Business Details
32 Years
experience
Architectural Fabric Structures & Faades in Portland, OR
Founded in 1994, Guildworks has established itself as a leader in architectural fabric structures and faades. Our design-build approach combines innovation with sustainability, delivering over 300 custom projects for corporate, civic, and event environments. With a team of experts in design, engineering, and fabrication, we prioritize collaboration to transform visions into functional, elegant solutions. Our commitment to environmental responsibility drives our use of recyclable materials and low-impact construction methods. Recognized for award-winning work, we serve clients nationwide while maintaining a Portland, Oregon-based headquarters. Our process spans discovery, design, development, fabrication, and installation, ensuring projects meet deadlines, budgets, and sustainability goals.We partner with clients through every phase, offering warranties and maintenance services for long-term value. Our team's expertise in tension structures and digital prototyping enables us to tackle complex installations others might deem impossible. Through 1% for the Planet membership, we support environmental causes, reflecting our belief that business must drive positive change. From temporary event structures to permanent civic installations, we create spaces that harmonize with nature while solving modern challenges like heat islands and water collection.
Services
Fabric Structures
Architectural Faades
Tensile Structures
Event Installations
Civic Projects
Campus Solutions
Amphitheater Canopies
Hospitality Structures
Digital Prototyping
Maintenance Services
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We've completed 300+ custom projects since 1994 across diverse environments
- Our in-house team handles full project lifecycle from concept to installation
- We utilize advanced FEM/CAD modeling for precise structural analysis
- We maintain partnerships for global project execution capabilities
- We pioneered living tension structure technology through staff education programs
What people say
Collaborative team
Stunning installations
Award-winning projects
Expert execution
Sustainable approach
Services
Fabric Structures
Custom-engineered fabric structures provide elegant solutions for shade, weather protection, and architectural enhancement. Our designs optimize material efficiency while meeting functional requirements. Clients benefit from rapid deployment and minimal environmental impact during installation.
Architectural Faades
Innovative faade systems combine aesthetic appeal with practical performance for commercial buildings. Our tensioned fabric installations reduce energy costs while creating distinctive visual identities. The lightweight materials minimize structural requirements compared to traditional cladding systems.
Event Installations
Modular event structures enable rapid transformation of spaces for festivals, corporate events, and seasonal activations. Our designs balance durability with portability, featuring components that can be reconfigured for multiple applications. Clients receive complete solutions including foundations and support systems.
Digital Prototyping
Advanced FEM and CAD software enables virtual testing of structural performance before fabrication. Clients visualize projects through CGI renderings and VR simulations. This technology ensures precision in material cutting and assembly coordination, reducing field adjustments.
Maintenance Services
Comprehensive maintenance programs extend the lifespan of fabric installations through scheduled inspections and cleaning. Our team provides tension adjustments and material replacements using original specifications. Preventative care services maintain both functionality and aesthetic integrity over time.
People
Mar Ricketts
Founder & Principal Designer
With architecture and tensile engineering expertise, Mar established Guildworks in 1994. He leads design innovation while ensuring client projects achieve optimal realization through collaborative processes.
Aaron Lefebvre
Procurement & Inventory
Manages material sourcing and inventory systems to support efficient production. Coordinates supply chain logistics for both domestic and international projects.
Delisha Govender
Tensile Designer
Specializes in translating conceptual designs into buildable tensile structures. Applies advanced modeling techniques to solve complex geometry challenges in fabric architecture.
Gavin Sayers
Design Manager
Oversees the design team's execution of projects from concept development through construction documentation. Ensures technical accuracy and compliance with structural requirements.
Victor Golovin
Design and Technology Lead
Drives technological innovation in digital prototyping and fabrication processes. Develops new applications for tension structures using emerging materials and construction methodologies.
Questions
What types of projects does GuildWorks handle?
We create custom fabric structures for parks, plazas, corporate campuses, hospitality venues, and special events nationwide.
How does GuildWorks approach sustainability?
We use recyclable materials, minimize construction waste, partner with local suppliers, and design low-impact installations that reduce environmental footprint.
Can you work on international projects?
Yes, we collaborate with global partners to execute projects worldwide while maintaining our quality standards.
What's included in your maintenance services?
We offer cleaning, tension checks, and component replacements to maintain structural integrity and appearance over time.
How do you handle complex designs?
Our team uses advanced FEM/CAD modeling and VR simulations to solve engineering challenges before fabrication begins.
Do you offer design-only services?
While we specialize in full design-build solutions, we can provide standalone design and engineering services when needed.
