Community | creativity | responsibility
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 …
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 …
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
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
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 …
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 …
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
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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, …
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 …
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’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 …
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 …
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 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
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
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
