Business Details
20 Years
experience
Portland Architects for Sustainable Design
At SUM Design Studio, we are driven by a collective commitment to create meaningful, sustainable spaces that enhance communities and environments. Founded in 2006, our studio was established to foster holistic design through a flexible, collaborative approach rooted in creativity and professionalism. Our team prioritizes the impact of our work on people and places, integrating sustainable practices and materials into every project. Unlike traditional hierarchical firms, we employ a dynamic structure that assembles specialized teams tailored to each project's unique needs, combining architects, interior designers, and industry consultants. Client collaboration is central to our processwe work openly with partners to align designs with their goals, budgets, and timelines.Our expertise spans residential, commercial, educational, and mixed-use projects, reflecting over two decades of combined experience across diverse building typologies. We emphasize low-impact methodologies while balancing functional metrics and user satisfaction, ensuring enduring value for clients. Longstanding relationships with developers and referrals underscore our dedication to quality and client-centric outcomes. Based in Portland, Oregon, we serve clients throughout the Pacific Northwest, blending local context with innovative design solutions. Our principals bring extensive regional experience, having shaped notable projects in schools, libraries, breweries, and urban infill developments.
Services
Commercial Design
Residential Architecture
Mixed-Use Development
Tenant Improvement
Sustainable Design
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined experience in diverse architectural typologies.
- Our flexible team structure ensures project-specific expertise.
- We prioritize sustainable materials and low-impact methodologies.
- Client collaboration is central to our design process.
- We maintain long-term relationships through transparent communication.
Services
Commercial Design
We create functional, aesthetically modern commercial environments tailored to client brand identity and operational needs. Our process integrates space planning, material selection, and technology integration while prioritizing sustainability. Projects range from corporate headquarters to retail spaces across the Pacific Northwest.
Residential Architecture
Our residential projects focus on context-sensitive, livable spaces that balance form and function. We specialize in new construction, renovations, and infill developments that respect neighborhood character while incorporating contemporary design principles and energy-efficient systems.
Sustainable Design
We implement eco-conscious strategies including passive solar design, recycled materials, and energy-efficient systems. Our approach reduces environmental impact while maintaining aesthetic integrity and long-term cost savings for clients across all project types.
Project Management
From concept through construction, we coordinate timelines, budgets, and stakeholders to ensure smooth project delivery. Our team manages permitting, contractor coordination, and quality control while maintaining design intent throughout the process.
Tenant Improvement
We transform existing spaces into optimized environments for commercial clients. Services include layout reconfiguration, systems upgrades, and finish selections that align with brand identity while meeting functional requirements and regulatory standards.
People
Matthew Loosemore
Principal
With 17+ years of experience, Matthew founded SUM in 2006 after teaching architecture at Portland State University. He specializes in diverse project types including schools, libraries, and mixed-use developments.
Eric Hoffman
Principal
A 16+ year commercial design veteran, Eric co-founded SUM in 2006. He focuses on office space transformations and tenant improvement projects across the Pacific Northwest while managing client relationships.
Gene Bolante
Principal
Gene brings 20+ years of architectural and development experience to SUM. His background includes land use planning, project management, and construction oversight for multi-million dollar projects throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Sarah Newhouse
Director of Operations
Sarah manages SUM's business operations with 16 years of experience in finance, HR, and strategy across architecture and real estate development sectors. She ensures efficient studio operations and client service delivery.
Kelley Wilson
Project Manager
With 30+ years in architecture, Kelley oversees project execution from planning through construction. A licensed architect in Oregon and Washington, he manages diverse building types including institutional, commercial, and residential projects.
Questions
What architectural services does SUM Design Studio offer?
We provide commercial design, residential architecture, tenant improvement, sustainable design solutions, and comprehensive project management services.
Do you work on projects outside Portland?
While based in Portland, we serve clients throughout the Willamette Valley and Pacific Northwest regions for various project types.
How does SUM incorporate sustainability into designs?
We use recycled materials, energy-efficient systems, and passive solar strategies while prioritizing low-impact construction methods in all our projects.
Can you handle both design and construction management?
Yes, our team provides full-service architecture including design development, permitting, and construction oversight from concept to completion.
What's your approach to client collaboration?
We maintain open communication throughout the process, involving clients in key decisions to ensure designs align with their goals, budget, and timeline.
