From green stormwater infrastructure and complete streets to fish passage and comprehensive planning, adding resilience to communities is part of our multidisciplinary work every day. But during Earth Month, we like to take a moment to look at things on a more personal level and add a little fun. Play along this year to test your own sustainable practices by crossing off as much as you can from our Earth Month Bingo challenge!
Implementing an innovative approach to urban stormwater management, the Monroe Avenue Infiltration Facility was recognized with two Project of the Year awards at the 2026 American Public Works Association (APWA) Awards for Washington state.
With a mission of creating an engaged community of AEC professionals, the APWA is a national organization dedicated to advancing public works at the local level. These honors follow a presentation the 2025 event, together highlighting a design aimed at solving long-standing flooding and environmental challenges for communities around the Renton Highlands Watershed. Projects of the Year showcase excellence and innovation in the management and administration of public works, while the Envision Award specifically focuses on an industry-leading example in sustainable, resilient, and equitable civil infrastructure.
About the Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility
For decades, persistent flooding caused issues for communities around Renton, Washington. The Monroe Avenue Stormwater Facility took a comprehensive approach to reduce flooding while also enhancing water quality for this growing area. The complex design connects a variety of green stormwater features with existing stormwater infrastructure.
Using a treatment train approach that directs flows through a nature-based treatment system, polluted stormwater runoff is filtered and cooled before making its way back into the local river system. A combination of surveying along with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of the subbasin optimized the facility to protect these communities from 100-year storm events.
Community members and project partners gathered recently to celebrate the completion of an overlooked riverfront destination transformed through community-driven effort. The Renaissance Pointe improvements at the eastern terminus of the Columbia River Renaissance Trail were led by a coalition of community supporters including Otak, who donated professional time and expertise to help reimagine the space. The goal: to create a safe, attractive place for people to enjoy the Columbia River.
“Renaissance Pointe is a powerful example of how thoughtful design can honor both place and people. The aim was to create a space that feels calm and meaningful—one where the community can connect with the river and with each other.”
– David Sacamano, Practice Area Leader of Planning & Landscape Architecture
Otak helped advance the project by providing concept design, civil and landscape design, permitting support and agency coordination, and technical review services, including stormwater documentation. Construction dollars for the improvements were raised through the generosity of local businesses and foundations. Beyond beautification, Renaissance Pointe carries deep meaning for the community.
The effort was driven by Jill Brown, who was inspired by the life and service of her husband Clark County Sheriff Sgt. Jeremy Brown, who died in the line of duty. Otak worked directly with Jill throughout the process to ensure the space would serve as a place of reflection and remembrance. “It will be a space that honors a life well lived,” Jill Brown said in a previous interview with The Columbian. Project partners echoed that sentiment, noting that the improvements honor “the spirit of Jeremy’s commitment to our community.” The completed terminus reflects a shared vision for inclusive, people-centered public spaces, one shaped by community voices, volunteer effort, and collaboration across public, nonprofit, and private partners.
Otak’s involvement in the Columbia River Renaissance Trail continues beyond this milestone. Current projects include active work on two additional sections along the trail and Vancouver Waterfront in partnership with the Port of Vancouver. These include the State Route 501 Trail, Segment 5B, providing civil engineering services, and the Terminal 1 Project, where Otak is preparing to begin civil and landscape architecture work. With ongoing investment in the region’s waterfront, Otak is honored to play a role in strengthening meaningful connections between people, place, and the river through thoughtful design and community partnership.
Transit-oriented-development creates vibrant, walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods surrounding transit stations, and is fundamental to the regional policy that sustains thriving transit communities. In support of this vision, Sound Transit and the Model Code Partnership, together with the cities of Everett and Lynnwood, Snohomish County, Puget Sound Regional Council, and other partners, are proud to announce the recent completion and publishing of the Transit-Oriented Development Toolkit.
Otak planners and designers were an instrumental part of the consultant team that developed this comprehensive, state-of‑the‑practice guidance, working alongside Kimley‑Horn (project manager), Mithun, and EnviroIssues.
The Toolkit includes chapters on urban design and placekeeping, land use and built form, multimodal streets, as well as resilient infrastructure and green buildings. It goes on to cover implementing regulations in these areas that can be integrated into local codes. Heavily illustrated, the guide presents best practices, policy considerations, design concepts, and regulatory language to support local adoption.
