Working with a visionary developer, Skip Grodahl, The Fields Apartments is designed as a 264-unit affordable multifamily development with 100,000 square feet of office space in Tigard, Oregon. The ground-breaking project makes housing affordable to those earning 60 percent of median family income.
Overcoming Site Challenges for a Ground-Breaking Affordable Housing Design
Working with a visionary developer, Skip Grodahl, Otak designed a 264-unit affordable multifamily development with 100,000 square feet of office space in Tigard, Oregon. The site was challenging to develop because of its substantial slope, access constraints, and the desire to protect a substantial stand of trees on the site. The project team worked closely with City staff and nearby residents to design a project that met the City’s economic development goals, connectivity requirements, and the neighbors’ desires, while providing attractive and well-located housing and office space. The 24-acre site will include five apartment buildings, a clubhouse with a green roof, and up to 100,000 of commercial office space. This type of integrated affordable housing keeps our communities vital and accessible to people at all stages of life. In leading the design, Otak provided survey, civil engineering, architecture, land use planning, and landscape architecture services for this ground-breaking project.
In an inspiring celebration of achievement and excellence, Saretta Tillmaand, Amanda Owings, and Margaret Steinhilber – three remarkable women from Otak – have been honored with Women of Vision accolades by the Daily Journal of Commerce (DJC) Oregon!
The recognition adds to a growing list over the past several years of Otak people to receive the award:
2022 – Millicent Williams
2021 – Tanya Boyer, Rachel Laura, Cathy Kraus
2020 – Serah Breakstone, Tina Keller, Angela Khosa-Marangwanda
Every year, the DJC Oregon honors a select group of nominated women for their contributions to the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction – allowing them to set an example for others in the field and position them leaders in the broader communities we all serve. This year’s 46 Women of Vision honorees were project managers, CEOs, principals, company founders and more – all active in creating opportunities for the future generation of women in our industry.
Who are the Honorees?
Amanda Owings – Business Unit Leader of Transportation
For more than 20 years, Amanda has worked within all facets of transportation, from traffic signal review to accessible ramp designs. She now draws on that experience to design unique transportation solutions that are centered around the impact they have on existing systems and the broader communities her projects aim to service. Amanda sees value in cultivating relationships within her team and has taken opportunities such as treating her team to a local soccer game to facilitate teambuilding and comradery. She takes her role in leadership to heart and understands that building a quality team requires work and dedication beyond the day to day operations.
“I’m honored to have served the institutions I have, and thank you to Otak for believing in me since the beginning, for nominating these other deserving women and inspiring me on my journey.”
– Amanda Owings
Saretta Tillmaand – Senior Project Architect
Saretta is task oriented and skilled Project Architect who enjoys figuring out what tasks need to be done in what order to create the greatest efficiency. She excels at aligning client wants with available space and finding new materials and technology to make construction more efficient and sustainable. An ardent believer in community involvement and uplifting women in the field – she’s described as a trailblazer in the project architect’s group at Otak. She volunteers with Habitat For Humanity and served as a lead advocate for the U.S. Green Building Council’s operations within our firm.
“I’d like to thank my coworkers for seeing and acknowledging the work that I do. I’m often behind the scenes, so this honor is a testament to the importance of visibility.”
– Saretta Tillmaand
Margaret Steinhilber – Senior Project Architect
Margaret is a Senior Project Architect with a calm head and solid communication skills. At Otak, she works with the design team from concept phase through construction documents, coordinating with clients and consultants throughout the process. She continues to be involved through the construction phase, providing observation and coordinating with contractors and owners to ensure projects are in alignment with the construction documents.
Margaret prides herself on creating environments both beautiful and functional. She finds plenty of opportunity to follow her passion at Otak, because Margaret says her colleagues’ dedication to creating innovative, sustainable, and livable buildings makes coming to work something she looks forward to every day.
“Margaret is an example of dedication and is a role model to other women in the architecture group.”
– Matt Neish, Architecture Business Unit Lead
These three have demonstrated unwavering dedication, innovation, and leadership in their fields of architecture and transportation. The DJC’s recognition is a testament to their outstanding work, showcasing how their practices are not only impacting our company but also making a significant and positive mark in the greater AEC world.
