Skylab Architecture

Next week, the global mass timber community converges in our backyard—Portland, Oregon—for the International Mass Timber Conference, March 25–27. At Skylab Architecture, mass timber is not just a material—it's a philosophy. A way to design buildings that honor the forest, harness building innovation, and shape the future. We’re energized to join this gathering of architects, builders, developers, fabricators, and visionaries to explore what’s possible when design meets material intelligence. If you’re attending, let’s connect. We’ll be on the ground—curious, inspired, and ready to exchange ideas that push the boundaries of mass timber design. Jennifer Dillan, MRED, Marketing & Business Development Director Jamin AAsum, Senior Project Architect Andrew Smeby, Project Architect Robin Wilcox, Director of Commercial Architecture Jennifer Martin, Project Architect Adam Monkaba, Project Architect Brent Grubb, Managing Principal #MassTimber #Architecture #Design #Sustainability #IMTC2025 #SkylabArchitecture Project featured: Sideyard, Portland, Oregon

Great profile of Skylab’s Columbia Building by Architecture Lab. Visit the model of the Columbia Building as part of the City of Possibility exhibit at the JK Gill Building in Portland—a showcase of visionary design shaping our cities. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gKFb9-wr #Architecture #Sustainability #CityofPossibility #DesignInnovation #Skylab

Last night, Skylab had the pleasure of joining an incredible community of designers and artists for Block Party, a design exhibition and fundraiser hosted by Design Within Reach and Made Inc. The event was a celebration of bold ideas and material exploration, with each participant transforming identical wood blocks into unique, original works of art—all in support of Portland Backpack and their mission to provide meals for kids in need. Our piece, Eclipse, played with the interplay of form, light, and texture—balancing between sculptural and functional, solid and void. The shifting perspectives invite engagement, creating a layered experience that evolves with movement. Fabricated by SkylabSHOP. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, placed bids, and helped make the night a success. Events like these remind us of the power of creativity and community coming together for a great cause. #DesignForGood #BlockPartyPDX #SkylabDesign #SkylabSHOP

During last week’s Bold Visions for Portland event, Jeffrey Kovel and Reiko Igarashi of Skylab Architecture joined fellow designers, cultural leaders, and educators to reimagine the city’s future. They shared The Harvey Milk Tributary—a car-free, human-centric corridor linking SW Harvey Milk from SW 13th to the Willamette River, building on our desire to leverage natural systems for urban renewal. Through public space and civic engagement, they explored Portland’s history of transformation and the power of bold, visionary thinking. Inspired by past activism, student masterplans, and the need for connected, livable communities, they challenge us to dream big and embrace change. What bold ideas do you think could transform Portland’s urban landscape? Let’s keep the conversation going. #UrbanRenewal #HarveyMilkTributary #PortlandFuture #CityDesign #Placemaking

We are honored to share that our Hoke House project has been featured in Design Milk. This residence, known to many as the Cullen family's home in the "Twilight" series, has been reimagined as a LEGO set, allowing enthusiasts to engage with its design in a new, interactive way. The Hoke House exemplifies our commitment to harmonizing architecture with nature, offering a "floating, forested tree-house experience." Its transformation into a LEGO set not only celebrates its cinematic significance but also invites a broader audience to appreciate its architectural nuances. Thank you to Caroline Williamson for capturing the essence of the Hoke House and highlighting this unique collaboration. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g9xkUT4d

Skylab Architecture is pleased to announce the promotion of Reiko Igarashi to Associate Principal. With 20+ years of experience, she specializes in experience design in branded environments, contributing to projects like the Serena Williams Building at Nike HQ (LEED Platinum) and Snow Peak North American HQ. Reiko holds a Master of Architecture from Rice University and a Bachelor of Industrial Design from Pratt Institute. A LEED AP and NCIDQ-certified professional, she excels at translating ideas into buildable brand expressions. In her new role, she will lead narrative concept development, ensuring creative consistency across projects. Congratulations Reiko! #Architecture #DesignLeadership #DesignInnovation #ExperienceDesign #BrandedEnvironments #RetailDesign #BrandExperience #InteriorArchitecture #WomenInArchitecture #NCIDQ #LEEDAP #SkylabArchitecture #NikeHQ #SerenaWilliamsBuilding #SnowPeakHQ