In addition to content development, Otak facilitated multiple workshops with the Model Code Partnership throughout the process. The work was funded primarily by a grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s TOD Pilot Program under the direction of Miranda Redinger, AICP, with Sound Transit. Otak’s team was led by Mandi Roberts, AICP, PLA, with key contributions from a multidisciplinary team of planners, designers, and technical specialists. That team included Ben Schneider, PLA; Mark Shelby, PLA; Cristina Haworth, AICP; Emily Larson; Samantha Cornejo; Brendan Wedderspoon; Marissa Chargualaf; Christopher Green; Casey McKenna; and Matt Neish supporting the work.
As an organization committed to advancing the industry, ACEC holds the annual awards to recognize engineering firms for projects that demonstrate an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement, and value. A closer look at these two projects, adding to a list of award-winning work, and their impact on surrounding communities can be found below.
The Monroe Avenue Stormwater Treatment and Infiltration Facility represents a breakthrough in urban stormwater management and a model for engineering innovation solving long-standing environmental, flooding, and community space challenges within highly developed basins.
Located in the 260-acre Renton Highlands watershed, the project replaced an outdated infiltration pit with a facility designed to manage 100-year storm events, improve water quality, and deliver lasting public benefits. Among its most innovative elements is a multi-layered sediment and pollutant removal ‘treatment train’ engineered to preserve the infiltration capacity of the native soils. Altogether, the project will reduce flooding and improve water quality in the City of Renton for generations to come.
Adding to the state’s first rapid transit system of its kind, the Swift BRT Orange Line is an 11-mile connection between multiple communities in Snohomish County. This expansion of public transportation enhances accessibility for the region’s residents to a variety of vital services as well as economic and social opportunities.
It would be difficult to quantify the impact of Bob Collins, not only on the public education systems for countless community members across the Pacific Northwest, but also the professional education and growth of many more he’s worked with. A focus on people has been a cornerstone of Bob’s career managing decades of successful school bond programs and it’s something he’s proud to have passed down in reaching retirement.
“When you build a team that cares about both project and personal challenges, it comes back in spades… care for people and they’ll take care of you.”
– Bob Collins, Senior Project Manager
From beginning as a contractor to helping manage them as an owner’s representative, Bob’s perspective on projects has evolved but his role team builder and mentor has always remained. It represents a consistent element across his relationships with school districts, the development of our internal teams, and now in the handoff of that approach to someone with a similarly diverse background. In tandem with a celebration of Bob’s impressive career comes a welcome to Stormy Shanks, who will now build on the foundation he’s built.
This passing of the torch isn’t just a transition of work, but an opportunity to share deep industry knowledge Bob has accumulated over decades.
While Bob’s career began as a contractor, Stormy started as an engineer. Experience on the other side of projects was invaluable to each as they found their way to the owner’s perspective. And in both cases, that path was motivated by the same goal: having a positive impact on communities.
“One of the coolest things we get to do is work with the community and owner to really answer, ‘what do you value here?’ Sometimes you need to find the “why” first before realizing the most effective solution.”
– Stormy Shanks, Client Service Manager
As a mechanical engineer, education projects were always Stormy’s favorite. A large part of this was recognizing the central role schools play in their communities, especially today when people have fewer “third places” (church, Elk’s Lodge, etc.) where they regularly gather. “Lots of people don’t have third places now, and schools are often that place for many people.” Stormy experienced that importance firsthand, which ultimately shaped the next step in her career.
After working on the design of a Portland Public Schools (PPS) project, Stormy eventually joined the district to help manage that very bond program. The experience was a unique opportunity to work both as a designer and as an owner on the same project. In addition to the social impact of schools as spaces, she’s also drawn to their uncommon versatility as facilities. “[Schools] have a little bit of everything, from performing arts, sports, and labs to commercial kitchens, offices, and common areas. They are an incredible thing to get to work on.”
“[Clients] should expect to have the same level of honesty from our team through the good, bad, and ugly… they’re not working with someone who just wants to make money but wants to get to the end of the line successfully.”
– Bob Collins, Senior Project Manager
According to Bob, an owner’s representative should be more than “a hired gun.” He believes they need to be just as invested in the mission as the client, so they can advise, consult, and even make difficult decisions when needed on their behalf. It’s an approach he’s applied time and again, from completing a series of buildings for Reynolds School District simultaneously when nobody thought it was possible, to the long-standing, close collaboration with Salem-Keizer School District that led to more project improvements than originally planned.
