Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural & Interior Design in Portland, OR
Ffa Architecture & Interiors is a full-service design firm with a legacy of creating timeless, beautiful, and sustainable architecture since 1956. Our practice focuses on developing contextual projects that prioritize people, combining innovative design with practical solutions to enrich communities across the Pacific Northwest. We are committed to sustainability as a foundational principle, integrating environmental stewardship into every project through energy-efficient strategies and materials like mass timber. Our equity initiatives ensure diverse perspectives shape our work, fostering inclusive spaces that reflect the communities we serve. With decades of experience, we deliver award-winning architecture, planning, and interior design that balances artistic vision with functional excellence.Our collaborative approach ensures clients receive tailored solutions that align with their unique needs and aspirations. Recognized for excellence in adaptive reuse, civic projects, and sustainable design, we strive to create spaces that inspire and endure. Our team of certified professionals combines technical expertise with a passion for design that elevates both built and natural environments. We maintain transparency in operations, prioritizing client satisfaction through clear communication and measurable outcomes. As industry leaders, we continuously push boundaries while honoring our founding commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and community impact.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Sustainable Design
Historic Preservation
Community Planning
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- We offer 65+ years of experience in architecture and interior design.
- Our team holds LEED AP certifications for sustainable design expertise.
- We have won over 50 regional and national design awards.
- Our collaborative process ensures client needs drive every design decision.
- We pioneered equity initiatives in Pacific Northwest architectural practices.
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to client needs. We specialize in civic, commercial, and educational projects that integrate sustainability and regional context. With over six decades of experience, we deliver innovative solutions that balance artistic vision with practical requirements, ensuring each project enhances its environment and community.
Interior Design
We craft transformative interior environments that prioritize occupant wellness and operational efficiency. Our designs incorporate natural materials, optimal lighting, and flexible layouts to support dynamic business needs. By focusing on human-centered design principles, we create spaces that foster productivity, comfort, and brand identity while maintaining environmental responsibility through sustainable material selection.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design approach embeds environmental stewardship into every project phase. We employ mass timber construction, photovoltaic systems, and passive energy strategies to achieve net-zero goals. Certified professionals implement LEED standards and innovative technologies that reduce ecological impact while maintaining architectural integrity and long-term cost efficiency for clients.
Historic Preservation
We specialize in revitalizing historic structures while preserving cultural significance. Our team combines modern functionality with traditional craftsmanship to extend building lifespans and maintain community heritage. Projects include seismic upgrades, adaptive reuse, and meticulous restoration of architectural details that honor original design intent and historical context.
Community Planning
Our community planning services focus on creating inclusive, accessible public spaces that foster social connection. We collaborate with municipalities and stakeholders to develop parks, civic centers, and mixed-use developments that address contemporary needs while respecting environmental constraints. Designs emphasize walkability, public engagement, and equitable access to amenities.
People
Ian Gelbrich
Partner
Ian Gelbrich leads civic and public sector projects with over 25 years of architectural experience. His expertise in community-centered design has transformed municipal facilities across the Pacific Northwest while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable practices and equitable access.
Richard Grace
Partner
Richard Grace specializes in commercial and residential repositioning projects. With a focus on adaptive reuse, he has revitalized historic buildings into modern spaces that balance preservation with contemporary functionality for diverse urban environments.
Christine Rumi
Partner
Christine Rumi brings sustainability expertise to mixed-use and educational projects. As a LEED Accredited Professional, she integrates energy-efficient systems and materials to create high-performance buildings that align with environmental goals and occupant well-being.
Edward Running
Partner
Edward Running leads educational facility design with emphasis on creating inspiring learning environments. His work focuses on transforming underutilized spaces into dynamic campuses that support evolving pedagogical needs and community engagement.
Laura Roark
Associate Partner
Laura Roark specializes in civic infrastructure projects with a focus on public safety facilities. Her designs prioritize functional efficiency and community integration, creating spaces that enhance both operational effectiveness and public perception of municipal services.
Questions
What architectural services does FFA offer?
We provide full-service architecture, interior design, and planning for civic, commercial, educational, and community projects across the Pacific Northwest region.
How does FFA incorporate sustainability into designs?
We use mass timber, solar panels, passive energy systems, and LEED-certified practices to create net-zero energy buildings that minimize environmental impact.
Can FFA handle historic building renovations?
Yes, we specialize in historic preservation with expertise in adaptive reuse, seismic upgrades, and maintaining architectural integrity during modernization projects.
What makes FFA different from other architecture firms?
Our 65+ year legacy combines regional context understanding with innovative design, equity initiatives, and a collaborative approach that prioritizes client needs and community impact.
Do you work on public sector projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with municipal facilities including police stations, libraries, city halls, and public parks throughout Oregon and Washington.
