Business Details
24 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in Portland
At Brett Schulz, we approach design with a commitment to innovation, community, and sustainability. Our firm thrives on collaborative relationships with clients, prioritizing their unique visions while leveraging decades of architectural expertise. From commercial projects like theaters and restaurants to affordable housing developments, we specialize in creating spaces that enhance urban environments and foster social equity. Our team emphasizes adaptive reuse of existing structures, ensuring sustainable practices are integrated into every project.With a focus on Portlands local context, we navigate challenges faced by small businesses and nonprofits, delivering transparent, client-centered solutions. Our work reflects a dedication to timeless design that transcends trends, supported by a passion for craft and environmental stewardship. By partnering closely with contractors and craftspeople, we ensure every project achieves extraordinary results through meticulous attention to detail and material selection.
Services
Commercial Architecture
Multifamily Housing
Non-Profit Housing
Adaptive Reuse
Restaurant Design
Affordable Housing
Sustainable Architecture
Community Development
Urban Design
Design Consultation
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We bring decades of architectural experience in diverse project typologies.
- Our team excels in adaptive reuse and sustainable design practices.
- We specialize in affordable housing and community-focused developments.
- Our collaborative process prioritizes client transparency and input.
- We maintain deep expertise in Portlands local market and zoning regulations.
Associations and certifications
- Earth Advantage
What people say
Exceptional community focus
Sustainable designs
Collaborative approach
Timely deliverables
Design excellence
Services
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial architecture practice transforms spaces like theaters, retail centers, and restaurants into vibrant community hubs. We specialize in creating functional layouts that balance aesthetic appeal with practical needs, ensuring each project reflects the client's brand identity while meeting urban development requirements. Our team navigates zoning regulations and historical preservation guidelines to deliver innovative solutions for evolving commercial landscapes.
Adaptive Reuse
We specialize in revitalizing existing structures through adaptive reuse strategies that preserve architectural heritage while implementing modern functionality. Our approach reduces environmental impact by repurposing materials and infrastructure, transforming buildings like historic theaters and industrial spaces into contemporary venues that maintain community character and achieve sustainability goals.
Affordable Housing
Our firm develops innovative affordable housing solutions that address urban density challenges while maintaining high-quality design standards. We collaborate with nonprofits and housing authorities to create energy-efficient, livable spaces that promote community equity, navigating funding requirements and regulatory frameworks to deliver impactful, cost-effective housing developments.
Community Development
We design walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that foster social connections and economic vitality. Our community development expertise includes creating mixed-income housing, public spaces, and commercial hubs that enhance local infrastructure while prioritizing accessibility, sustainability, and long-term neighborhood stability through collaborative stakeholder engagement.
Restaurant Design
We craft distinctive restaurant and food hall environments that combine operational efficiency with immersive design experiences. Our expertise spans layout optimization, brand storytelling through spatial design, and creating vibrant atmospheres that enhance customer engagement while meeting rigorous health and safety standards for food service establishments.
People
Brett Schulz
Founder & Architect
Brett Schulz, a Portland native, founded the firm in 2002 after working at SERA and FFA Architects. With a career spanning commercial and residential projects, he combines technical expertise with a passion for community-building. He actively engages in outdoor activities and family time beyond architectural practice.
Jenny Rodriguez
Architect
Licensed in Oregon, Jenny Rodriguez specializes in sustainable affordable housing. With a background in international business and architecture, she focuses on equitable urban development. She holds Earth Advantage certification and balances professional work with rock climbing and culinary experimentation.
Kristen Barrow
Licensed Architect
Kristen Barrow brings diverse experience in urban design and interiors to the team. A licensed architect, she creates vibrant spaces with strong community focus. Outside work, she engages in circus arts and outdoor activities with her family in Portland.
Adelaide Holenstein
Architect
Adelaide Holenstein, a Portland native, contributes problem-solving skills to projects ranging from large-scale developments to detailed elements. Recent graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, she balances architectural practice with creative pursuits like nail art and outdoor recreation.
Questions
What services does Brett Schulz Architect offer?
We provide architectural design for commercial, multifamily, affordable housing, restaurant, and adaptive reuse projects with sustainable practices.
What geographic areas do you serve?
Primarily Portland, Oregon, and surrounding metropolitan areas, with a deep understanding of local zoning and urban context.
How does the firm approach sustainable design?
We integrate adaptive reuse strategies, energy-efficient materials, and Earth Advantage-certified practices into every project lifecycle.
What makes your firm unique?
Our collaborative process combines small-business agility with technical expertise, focusing on social equity and timeless architectural solutions.
Do you work with nonprofit organizations?
Yes, we specialize in affordable housing and community projects for nonprofits, with experience in securing grants and approvals.