In Fall of 2022, Otak opened its doors to our brand-new Denver office. We reinforced our presence in downtown Denver for several strategic purposes – including a motivation to deepen our commitments to and strengthen our relationships within the greater Denver metropolitan area.
And what better way to build relationships than to host an Open House! On October 5th Otak welcomed our valued clients, teaming partners, and local community members to Otak’s downtown space in the historic Elephant Corral building.
A Variety of Practices Forging New Relationships
At the event, we had the chance for meaningful discussion with local peers in architecture, landscape architecture, planning, water resources, and transportation. With a variety of clients in attendance, it was a fantastic opportunity to get better acquainted with partners and local organizations – some of whom we’ve already partnered with on projects, and others we hopefully will in the future.
Beyond Networking
The energy in the office was uplifting as the Denver community came together to explore the space, enjoy food and drinks, engage in meaningful conversation, and foster connections. The event’s success wasn’t just measured in terms of professional connections, but in the opportunity to engage and recharge together outside of a video call. We were honored to host this event and start dialogue with the potential clients, partners, and friends in attendance.
As we continue to thrive and grow our work in the Rocky Mountain region, Otak remains dedicated to contributing to the communities we serve. We look forward to even more vibrant and interactive events in the future, recognizing that it’s not just about planning and building infrastructure, but also about building bridges between people in our communities for years to come.
Enhancing the connectivity and functionality of its waterfront, the design along 1st and Strand Streets establishes a more defined downtown core for the City of St. Helens, Oregon. A multidisciplinary Otak team led planning and subsequent engineering aimed at further developing this area of the city and accentuating its value as a public asset.
Strengthening Connectivity by Developing a Downtown Waterfront
Following a planning effort to outline further development of the downtown waterfront, including the site of a former mill, roadway improvements in the area enhance access for both vehicles and pedestrians while also setting the stage for expanded public use. A new multiuse path and more clearly defined parking areas increase accessibility to the waterfront and its amenities. Its design allows for a portion of Strand Street to host festivals with minimal disruption to traffic by incorporating a new circle turnaround and converting part of Strand to a one-way street that had previously caused congestion between the courthouse and City Hall. The extension of water and sewer utilities, along with a new pump station and stormwater facilities, has the site shovel-ready for future development.
In support of expanding quality, accessible housing in the State of Oregon, Sunshine Park Apartments adds an influx of affordable units to the community of Roseburg. The Otak design places an emphasis on community-oriented spaces and family-focused amenities.
A Family-Focused Design Improves Community Access to Affordable Housing
The affordable housing development of Sunshine Park Apartments is comprised of 144 apartments for households with incomes up to 60% of the area median income. An emphasis on community in the design incorporates playgrounds, open landscape areas, and a communal building, with buildings oriented around a seasonal creek that runs through the development. With families top of mind, Sunshine Park Apartments offers a range of amenities, with a central clubhouse serving as a hub for community activities. The clubhouse features a fireplace, community kitchen, exercise equipment, and a covered BBQ area. The amenity spaces are strategically clustered to create a vibrant and inclusive environment, particularly catering to families with children. The project was made possible through OHCS 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits and LIFT Award funding, reflecting a commitment from the state of Oregon to making quality housing accessible.
In a span of just a year and eight months, Omar Cardoza has shown admirable curiosity and initiative, participating in multiple events, opportunities, and projects at Otak as a Design Technician within our Architecture group. We’re taking the time today to celebrate his recent achievement of earning his LEED Green Associate (LEED GA) certification. With this accreditation, Omar has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable and impactful architectural career!
What is a LEED GA?
Taking the initiative to pursue the LEED GA certification, Omar’s commitment to self-improvement is commendable. He acknowledges that while the intention was always there, it required dedicated effort and focus to attain this achievement. Now, equipped with the LEED GA certification, Omar is excited to take a more informed and conscious approach to his work. In his own words,
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is the #1 recognized green building rating system in the world. The LEED Green Associate certification is the first of two tiers of professional green building accreditation. Referred to as “LEED GA”, LEED Green associates have demonstrated knowledge of green building practices and standards related to the design, construction, usage, and maintenance of buildings.
Why a LEED GA?
