Business Details
19 Years
experience
Equitable, Sustainable Architecture for Climate and Social Justice
Salazar Architect was founded in 2007 with a mission to create equitable, resilient, and just communities through architecture and urban design. Our practice is rooted in the belief that spatial justice is inseparable from social, racial, and climate justice. We collaborate with marginalized communities to develop affordable housing, public spaces, and urban designs that prioritize cultural preservation, economic support, and environmental sustainability. With origins in anti-displacement work in the San Francisco Bay Area, we expanded our focus after relocating to Portland in 2015 while maintaining our commitment to community-driven design. Our multicultural team reflects the communities we serve, ensuring culturally appropriate engagement and eliminating language barriers.Certified as a minority-owned business across multiple states, we integrate sustainable practices and public participation to address historical inequities in the built environment. Our work spans new construction, renovations, and urban planning projects that center racial, gender, and economic equity. We foster internal growth and innovation while advancing antiracist principles within our organizational culture. Through partnerships and participatory design methods, we strive to create restorative spaces that empower Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other marginalized communities. Our 15+ years of experience demonstrate that good design must inherently improve social conditions while upholding housing as a fundamental human right.
Services
Affordable Housing Design
Community Engagement
Urban Design
Sustainable Architecture
Anti-Displacement Planning
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- Community-based design prioritizing racial and economic equity
- 15+ years of experience in anti-displacement architecture
- Multicultural team matching community demographics
- Certified minority-owned firm across four jurisdictions
- Sustainable practices integrated with social mission
Associations and certifications
- Oregon Minority Business Enterprise
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
- California Minority Business Enterprise
- Washington Minority Business Enterprise
- Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Services
Affordable Housing Design
We create cost-effective, sustainable housing solutions for marginalized communities. Our designs prioritize accessibility, cultural relevance, and long-term affordability while meeting modern sustainability standards. Projects include multi-family complexes and single-unit dwellings tailored to local needs.
Community Engagement
Our participatory design process involves residents in every project phase. We conduct visioning workshops, multilingual outreach, and cultural assessments to ensure developments reflect community priorities and lived experiences.
Urban Design
We reshape urban spaces to promote equity and climate resilience. Services include public realm improvements, transit-oriented development, and post-disaster recovery planning that prioritizes historically underserved neighborhoods.
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable designs incorporate energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials. We balance environmental responsibility with social equity goals, creating buildings that reduce carbon footprints while serving community needs.
Anti-Displacement Planning
We develop strategies to protect vulnerable communities from gentrification. Our work includes policy recommendations, inclusive zoning frameworks, and community land trust models that preserve affordable housing stock.
People
Alex Salazar
Founding Principal
Alex founded Salazar Architect in 2007 with a focus on social justice through design. With 25+ years of experience in anti-displacement architecture, they lead projects that combine community engagement with sustainable practices.
Jennifer Nye
Managing Director, Pacific Northwest
Jennifer oversees Portland operations with expertise in equitable urban development. She has directed over 20 community-driven projects since joining in 2015, specializing in affordable housing and public space revitalization.
Amber Swanson
Design Staff
Amber contributes to housing and community projects with a focus on cultural preservation. Her work emphasizes accessibility and multilingual engagement strategies to ensure inclusive design outcomes.
Paul Conrad
Design Staff
Paul specializes in sustainable architecture and climate-resilient design. He implements energy-efficient solutions while maintaining affordability standards across various project types.
Katie Mays
Communications Specialist
Katie manages outreach and public engagement initiatives. She develops multilingual materials and coordinates community workshops to ensure transparent communication throughout project lifecycles.
Questions
What social justice principles guide your architectural work?
We integrate racial, gender, and economic equity into all projects through community-led design processes and anti-displacement strategies.
Do you specialize in specific building types?
Our expertise includes affordable housing, public spaces, and urban renewal projects that prioritize marginalized communities.
How do you involve communities in design decisions?
We conduct multilingual workshops, visioning sessions, and cultural assessments to ensure resident voices shape every project.
Are you certified as a minority-owned business?
Yes, we hold certifications in Oregon, California, Washington, and at the federal level as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.
What geographic areas do you serve?
Primarily Portland Metro, San Francisco Bay Area, and select projects across California, Washington, and Oregon.
How does sustainability factor into your designs?
We incorporate energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials while maintaining affordability and accessibility standards.
