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Thomas Robinson, founding principal of LEVER Architecture, has spent 34 years advancing sustainable design through innovative use of mass timber construction and regional material sourcing.

Robinson鈥檚 career reached a significant milestone in 2023 when LEVER Architecture won an open international competition for the Portland Museum of Art in Portland, Maine. The design exemplifies the firm鈥檚 sustained commitment to regenerative architecture using regionally sourced mass timber, authentic collaboration with Indigenous partners, and design excellence. The project merges Robinson鈥檚 passion for creating cultural spaces with material innovation that extends environmental benefits beyond individual building sites.

Over a decade-long journey in sustainable sourcing and design, Robinson has guided LEVER Architecture through increasingly ambitious projects. The progression began with the firm鈥檚 own office in North Portland, where the team first implemented their sustainable timber approach. This foundation evolved into larger-scale work, including the Adidas headquarters and numerous subsequent projects. Currently, Robinson鈥檚 sustainable design philosophy is being realized locally at Portland State University鈥檚 Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design, rising on the North Park Blocks.

Robinson鈥檚 leadership philosophy centers on meritocracy of ideas. 鈥淭he best idea wins, no matter where it comes from,鈥� he explained. He cultivates an environment where every team member contributes their voice, with the firm鈥檚 role being to organize these diverse ideas into coherent architectural experiences that visitors immediately recognize upon entering a building. Once project principles align, Robinson noted, the team commits fully to realizing those ideas.

He emphasized that delivering architectural excellence requires three essential qualities: curiosity, collaboration, and most importantly, tenacity. 鈥淵ou need to be extremely tenacious in a kind and patient way to deliver excellence in architecture,鈥� he said.

Mass timber projects LEVER has been involved with include the Oregon Conservation Center, the Albina Library, Timberlab Independence Hall, Cascada, L鈥橝ngolo Estate Winery, Meyer Memorial Trust, Thesis Headquarters, Redfox Commons, Albina Yard 鈥� the first U.S. building made from domestically produced Cross-Laminated Timber, and 843 N Spring Street 鈥� a creative office development that brings a natural oasis to downtown Los Angeles.

Robinson maintains active involvement in professional organizations including the American Institute of Architects, the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, and The Architectural League of New York. He also serves on the Oregon State University School of Forestry Advisory Panel, contributing his expertise in sustainable timber construction to forestry education.

Robinson is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.