Otak Blog

From Kaitlin Beatty, Landscape Designer:
I recently had the opportunity to travel to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to support a few Lake Oswego co-workers during the design charrette for one of Otak’s latest international projects, Development Regulations Framework for Abu Dhabi. We took a detailed look at four specific block studies located within the Central Business District of Abu Dhabi. We then began to identify issues within the current urban environment and proposed improvements to these blocks, which would be applied to other blocks throughout the city.

For me, a designer only two years out of school, going to Abu Dhabi was an opportunity of a lifetime. I jumped at the chance to go and contribute in any way I could. Just a few short hours after landing I found myself navigating through the Emirates Palace Hotel helping the team with drawings, computer work, and coordination in preparation for the final presentation to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at the end of the week. Working in a very fast paced, creative environment was a great experience and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Otak’s Seattle office is busting with babies! On a sunny Friday afternoon, the Seattle staff celebrated recent babies and their parents/parents-to-be. The group enjoyed a light spread of snacks and beverages, including beautiful baby cupcakes courtesy of Allisa ‘Martha Stewart’ Carlson. As a small gesture, the office presented Sharlene Sherwood, Tom Early, Mark Shelby, and Keith Bates with Otak onesies for their offspring. The party concluded with a Sherwood baby due date/birth weight lottery. Good luck and congratulations to all!

Pictured from left-to-right:
Jeb Parkinson and Sharlene Sherwood (due May 11); Tom Early with Stella (13 mos.); Mark Shelby with Bekah (6 weeks); and Keith Bates with Elliot (3 mos.) and Greyson (22 mos.).