Otak Blog

This Saturday, July 31, Portland Professionals Engineers Without Borders (EWB) will host its second annual kickball tournament. A group of mullet and kickball lovin’ Otakians and friends are joining in on the fun by joining forces to create “Team Mullet.” The Team will play at least three games while enjoying a day at Glen Haven Park (NE 82nd and Siskiyou Street) socializing with engineers and other fun loving individuals. In addition to the kickball game, a raffle and compilation of mini games will entertain those interested. The tournament benefits EWB projects in Tanzania, Haiti, and Ecuador. Come cheer, laugh, and hang out with the team, and learn more about EWB and their mission. For more information, please contact Rose at rose.horton@otak.com

On Wednesday, a bus full of 20 students from Reynolds High School drove into Otak’s parking lot ready to learn. Inside they were greeted by friendly faces from numerous Otakians within different disciplines – architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, human resources, marketing, surveying, to name a few. Students were split into two groups, and led around the building by Otak “tour guides” to learn about who we are and what we do. Engineers explained drawings, marketers handed out proposals, and landscape architects revealed renderings. Each student was instructed to write down what they learned from each discipline, specifically responsibilities associated with each. After a couple hours of running around the building, the students sat down to discuss what they learned over pizza and soda. We hope that this rare opportunity was an eye-opening experience for the students. It certainly was for us Otakians.

Cedar Creek Culvert to Bridge Replacement; Sherwood, Oregon
The American Public Works Association awarded the Cedar Creek project with the Project of the Year Award in the “Environment less than $5 million” category. The Cedar Creek project results include the design of a single-span, precast prestressed girder bridge; stream and wetland restoration; a regional multi-use trail; and improved roadway safety and functions.

OHSU Center for Health and Healing; Portland, Oregon
The OHSU Center won The Outstanding Building of the Year Award from the Building Owners and Managers Association International. Otak’s responsibilities for the OHSU Center included onsite and offsite civil engineering for the 2-block building, specifically assisting with the permitting through DEQ for the installation and outfall from the wastewater bioreactor system. The 16-story medical building obtained LEED Platinum status.