Bora Architecture & Interiors

We’re excited to partner with Portland State University to lead conceptual design for a new performing arts + cultural center! Our design is one of three options being considered by the City of Portland. “There is nothing more inspiring than working with a great partner to envision a project that will be truly transformational for downtown Portland. This is a chance to create a visionary artistic and community resource to serve our city for the next 100 years,” said Bora Principal Michael Tingley. The proposed mass timber multi-use arts and culture complex on PSU’s University Place Hotel site will feature a 3,000-seat auditorium, a second 1,200-seat performance venue, a hotel, and community and educational space—a bold effort elevating the arts and catalyzing development within the downtown core.  For more information on the project click on the link here: https://lnkd.in/gu9kw_98 #BoraArchitects #MoveTheNeedle PC: Nephew Studio

“These community members deserve a place that is wholly unique to them--a space that brings beauty and joy to their lives every day. And with this incredible renovated library, Midland can be that place for them." -Vailey Oehlke, Former Multnomah County Director of Libraries   The newly renovated Midland Library is an ode to the diverse communities of East Portland, incorporating the lived experiences of its patrons into the design. Guided by the valuable input of Community Design Advocates, "gathering circle" seating, expanded meeting spaces, a teen room, and an enclosed reading room reimagine the existing space, while new community rooms and a community gallery comprise the library's 6,000sf addition. The work of local BIPOC artists enlivens the experience throughout, reinforcing Midland Library as a special and meaningful place for the community.   Visit our website to read more: https://lnkd.in/g8Tr8FhW   📸: Josh Partee   Architect of Record: Bora Architecture & Interiors Design Architect and Engagement Lead: Colloqate Design Owner: Multnomah County Library General Contractor: Swinerton Structural Engineer: Equilibrium Engineers, LLC Electrical: Samata Consulting Engineers, LLC Civil: Vega Civil Engineering, LLC Mechanical: Arris Construction Group Inc. Landscape: PLACE Artists: Regional Arts & Culture Council   #BoraArchitects #design #librarydesign #communityengagement #movetheneedle

St. Johns Library has been a beloved cornerstone of North Portland since 1917. Our renovation and expansion with Multnomah County Library is opening up the central spine of the historic Carnegie library while creating more flexible, daylit spaces to welcome lifelong learners and nurture community connections.   Take a look into the future of this vibrant community hub, set to re-open in 2026.   #BoraArchitects #design #librarydesign #movetheneedle

Episode 5 of our Mass Timber 101 Podcast is here! 🎧 Mass Timber: "Is It Affordable? (Part 1)" Is mass timber really more expensive than conventional construction? In this episode—the first of a two-part deep dive—Scott Barton-Smith and Sara break down key cost factors, including: ✅ The value of expertise (knowing how to build efficiently) ✅ Indirect cost benefits (understanding tradeoffs) ✅ Smart optimization (buying just the right amount!) Tune in to separate fact from fiction and discover how mass timber can be cost-effective! Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gZtFrFE7 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gU-qPuzU #boraarchitects #design #masstimber101 #movetheneedle

Attending this year’s Annual International Mass Timber Conference? Be sure to catch our Associate Principal, Scott Barton-Smith, presenting on the post-occupancy uniqueness of mass timber on March 26! #MassTimber #BoraArchitecture

The Vernier Science Center at Portland State University transformed an outdated 1960s Brutalist structure into a welcoming undergraduate hub for the sciences. Guided by a unique design process centering BIPOC and Indigenous voices, our inclusive design connects to the natural world at all scales and offers a softer, more inviting presence in downtown Portland. With unique spaces including an Indigenous Food and Medicine Lab, commuter and family lounges, and classrooms promoting interconnected instruction in the round, the light-filled Vernier Science Center is a prototype for inclusive design that celebrates science education as a place for all. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3SQ1I61 📸: Jeremy Bittermann Lead Architect: Bora Architecture & Interiors Associate Architect: Studio Petretti Architecture Contractor: Skanska Landscape: PLACE Landscape Architecture Community Engagement: Amara Perez #BoraArchitects #design #renovation #highereducation #movetheneedle

Announcing our newest promotions to Associate!✨Along with being standout design professionals, these vibrant humans strengthen our practice on the daily. From left to right: ■ Rebecca Seward-Beamer (Architect) approaches her work with equal parts tenacity and humor. She champions an equitable, community-first approach to K-12 design and brings valuable leadership, insight and clarity to our most complex projects. ■ Keyna Mulvaney (Interior Designer) has been an instrumental leader within Bora’s affordable housing efforts, elevating our integrated design process. She expertly mentors others in project leadership and shapes thinking around interior design roles. ■ Jamal Carnahan (Project Accountant) is a steadfast contributor to our firm and values. Incredibly effective and resourceful, he keeps Bora’s numbers tidy while readily supporting our design culture across various teams and committees, helping anchor our work. ■ Kate Walker, LEED AP (Marketing Manager) brings strategic leadership, a can-do work ethic, and deadline-juggling acumen to our practice and marketing team. Well-connected in the community, she is an enthusiastic representative of the firm and a trusted mentor and resource. Big congrats to all! 👏🏽 #TeamBora #promotions #BoraArchitects

Corey Squire, AIA and Bora Architecture & Interiors designed four public libraries, all built with the same sustainability principles, high air quality, and energy efficiency. Yet, each one looks completely different. That’s because they engaged the local community, tailoring each design to fit the people who would use it. Sustainability isn’t just about performance metrics. As Corey says in the Buildings 2.0 podcast, if you design a building around people, that’s sustainability in the most holistic sense of the term. Hear Corey's predictions for the future of sustainable architecture in the full episode: 🎧 Listen on Apple: https://lnkd.in/eM4BReic 🎵 Tune in on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e-PZU8te 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/es_Ca6JN ✍️ Cheat Sheet: https://hubs.la/Q0395P-J0 #AdaptiveReuse

Next up on our Mass Timber 101 podcast: Episode 4: "What About Fire?" Wood burns, right? Should we be worried about mass timber buildings' fire resistance? Sara Rae and Scott Barton-Smith explore the long history of timber in North American fire-resistant building design. Understand how that history and modern research have led to modern building codes that allow mass timber's use in most buildings today. Listen on Apple and Spotify today! #Boraarchitects #design #masstimber101 #movetheneedle

Just dropped! Mass Timber 101 Podcast, Episode 3: "What is mass timber's potential?"   Why is mass timber such a big deal right now? Scott Barton-Smith and Sara Rae dive into the material's impact on climate, health, and equity, breaking down what sustainability really means in this context—and how mass timber can benefit both people and communities.   Listen and learn on Apple and Spotify!   #Boraarchitects #design #masstimber101 #movetheneedle