buildings.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Portland and Los Angeles, we work on projects throughout Oregon, California, and beyond, with internationally recognized projects in multiple states.
Can you handle complex adaptive reuse projects?
Yes, we specialize in transforming existing structures. Our team has extensive experience converting industrial buildings into modern mixed-use spaces while preserving historical elements.
How do you approach collaborative design?
We employ a collaborative leadership model, integrating diverse perspectives from our multidisciplinary team to create architecture that meets both client needs and community expectations.
