91视频

The Portland City Council last week confirmed the addition of LEVER Architecture project director Chandra Robinson to the Portland Design Commission, following a recommendation from Mayor Ted Wheeler.

Robinson has a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University and a master’s degree from the Boston Architectural Center. She has a wealth of local and international experience. She spent a decade working with Architects Without Borders, serving communities in a number of different countries, including Tanzania, Haiti and Nepal.

鈥淲orking with Architects Without Borders-Oregon exposed me to a lot of cultures that have perspectives different from my own,鈥� she stated in a press release. 鈥淢y experience there made me realize equitable outcomes to me are providing equitable access to good design and making sure that people impacted by the outcomes are heard.鈥�

As a black Latina woman who grew up in a mostly white part of the city, Robinson said she brings a unique set of experiences and viewpoints to the Design Commission. She told the 91视频 that she thinks it’s important to have commissioners who have witnessed Portland’s development over the years, as she has.

鈥淗aving that history and knowing what was there before, I’ll bring that to the Design Commission,鈥� she said. 鈥淚’m excited about change.鈥�

The Design Commission has a lot of potential in its current makeup, Robinson said. She expressed optimism that the group will be able to work effectively with affected neighborhoods and ensure that any changes made to the city are for the better.

鈥淩ight now we have an especially diverse group, and everyone has such a different perspective,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 think it might be less rigid than it used to be.鈥�

Robinson’s term began Monday. The Design Commission’s next public meeting is scheduled for July 11.