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The sweet spot between mindreading and micro managing
As businesses grow, they need to expand. But constructing new space brings many owners outside their comfort zones. Suddenly they鈥檙e bombarded with the multiple risks of construction cost, schedule and quality. That鈥檚 in addition to the risks they face in their regular day jobs.
How architecture can help your memory
I recently read a book that I thought had nothing to do with architecture - "Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything," by Joshua Foer. In fact, I picked it because I thought it would be a nice respite from the subject. Surprisingly, it ended up being one of the more enlightening books I鈥檝颅e read on architecture.
Portland’s emergency center will be ‘mission critical,’ but what does that mean?
Portland's Emergency Coordination Center, under construction as of today, is a 鈥渕ission critical" building, which sounds really serious. Here's what it means.
Why the Central Eastside will not be the next Pearl District
Many people have the misconception that the Central Eastside Industrial District will become the next Pearl District. That comparison is wrong, and here's why.
What you didn’t know about porta-potties
This week I put together a story on the business of porta-potty providers. My interest in the trade was spurred by the thought that portable toilets are required on every […]
The best 4 brownfield cleanups in Oregon
Yes, there is an award for everything nowadays - even brownfields. Four awards will be given at this year's Oregon Brownfields Conference in Salem to recognize the redevelopment of worthless pits into blooming job hubs.
Construction under way on MLK Jr. Blvd. Gateway and Heritage Markers project
Construction began last month on the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Gateway and Heritage Markers project. Four, 20-foot-tall illuminated markers will be erected on the grassy island where Northeast Grand Avenue turns into Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
World traveler envisions a new kind of retirement community
Sawyard Ayre started developing plans to build a retirement community that would break sharply from the norm.
Italian deli Cheryl’s to open in Portland’s West End
In advance of the business's opening, a sign for Italian deli Cheryl's is being hooked up to electricity in Portland's West End.
Talking with Kermit Baker, chief economist of AIA
While writing my piece on how local landscape architects have fared well in the down economy, I got the chance to speak with Kermit Baker, chief economist with the American Institute of Architects. His study on job loss in the design industry, which was released last week, was actually what inspired me to write the piece; in it, a graph shows that landscape architecture has suffered more job loss [...]
Reprographers: a dying industry in transition
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to revisit the subject via a feature on the business of local reprographers and how they are responding to the digital systems (online plan rooms, digital files, electronic invitations to bid) that are taking the place of paper. While I think the meat and potatoes of that story were right on the money, the headline I suggested for Wednesday鈥檚 feature may [...]
Photos: Construction of Oregon rail museum
General contractor Lorentz Bruun began work on the Hennebery Eddy-designed Oregon Rail Heritage Center in November and expect to be finished in July.
News
- $960,000 office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 10, 2026
- Two projects in historic districts in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 10, 2026
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