The motivation behind Omar’s pursuit of the LEED GA accreditation, to him, stems from a combination of factors. Recognizing the increasing relevance of sustainability in today’s architectural landscape, he felt the need to equip himself with the tools necessary to design and construct environmentally conscious structures in the modern era. Omar’s passion for the environment and his belief that architecture goes beyond just the physical structure to influence the lives of the people who use it further fueled his desire to earn his LEED GA.
Omar sees the LEED GA accreditation as a pivotal milestone in his professional journey. The certification provides him with a robust foundation to integrate sustainability seamlessly into all phases of project delivery. This enhanced understanding of green building practices will not only enable him to create more environmentally responsible structures but also contribute to his overall growth as a modern architect.
Doing the Work
Taking the initiative to pursue the LEED GA certification, Omar’s commitment to self-improvement is commendable. He acknowledges that while the intention was always there, it required dedicated effort and focus to attain this achievement. Now, equipped with the LEED GA certification, Omar is excited to take a more informed and conscious approach to his work. In his own words, “It acts as a catalyst for my ongoing career development, and I view it as the first step in a series of big steps to advance in the world of sustainable architecture.”
Omar’s accomplishment reflects his dedication to professional growth and his commitment to designing spaces that not only function well but also positively impact the environment and the lives of those who inhabit them, something deeply aligned with our values in design. As he continues to evolve as an architect, Otak eagerly anticipates the contributions and innovations he will bring to the realm of sustainability!
Wade Creek Park represents the culmination of a 15-year vision to create a library, park, and community meeting space for the City of Estacada. This third phase of development improves the park’s utility and connections to the surrounding environment by adding a multi-use community center and converting an existing pond back to its natural stream.
A Multi-Use Community Center Designed Around a Restored Stream
From an outdoor amphitheater, stage area, and boardwalk to an indoor community room, restroom facilities, and picnic area, a number of amenities improved Wade Creek park while restoring its natural stream and adding wetland areas. The architectural design of the community center also includes a roof that drains into a rain garden featuring native plants and locally-sourced materials for the structure that highlight the local timber industry. Wade Creek meanders through the middle of the park and improving the habitat was important to the City. A geomorphic and hydrologic study determined the restoration design of Wade Creek, focusing on enhanced flood management, tree health, and aquatic habitat diversity. Multiple alternatives were presented to the public using an online survey in partnership with GreenWorks to engage the community in the design process. A hydraulic computer model was used to evaluate maximum water surface elevations for the design alternatives. The final design includes a riffle, pool, channel complex with riparian plantings, and a new fish passage culvert under Wade Street.
Located at a prominent corner lot of downtown Vancouver, Washington, the 13 West Apartments adds 96-units of housing to the city’s central business district. The project builds on a long history with DBG in developing affordable housing facilities throughout the northwest.
Affordable Housing meets Multimodal Access
A key aspect to 13 West is it’s specific location. It is sited in a downtown employment district proximate to both private and public sector jobs. Residents can easily walk or bike to work and also have easy access to mass transit and nearby social services in the neighborhood. The 5 story building’s ground floor includes a corner entry, community room, and management office. Accentuating the area’s multimodal accessibility is a secured bike storage, two live/work spaces, and tuck under covered parking that’s concealed in the rear with alley access.
To improve road maintenance operations and the safe processing of household hazardous waste, the Kitsap County Department of Public Works aimed to update its existing facilities. The design adds a number of new facilities across 16 acres – including a 18,500 square-foot administration building – from a more central location to better protect the environment and serve the community. In leading the preliminary and final design, Otak also conducted internal and external stakeholder engagement, site plan alternatives analysis, permit acquisition, and preparation of environmental review documentation in bringing these new assets to the community.
Facilities Designed for Road and Waste Operations that Protect the Environment and Community
Dating back to the 1920’s and 1950’s the original Kitsap County facilities had grown obsolete with inadequate storage space for necessary equipment and significantly increased traffic volume. With over 900 miles of roadway to preserve and maintain, the new facilities are designed to more efficiently operate a number of programs from surface treatment and snow removal to vegetation management to street sweeping. Included in the design are multiple vehicle maintenance shops, a vehicle wash and fuel station, as well as 9,600 square-feet of covered canopy for parking and storage among other road maintenance focused features. The addition of a 7,600 square-foot facility will also improve the county’s ability to collect and package household hazardous waste from a more central location, creating greater access for residents.
