Community | creativity | responsibility

Erik and the Portland Housing Studio smiling with their arms in the air at the construction site for The Canopy Apartments.

Celebrating Five Years with Erik Petersen

Team MWA is lucky to celebrate five years with Architect and Project Manager Erik Petersen! Erik, a key member of the Portland Housing Studio, is valued by his team for …
Graphic map of Portland's NE, SE, and downtown neighborhoods that highlights where queer-owned businesses are located

2024 Pride Celebrations

To celebrate Pride this year, MWA compiled a list of opportunities to support queer-owned and operated businesses, participate in Pride celebrations, and learn more about the historic LGBTQIA+ landmarks in …
Michael on site at North City Pure Water Facility in San Diego

Happy First MW-Anniversary to Michael Payne

Architect Michael Payne is celebrating one year with MWA’s Portland Infrastructure studio. As Project Manager on many of MWA’s large-scale infrastructure projects, Michael has been a jet-setter, traveling up and …
Moe and Madeline's One-Year MWA Anniversaries

Moe and Madeline’s One-Year MWA Anniversaries

MWA has had the privilege of working with Designer Muhammed El-Sayed and Architectural Intern Madeline Phillips for the past year. They are hard-working, detail-oriented individuals, and MWA is delighted to …
The Expansion of MWA

The Expansion of MWA

Continuing our celebration of 35 years in business, we sat down with Jeff McGraw and asked him about his journey from working as an architect in MWA’s San Francisco office …
Headshots compilation of promoted employees. Leslee, Allison, Trevor, Sarah, Chris, and Melissa

The Next Generation of Leaders Rise at MWA

Celebrating the accomplishments and success of our team, we are thrilled to announce this year’s promotions. Thank you to each of the people listed below for their continued leadership, upholding …
David Williams Headshot

A Lifetime Love for Art and Architecture

David Williams Retires after 20 Years with MWA David Williams, Architect and Studio Manager in the Portland office, is retiring after 45 years in the industry. For 20 years, Dave …
Acknowledging Black History and Celebrating Black Futures

Acknowledging Black History and Celebrating Black Futures

In 1988, Michael Willis founded Michael Willis and Associates, Architects. MWA’s mission and values are shaped by our history as a minority-founded firm, and social equity remains a foundation of …
The Beginning of MWA

The Beginning of MWA

MWA is celebrating 35 years since Michael Willis opened Michael Willis and Associates, Architects. For the past 35 years, MWA has been striving to create a legacy of beautiful and …
Celia standing in front of a stone wall smiling

One Year with Celia Crawford Zapanta

Celia originally joined MWA as the Energy Trust of Oregon Net Zero Emerging Leaders Intern. After she completed the internship, MWA was thrilled to offer her a full-time position as …
Map Of Oregon And California With Illustrations Of Buildings

Places of Pride – LGBTQIA+ Historical Landmarks

This Pride Month, MWA has been reflecting on the history of Civil Rights in the United States, considering the path we have already taken and the one we are continuing …
Carlton Smith laughing with his head lying on his desk covered in architectural drawings.

Just Another Day in Paradise

After 27 Years, MWA Principal Carlton Smith Retires “Just another day in paradise,” Principal Carlton Smith responds anytime someone asks how he is doing. Now, with retirement just inches away, …
The sustainability studio gathered around a table, looking at documents together, and laughing

Introducing Celia Crawford – MWA’s Net Zero Emerging Leaders Intern

With one of MWA’s core values being responsibility, we always seek to do the right thing. We believe that designing for Net Zero energy is the responsible thing to do, …
Tom Stark's recently completed project, Clark Regional Wastewater Facility, showing employees eating lunch in a covered outdoor area

Five Years with Thomas Stark

Tom has worked in architecture since 1979, but this year, we celebrate five years with him on team MWA. Using his years of experience, Tom mentors designers and interns at …
Cathedral Village Grand Opening

Sarah Lundy’s Five-year Anniversary

For five lucky years, MWA has had Designer Sarah Lundy on our team, and for that, we celebrate! As part of the Portland Housing Studio, Sarah works with a tight-knit …
Kate Kearney Kneeling In Front Of MWA Portland Team At Holiday Party

Kate Kearney’s First Year with MWA

MWA’s fearless Marketing Manager, Kate Kearney, joined us one year ago and immediately jumped into leading the marketing team, year-end planning, and what MWA lovingly refers to as “proposal-land.” Since …
MWA Marketing Team

Careers, Promotions, and Finding Your Fit

Allison Plass’ Ten-year Journey with MWA With a lifetime of love for all things art and architecture, Allison has led graphics for MWA for ten years. A bright light at …
Trevor And Greg Standing Outside

Celebrating Trevor Gotfredson’s Fifth Anniversary with MWA

MWA has had the pleasure of working with Trevor Gotfredson for five years. A Designer for the San Francisco Infrastructure studio, Trevor has contributed to some of MWA’s largest water …
Women wearing construction hats and vests standing outside next to the M W A Architects logo at the entrance of the Portland office.

Women in Architecture

MWA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee hosted our first firm-wide DEI forum last month. For an hour, our team met to listen, learn, and discuss DEI in the workplace. The …
How Access to Outdoor Space Affects Mental Health

How Access to Outdoor Space Affects Mental Health

Ever wonder why, when people are overwhelmed, a typical response is to go outside, take a walk, or exercise? Why do we often hear “I need to get some air” …
Reflecting on Black History Month

Reflecting on Black History Month

As we reflect on Black History Month, we are hopeful that everyone will continue to learn, grow, and discover something new about aspects of Black culture and history. It is …
Integrating Art & Architecture

Integrating Art & Architecture

As neighborhoods rapidly evolve with changing populations and new developments, it is important to acknowledge the community’s history and add new layers of beauty and richness to enhance placemaking. Integrating …
Graphic of Portland And San Francisco MWA

A Year of New Talent Pt. 7

We’ve celebrated so many talented people throughout the course of 2021, and these individuals are no different. We’re so excited to wrap up this year by highlighting three of MWA’s …
Jean and Greg at an M W A holiday party

Becoming a Principal: Greg and Jean’s Journey to MWA Leadership

MWA’s two newest Principals, Greg Robley and Jean von Bargen Root, reflect on their careers, how they lead effectively while working remotely, and their goals for the future. With sustainable …
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