That history has been especially meaningful for Stormy who says her superpower is pattern recognition and an ability to apply that context in making correct adjustments in future situations. Offering that context is just one more example of something Bob has valued his entire career. “It’s been important to relay lessons learned. I know I got that from a few folks… to show not just technically how you get the work done but the right way to go about doing it.”
Above all, this moment offers an opportunity to thank Bob for his leadership, his transparency, and his commitment to doing the work the right way, and for ensuring that what he’s built continues through others.
As an organization committed to advancing the industry, ACEC holds the annual awards to recognize engineering firms for projects that demonstrate an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement, and value. A closer look at these two projects, adding to a list of award-winning work, and their impact on surrounding communities can be found below.
With a unique application of green stormwater infrastructure in a residential neighborhood setting, work on Upper Kellogg Creek addressed chronic flooding for the surrounding community while also enhancing its natural habitat. Initial capital improvement planning led to a design that connects a restored stream with an updated roadway stormwater system to eliminate the frequency of flooding issues during storm events.
Transforming an old mill site into a walkable, multimodal public space that sets up the downtown St. Helens waterfront for future growth was the basis of a planning effort and subsequent transportation design for the area. A new multiuse path and roundabout along with the added ability to close off a portion of the street for festivals reduces congestion in the area, supporting public use and continued economic growth.
In celebrating innovators, leaders, and change makers shaping the built environment, the Daily Journal of Commerce (DJC) Oregon Chapter included six Otak experts as part of their annual Top 250 list.
The recognition includes representatives from a variety of groups from across our multidisciplinary expertise and complements a list of award-winning work. Selected solely by the DJC editorial staff, the honor recognizes leaders whose work improving communities in the region stands out for impact, integrity and influence. More information about this year’s members—along with a glimpse into one instance where each has made their mark—can be found below.
Kristen Ballou, who is also a past recipient of the Women of Vision honor, has been designing increased connectivity for communities at Otak for more than two decades. Her efforts to improve transportation infrastructure have placed a priority on enhancing accessibility, multi-modal features, and an overarching increase in livability.
Boones Ferry Corridor
In leading work across projects stemming from the Tualatin Moving Forward bond program, Kristen Ballou was instrumental in finding the efficient multi-modal enhancements that now span the Boones Ferry Corridor. Learn more about the complete approach that overcame challenging site constraints to create a safer environment for the community.
With 28 years of experience, Casey McKenna specializes in mixed used, housing, and hospitality projects contributing to Otak’s multidisciplinary work by delivering complex architectural solutions. In developing the growing architecture team, he emphasizes the importance of trust and communication as an essential component to encouraging creative and innovative approaches. Casey’s commitment to his community extends beyond the office, where he is an active member of a local youth football organization.
The Byway at Wood Village
A common thread among Casey McKenna’s work is an approach to design that aims to incorporate themes from the surrounding area. Learn more about The Byway at Wood Village, a mixed-use development that seamlessly integrates with its place near the base of Mount Hood.
Bridging the gap between project development and public trust, Sarah Oaks has been leading complex capital improvement projects at Otak for nearly a decade. Her wide range of work has been particularly impactful for communities in guiding public safety infrastructure projects and school bonds programs to maximize their value. Sarah is also a past recipient of the Women of Vision Honor and is an active supporter of the Architecture Construction Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program, invested in advancing the future of the industry.
Tigard-Tualatin School District Bond Program
With a combination of technology, safety, and seismic improvements, Sarah Oaks guided a $350 Million bond for the Tigard-Tualatin School District to maximize the community’s investment in its future. Learn more about the project and how it added and expanded its facilities while also supporting net-zero energy goals.
Dedicated to enhancing community mobility through impactful infrastructure projects, Amanda Owings stands out as a leader within Otak’s multidisciplinary team. Her expertise in transportation is matched by her ability to foster collaboration among the various disciplines to find the best possible solutions. Amanda is a Women of Vision honoree and an active member of the APWA Oregon chapter.
McGilchrist Street Arterial Improvements
A vital connection for the community of Salem, Oregon, Amanda Owings led efforts to not only improve the major arterial of McGilchrist Street but also the infrastructure and natural habitat it intersects. Learn more about the design of this roadway and its variety of impacts from traffic and flooding to fish passage.
