Below is an excerpt from a recent email newsletter sent out by the Portland Development Commission that showcases our new office and highlights several of the great new features of the space.  Enjoy!

Oh planning+design

In balance with nature, Oh Planning+Design created its own earth-friendly workspace

before                                                                                   after

Founded by architect Deb France, Oh Planning+Design provides a full range of planning and architectural design services with special emphasis on sustainability: the “Oh” of the company title represents both optimism and health.

The carpet tile flooring, by Interface Flooring, is a non-petroleum, recycled-content product. Interface is a leader in achieving high standards for reducing waste and energy use in the manufacturing and removal of flooring at the end of its useful life.

The firm pays special attention to the selection of materials with low environmental impact, consistent with its mission to reduce the impact of the built environment on the planet so that humanity can live in balance with nature. The firm’s clients are academic institutions, public, healthcare, hospitality and corporate offices; recent major projects include Peace Health, a hospital in Eugene applying for LEED Gold, and an Energy Center at Oregon State University, applying for LEED Platinum.

The common kitchen area has a bar-height group table made from a recycled bowling alley lane from Sunset Lanes in Bellingham, discovered at the Eco-House on NE Interstate and built to be used as a table.

In November 2008, Oh moved from southwest Portland to Old Town, nearly doubling their office space to 7000 square feet in the Fleischner Mayer Building at NW 1st and Couch in the Downtown Waterfront Urban Renewal Area.

A cozy touch: the fuel efficient ethanol ventless EcoSmart fireplace from Bravado Home in NW Portland.

PDC provided financial assistance for green tenant improvements in the new location, using the Quality Jobs Program and Economic Opportunity Fund, a package of programs that reward high-paying jobs and investment in urban renewal areas. The improvements, designed to meet LEED Silver certification, emphasized creative, earth-friendly solutions provided by local trades and suppliers for minimum environmental impact.

A visual anchor for the space is local artist Chris Haberman’s colorful mural in the entry, the story of Oh’s relocation and commitment to Portland told through layers of bright colors, words and faces.

Daylighting, open spaces, recycled and non-toxic materials and energy efficient lighting are key components of the remodeled space. “Oh designs spaces where people want to be,” says France. Clearly, the company’s own workplace fits that description.

The exposed wood was painted a light reflective color, using Miller Green Seal paint, to enhance the daylighting effect. Dimming controls provide customized response to available daylight, and private meeting/supply rooms have occupancy sensors.  The lighting design was modeled to conserve 78% of the energy, and both the Business Energy Tax Credit program and Energy Trust of Oregon supported Oh’s design strategy. Signs and banners are made from a recycled screen fabric and printed at NW Printing Solutions.

Find out more about Oh at www.ohpd.net.

Please contact Terri Morgan at PDC, 503-823-3442 or morgant@pdc.us for information about PDC business finance programs and resources.

Life can be rewarding and meaningful even in times of struggle and hardship. The current economy coupled with one client in 2008 who has failed to honor their financial obligations has been challenging. Yet I wake each day with a renewed excitement for the adventure of the day and to be a part of the lives that surround me.

I have the gift of an amazing team who have stood beside me through this challenging time. Deb Scott, Matt Engstrand, Brandon Lanius  were willing to volunteer their time during the past three months when I had to take them off the payroll.  Zach Pennell took a temporary job in a factory away from his girlfriend to get by until we recovered.  This has been hard on them all.  They have shown me so much dedication and commitment and together we are turning the corner to new opportunities. Leslie Melin and Chris Campbell have been fighting by my side on a daily basis. I am so grateful for this team.

Now the team is returning to work and we are thankful to Multnomah County, Mt Hood Community College, Oregon State University, Portland Public Schools,  and the Department of Veterans Affairs for the new opportunities ahead. I am also grateful to the Naito Company and our many vendors who have been patient with us in the past several months.  The challenges are not over but there is a light ahead.  This has been both humbling and rewarding…I am blessed by the strength and support in my community.

We are Oh – Optimism and Health!

You noticed, didn’t you, that Oh planning+design moved? Yep. November 3, 2008 was the first day of business in our new home.

Nice open space, a little more room, to breathe, to grow. To play ping pong.

Yes, ping pong. We have a ping pong table in the back conference room. It also serves as a table for meeting and eating.

The room is well used. And someone has had to fess up to denting a wall already. It was a small dent. A small enthusiastic dent.

Welcome to the Oblog, where we will have a good old time talking architecture & design news in the Porland, Oregon community and beyond!