Bold Visions for Portland City of Possibility with the Portland Architecture Program at the University of Oregon School of Architecture & Environment Join Jeff Kovel and Reiko Igarashi of Skylab Architecture as Portland thinks big and bold. In this collaborative visioning event, participants from the city’s design, culture, and educational worlds will present on emerging projects across a range of scales that are rooted in the present, but vectoring toward alternate realities. A panel of hosts and audience engagement will drive discussion. Thank you, Randy Gragg, for the invitation! Monday, February 10 6:00-7:30pm (doors at 5:30pm) Show Bar, Revolution Hall 1300 Southeast Stark Street #101 Portland, OR Get tickets here: https://lnkd.in/gf3Pff52 Co-hosted by William Smith and Justin Fowler (Portland Architecture Program, University of Oregon) with special guest, Patricia Diefenderfer (City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability) Participants: Mark Fretz (University of Oregon School of Architecture & Environment) Elisandra Garcia (El Dorado) Emma Gabriel, Mariella Hirschoff, Nick Hodge (University of Oregon School of Architecture & Environment) Jeff Kovel and Reiko Igarashi (Skylab Architecture) Daniel Meyers and Traci Sym (Plus And Greater Than) and Yianni Doulis (Yianni Doulis Architecture Studio) André Middleton (Friends of Noise) Ethan Rose (Wavelength) Andrew Santa Lucia (Portland State University School of Architecture) Jeff Schnabel (Portland State University School of Architecture) Hannah Silver (Holst Architecture)

A new chapter begins for Skylab as the Hoke House—our 2007 design, made famous as the Cullen House in Twilight—becomes an official LEGO set. Jeff Kovel, founder of Skylab, reflects on this recognition: “It’s an honor to see our work resonate with so many people. the LEGO Group’s ability to inspire creativity and imagination aligns closely with Skylab’s ethos of exploration and discovery.” The set, available now, features iconic elements of the home, along with seven minifigures—Bella, Edward, Jacob, Charlie, Alice, Rosalie, and Carlisle. Design has the power to tell stories, and we’re excited to see how this one continues to unfold. #SkylabArchitecture #LEGOArchitecture #Twilight #CullenHouse #HokeHouse #DesignRecognition #LEGOIdeas

Now on the market! This light-filled building features five modern townhome-style residences, complete with EV-ready garages and private rooftop terraces. The unique design and ideal location combines the best of Portland: convenient access to the city, transportation, and the trails of Forest Park, yet within a quiet neighborhood with great schools. Click here to schedule a tour: https://lnkd.in/gBSMweR7 📷: Jeremy Bittermann #skylabhomes #28Thurman #modernarchitecture #luxurytownhomes #urbanliving #highendhomes #residentialdesign

12th + Alder started as a seed planted in a quiet, unassuming corner of Portland. When Skylab moved here in 2002, we were neighbors with a church, soup kitchen, and drug clinic. The building was filled with echoes of its past—a boarding house, the skeleton of old walls, and rooms that hadn’t been lived in for decades. The upper level, once consisting of only bedrooms, became a residence and studio that looked out over the neighborhood. Today, design shops, storefronts, and even a 21-story high-rise are reshaping the blocks around 12th + Alder. The design pays tribute to this building’s history and the neighboring 1887 church. We crafted a metal-clad corner facing the steeple, where a floor-to-ceiling trapezoid window folds into a skylight to frame it perfectly. Old Douglas-fir studs became part of future Skylab projects, connecting past to future. Downstairs, the storefront—once home to Red Arrow Messenger—now houses a space for a restaurant and a cafe. 12th + Alder is a place where history meets vision, where creative businesses mingle, each adding their own story to the neighborhood’s evolving dialogue. #thestorybehind #adaptivereuse #skylabcommercial #skylabworkspace #skylaboffice #workspacedesign #mixeduseproject