Margaret Steinhilber is a leader not only within the Otak architecture group, but also in the firm’s broader efforts to support more sustainable development. She is a WELL Accredited Professional and member of the Green Otak (GO) Committee, bringing together experts across disciplines to collaborate on best practices and internal processes that add resilience in communities. Aside from her design work, Margaret is also a Women of Vision honoree and an active participant in mentoring students as well as volunteering with Lift UP to deliver food to those in need.
Cascade Administrative Building
The adaptive reuse of 70,000 square-feet within an existing two-story concrete tilt panel building became the new headquarters for Community Transit. Margaret Steinhilber’s design work emphasized employee amenities and an expanded space for a modern work environment. Learn more about the project and upgrades to several other Community Transit facilities.
Saretta Tillmaand is a leader on both architecture projects and the development of future architecture professionals, as a primary stakeholder in the Otak internship program. Saretta’s extensive career in design is matched by her involvement with community service, volunteering for a variety of organizations and connecting colleagues with opportunities to do the same. A previous Women of Vison honoree, her team-focused approach aims to expand opportunities for hands-on experience, maximizing potential for professional growth.
South Cooper Mountain
Contributing to collective goals around addressing affordable housing within the architecture group, Saretta Tillmaand was vital to the development of South Cooper Mountain. The project included Amity Orchards, three multi-family buildings that add 164 affordable housing units. Learn more about the project and how it is integrated with the surrounding community.
A collaborative effort between multiple municipalities and a multidisciplinary Otak team reached a significant milestone last week with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Miller Creek. Stakeholders from Port of Seattle, the Cities of Burien, and SeaTac, gathered alongside project leads to celebrate the completion of 1.4-acres of restored floodplain designed to enhance habitat for endangered salmon and reduce flooding for the surrounding community.
The project is just one piece of the Northeast Redevelopment Area (NERA) where master planning set a vision for economic development near the growing regional airport. In addition to the green stormwater infrastructure and environmental enhancements, the design also opened the area to greater public recreation with access to the regional trail system.
To support redevelopment of a 162-acre subarea near the expanding SeaTac International Airport, the restoration of Miller Creek improved stormwater capacity, natural habitat, and public use. By daylighting 900 linear feet of a stream that previously flowed through a failing pipe system, the project also adds protection for private property and downstream wetlands from runoff. The restored stream will now also provide important natural habitat for endangered salmon and other aquatic species by bringing it to the surface and removing other barriers to fish passage. These efforts contribute to broader efforts to restore the Puget Sound Watershed.
A creative approach to challenging mountain terrain was recognized at the 2025 American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Colorado event with an Honor Award for the Maroon Creek Trail. The transportation design behind this multimodal path is transformative for the City of Aspen, adding community connectivity while using low impact methods in this environmentally sensitive corridor.
For more than 65 years, the annual ACEC CO Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) have been highlighting projects that demonstrate an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement, and value. Learn more about how the Maroon Creek trail met these criteria to enhance mobility, safety, and environmental stewardship in this iconic Rocky Mountain setting.
The Maroon Creek Multiuse Trail provides a safe, non-motorized, and clearly-defined connection throughout the City of Aspen. Integrating with the city’s 22 miles of existing trails, it provides year-round access between the city’s neighborhoods, schools, and downtown core. This includes priority locations such the Aspen Recreation Center transit hub, Aspen Highlands Ski Area, and Maroon Bells Scenic Area. By encouraging walking and biking over vehicle use, this asset supports local climate goals while also reducing traffic congestion.
The trail has become a visible symbol of engineering’s role in promoting active transportation and environmental stewardship. As part of an extensive public engagement, the final design gave careful consideration of adjacent properties while giving priority to community input and ensuring fiscal responsibility. With steep slopes, limited right-of-way, sensitive wetlands, and proximity to a major waterway, the Maroon Creek Trail design addressed a variety of complex challenges. A combination of technical ingenuity and stakeholder collaboration successfully navigated these constraints, including extensive hydrologic modeling and specialized materials to accommodate seasonal freeze-thaw cycles and avalanche-prone areas. A careful balance of roadway separation and physical barriers were part of a creative approach to setting trail alignment in narrow settings.
