I love architecture! I love the responsibility that I feel toward the community, the environment and those who I encounter each day. I love the process of discovery and exploration of ideas and opportunities. I love the lasting relationships with clients, consultants and coworkers. I love the feeling when it all comes together in perfect harmony and a place is formed like music.

Many of us have struggled with the challenges of this last year, especially in the design and construction industry. The economic decline has hit architects, engineers and contractors hard. I have had many sleepless nights and in reflection it has been a year of personal growth and realization that we truly all belong to each other. The only way I have survived this past year is through those around me. I am deeply grateful to Mt Hood Community College and Multnomah County for their support as clients and as professional friends. We have also been fortunate to work with Portland Public Schools, the City of Portland, OSU, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Memorial Hospital of Gardena, AECOM and Peregrin Sports. Without these clients the outcome of 2009 would have been very sad for Oh.

And I cannot say enough praise for the talented team of design professionals at Oh planning+design who dedicate themselves to the success of our clients and the business of providing exceptional service. Leslie Melin, Deb Scott, Chris Campbell, Brandon Lanius, Zach Pennell, Elizabeth Johnson, Zach Hilleson and Tina Ely please stand up and take a bow. I look forward to working with you all this coming year and rising to meet new challenges together. Yesterday we celebrated a modest holiday lunch at Doug Fir and the pleasure of sharing time together with laughter and food was so rich. The economy will ebb and flow but the joy of living life is constant.

Be Well in Peace
Deb France

The men of Oh at the holiday lunch

This entry was posted on Friday, December 11th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Categories:Uncategorized.