For any discussion about the future of design – modular architecture is now part of that conversation.
Trends in the field point to it as well. Back in 2015, the Modular Building Institute notes that modular construction constituted 2.9% of all construction while expecting it to grow to 5% in 2020.
As it turns out, modular buildings now make up more than 6% of new construction in the United States. With a market now expected to grow from $89.18 billion in 2022 to $95.59 billion in 2023, modular construction is in demand because it’s become more cost effective, efficient, and flexible in design.
Modular design’s history can be traced back thousands of years to the ancient Romans who created prefabricated sections of their forts that could be assembled on-site for quick defense. And modular configurations have been commercially available since the early 20th century.
Modular units being constructed on site.
The difference in today’s approach to modularity is advances in technology. From enhanced building materials and greater precision in manufacturing, to the logistics behind transporting building components, the entire process is now done with greater quality and efficiency. The result is a modern architecture approach that’s often more innovative in design and efficient in completion than today’s traditional methods.
In this piece, we’re taking a closer look at the practice of modular design and exploring its details and advantages, as well as implications for the future of the built environment. Feel free to read on or skip ahead:
Modular architecture’s definition is rooted in the term ‘module’: where prefabricated units of a structure are assembled in configurations designed to meet different sizes, complexities, or functions.
Modular Versus Prefabricated
The relationship between modular construction and other types of prefabricated approaches like panelized construction is similar to the relationship between 3D and 2D design. While modules are three-dimensional units comprised of several prefabricated pieces, panels are individual flat pieces assembled on-site. So, one could think of modular construction as a specific application of prefabrication where floors, walls, and roofs are integrated into larger units, often comprising one or more rooms.
Simply put, prefab deals with the manufacturing of the individual units (walls, floors, and other elements) with assembly of entire spaces happening later at the construction site.
Benefits (and Challenges) of Modular Architecture
With a number of factors driving added attention to modular architecture – the rapidly growing need for adequate, affordable housing significantly among them – there are numerous benefits being found by both designers, builders, and the community who eventually uses the final product.
Of course, with the benefits of any approach also come challenges. Below we’ll take a closer look at both in some key areas.
Quality Control A modular approach to design and building allows for greater control of the overall quality of a structure. With units prefabricated in a factory setting as opposed to being subject to field conditions (i.e., short building windows in colder, wetter seasons, etc.), there’s less degradation of materials.
Also, because modular construction is simplified to an assembly process, reliance on different skill levels or unfamiliarity from on-site labor – and quality issues that can arise as a result – are dramatically reduced.
However, since units are prefabricated, often with proprietary materials and methods, if quality issues do arise, they aren’t able to be addressed on-site as easily as with conventional construction.
Constructability A huge benefit of a modular approach is time. Construction time on a modular structure takes a fraction of the time it takes to build from the ground up. The process is also safer for workers as fewer people are needed for less complicated tasks on a shorter schedule, minimizing site risks.
This benefit can be even greater when used at scale while applying templated configurations across multiple sites, as opposed to a one-off approach for each building. It’s estimated that modular approaches can reliably save at least 20% in construction costs, including the potential for an estimated $22B in savings annually across U.S. and European markets. This savings makes sense when you consider the reduced construction time that leads to a reduction in overall emissions from heavy equipment.
While site accessibility is a challenge with any project, because modular design involves the use of larger units, this can be a limiting factor for difficult to reach locations.
Construction site of an office building in Berlin.
Repeatability As mentioned, modular design lends itself to repeatability and scalability. The consistencies gained in minimizing onsite construction issues like weather or access, improve the quality of overall construction while being more insulated from the elements. Using a system of repeated building blocks leaves less room for variation in quality and creates a process that can then be repeated across multiple sites.
Sustainability Modular design is also better for the planet. The approach bakes in an emphasis on minimizing waste in the construction process because the process is primarily carried out in the controlled environment of a manufacturing facility. The units themselves are also often made using recycled materials. Almost every client values sustainable methods that lessens onsite waste and materials, because less waste not only lowers a project’s overall carbon footprint, it also lower costs associated with disposing and transporting that waste.
