Business Details
22 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Custom Home Design in Portland, OR
Founded in 2004, Jack Barnes Architect specializes in creating timeless, resilient, and sustainable homes tailored to clients' evolving life stages. Our expertise spans custom home design, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and historic renovations across the Pacific Northwest. With a focus on environmental responsibility, we integrate Passive House principles and prioritize minimizing embodied carbon through material selection and reuse strategies. Our team, led by Jack Barnes AIA, NCARB-certified architect and Certified Passive House Consultant, navigates complex permitting processes in sensitive areas like the Columbia River Gorge.We maintain continuous involvement from concept to completion, ensuring seamless execution of projects ranging from net-zero retirement homes to multi-generational family compounds. Our commitment to durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic timelessness reflects our belief that architecture should harmonize with both human needs and ecological imperatives.
Services
Custom Home Design
ADU Design
Sustainable Architecture
Historic Renovations
Energy Efficiency Consulting
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of architectural experience since 1995 with AIA-certified professionals
- Our team holds specialized certifications in sustainable and passive house design
- We navigate complex permitting processes in historic districts and scenic areas
- Our client-focused process maintains involvement from concept through move-in day
- We prioritize minimizing embodied carbon and maximizing building longevity
Associations and certifications
- National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB)
- Earth Advantage Institute (Sustainable Homes Professional)
- Passive House Institute US (Certified Passive House Consultant)
- Architecture 2030 Challenge
Services
Custom Home Design
We create bespoke homes tailored to clients' unique needs and life transitions. Our designs integrate sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and timeless aesthetics while navigating complex site challenges and regulatory requirements. Each project receives personalized attention from initial concept through final construction.
Accessory Dwelling Units
Specializing in backyard homes for multi-generational living or rental income. Our ADUs combine space efficiency with full functionality, meeting local zoning codes while complementing existing architecture. We handle all aspects from design to permitting and construction coordination.
Sustainable Architecture
Implementing Passive House standards and net-zero energy goals through strategic material selection, embodied carbon reduction, and energy modeling. Our approach balances environmental responsibility with occupant comfort, utilizing regionally sourced, non-toxic materials and advanced building science principles.
Historic Renovations
Modernizing older structures while maintaining architectural integrity. We specialize in sensitive upgrades that improve energy performance and functionality without compromising historical character, employing traditional craftsmanship alongside contemporary building technologies.
Energy Efficiency Consulting
Providing expert guidance on reducing energy consumption through strategic design choices. Services include thermal envelope optimization, daylighting analysis, and mechanical system recommendations that achieve significant energy savings while enhancing occupant comfort and indoor air quality.
People
Jack Barnes
Principal Architect
Licensed architect since 1995 with NCARB certification and specialized credentials in sustainable and passive house design. Jack combines technical expertise with creative vision to deliver environmentally responsible solutions that meet clients' evolving needs across diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.
Questions
What types of architectural projects do you specialize in?
We focus on custom homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), historic renovations, and sustainable architecture projects throughout the Pacific Northwest region.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
We prioritize embodied carbon reduction, use regionally sourced materials, implement Passive House principles, and optimize energy efficiency through strategic design choices and advanced building science.
What is your architectural design process like?
Our process begins with an initial consultation to understand client goals, followed by concept development, permitting assistance, and continuous involvement through construction completion and final walkthrough.
Do you work outside the Portland metropolitan area?
Yes, we serve clients throughout the Pacific Northwest including the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Coast, and Willamette Valley regions.
How do you handle complex permitting requirements?
Our team has extensive experience navigating permitting processes in historic districts, scenic areas, and municipalities with rigorous planning regulations across Oregon and Washington.
What makes your firm different from other architects?
We combine 30+ years of experience with specialized sustainability certifications, personalized client service, and proven expertise in challenging site conditions and regulatory environments.
