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When Scott | Edwards Architecture needed more space for its growing practice, the firm’s principals and partners doubled down in East Portland.

The firm decided to expand in place at 2525 E. Burnside St. After a renovation and expansion project, Scott | Edwards has more than doubled its space, from 8,000 square feet to 17,000 square feet.

The $4.5 million project involved adding two floors to an original single-story building with a basement. The existing structure was thoroughly renovated. Much of the new structure was built with cross-laminated timber from Oregon supplier D.R. Johnson. Board-formed concrete was used for the lateral system.

The interior centers on a staircase that showcases the lumber as users move from floor to floor. The new CLT picks up on the historic bow-truss system that supports the original structure’s roof.

Constructed in 1947, the building was originally a post office. Scott | Edwards purchased the property in 2007 after previously occupying offices in the Pearl District and in Goose Hollow.

鈥淚 wanted to be around downtown but not downtown,鈥� said Sid Scott, principal of the firm.

The Burnside location still allows easy access to downtown, but is also convenient for employees who live on the eastside, he said.

Scott charged Eric Wenzel, an associate architect, with taking the lead in designing the project. Joseph Hughes Construction was brought in as general contractor.

One of the goals of the project was to increase space for collaboration, Scott said. The new office has indoor and outdoor meeting spaces. A basement was remade with bike parking, a bar and a social area. The rooftop has outdoor seating and an eco-roof designed by Harper Houf Peterson Righellis.

Architects were also able to incorporate evolving lessons learned during the pandemic. Measures such as bipolar ionization to purify the air were installed.

The project was completed this past summer, and the office reopened to employees on Aug. 16. (During construction, Scott | Edwards leased 7,000 square feet on Southeast Ankeny Street).

The office expansion comes as a new chapter unfolds for Scott | Edwards Architecture. Scott is inching toward retirement age, and Kelly Edwards, formerly the firm’s co-principal, retired in 2013. At that time, six staffers were promoted to partners. The firm now has 92 total employees.

Scott | Edwards works to keep an even balance of public, private and nonprofit sector work to protect against economic downturns, Scott said. Clients include Bandon Dunes Golf Resort 鈥� for which the firm is creating a master plan for future facilities at the Old Macdonald course 鈥� and Salem Health. The firm also sets a goal of doing a new project type each year; recent choices have included water management and a winery tasting room.

鈥淚 want this firm to go on forever,鈥� Scott said.