Establishing Design Goals for Clients The benefits of modular design also extend away from the job site. While of course not exclusive to a modular approach, the use of 3D visuals can be particularly useful in facilitating a discussion that requires an extra degree of predefined design decisions with the client.
A discussion including a modular architecture approach can draw out a client’s true goals for the project, like if they want resilient products that are easy to maintain for a buyer that can be weatherproofed during the short build season. Different components of the structure can be modular in an ‘a la carte’ type approach to meet the design, avoiding the challenges that come with limited variety and allowing for design flexibility.
Example 3D rendering of a sustainable house, using modular design.
A Modular Design Approach: What Makes a Project a Good Fit?
It’s one thing to consider a modular design approach, but it’s another to decide which projects are most suitable for it. The reality is it’s a different design process from what traditionally takes place and might not always be the right solution depending on the project details.
For one, designers have to think in a more integrated way because the pieces of the puzzle are bigger. Units also must be designed to thorough specifications to make sure everything fits just right when it comes time to build. Architects need to think about how one gets the most customization in the fewest components, while also considering the need for flexibility. Owners also tend to invest more in early phases of the project so the prefab process can begin, meaning decisions need to be made early so that can be conveyed to financiers.
Consideration of a modular approach is best done early in the design process to truly reap the benefits in identifying projects that are a good fit.
An Answer to the Housing Crisis: Modular Residential Home Design
Modular architecture can be especially useful for residential home design. With the growing housing crisis plaguing the United States, it’s estimated that 3.8 million more homes must be built now to keep up with population growth in the future, and modular design lends itself to the need in a unique way.
Given its repeatability, scalability, and time-saving capabilities, modular construction allows for a number of cost-effective solutions to building houses en masse. Rather than a one-off approach with a traditional stick-built home, modular home design delivers a shortened schedule, material cost savings, and a more sustainable project, ultimately getting people into homes – and developers paid – more quickly.
Modular Housing Common Questions
When considering modular architecture for housing projects, there are a few common questions to consider:
Can modular homes be stacked?
Modular homes can be designed as a single standalone structure or multiple story building by stacking them. Bottom line: there are many structural and design possibilities.
Can modular homes be renovated?
Modular homes can be modified and renovated, though much depends on the initial structural integrity and design which may require specialized knowledge and resources.
Can modular homes be built anywhere?
One of their greatest benefits is that modular homes can be placed just about anywhere. There are some constraints since the larger components need to be able to be accessible to a site.
Modular Architecture for Commercial Buildings
Large-scale projects don’t just include housing. While not currently as common, commercial buildings are increasingly being built using a modular approach.
Modular construction site.
In cases where there is a need for meeting rigorous quality standards (due to regulation or client specifications) a modular approach can help ensure those standards are met. This is especially common in advanced manufacturing and the automotive industry for example. Efficiency with energy, materials and construction timelines are also goals that lend themselves well to a modular approach to commercial facilities.
Modular Architecture as A Growing Application in Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare is another area where modular design is growing in popularity, and the concept is gaining hold for several reasons.
While the priorities of healthcare have evolved over time to place a greater emphasis on patient-centric model that emphasizes convenience and experience, the physical infrastructure for the industry has comparatively lagged. An effort to catch up has turned many to the benefits of modular design for the development of new healthcare facilities.
Example of modular units.
Modular architecture is helping bridge that gap with healthcare facilities by simplifying coordination and install of multiple, complex infrastructural components that are often needed.
In addition to being more innovative and scalable in design, the cost-efficient nature of a modular approach is especially fitting an industry where creating the convenience for communities of nearby facilities is a priority. Considering the size of these projects, insulation from factors that often cause delays in construction (weather, labor shortage etc.) and other on-site complications is also an important consideration in getting healthcare facilities operational on schedule. These efficiencies also translate to cost savings and a better return on revenue.
Applying Creative Design Approaches to Architecture
Every project is unique and the options for bringing them to completion are numerous. The ability to deliver creative designs that meet a diverse set of client goals and project types is at the heart of our architecture practice. Modular design is just one approach in a world of possibilities to consider.
Take a closer look at our architecture work and learn more about a design-forward mentality that fits into a unique set of multidisciplinary capabilities.
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