We’re officially rounding out the end of Spring conference season in Oregon, where we’ve continued to form lasting partnerships, meet the clients we serve, and showcase what we’re about. We love the opportunities conferences give us to support and connect with organizations rooted in the communities we call home.
OAME and APWA Oregon, the two most recent conferences we attended, are organizations we have a long history of partnering with. Read on to find out more about each conference and hear the why behind what makes each of them so special!
OAME Conference
The 35th Annual Trade Show hosted by the all-inclusive organization, Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME) provided us with the opportunity to exchange ideas, talk to fellow partners and potential clients, and most importantly support the growth of minority-owned businesses.
We value having a presence at this conference, because enables us to show up directly for minority-run businesses and forge lasting partnerships – from prospective clients to new friends in the industry.
Complete with a booth and Otakians from engineering, architecture, marketing in full attendance, we got the chance to bring who we are to the table: a firm that listens to our communities and their local businesses and uses those connections to improve the project work we do daily.
APWA OR Conference
The American Public Works Association (APWA) is one of the most influential professional organizations in the public works field, dedicated to raising awareness about the vital role public works plays in the communities where we live. Fun fact, our own Ashley Cantlon, senior water resources engineer, is the Oregon chapter President – meaning we have a deep appreciation for our relationship with the organization.
Similarly to the OAME conference, this event allows us to be involved in one of the premier organizations for public works in the state, enabling better connections, better relationships, and better understanding of best practices and industry trends.
With a strong presence from Otak engineering leaders like Kevin Timmins, Amanda Owings, Henry Alaman, and Trista Kobluskie, we spoke with potential clients, new friends, and learned more about how we can enrich neighborhoods through the power of quality design. To mix things up a bit, we brought along a special APWA OR picture frame to encourage some photo opts!
Thank you to both these organizations for hosting us, and we can’t wait to come back next year!
We’ve moved UP! We’re pretty excited about our nearly 40 point jump (but who’s counting!) to #207 in the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm rankings! Everyone looks forward to ENR’s annual big reveal moment to see how we stack up with our competition; it’s a great way to benchmark.
What is the ENR Top 500?
The Engineering News-Record’s annual Top Firms lists ranks firms by revenue across several important segments in the Architecture-Engineering-Construction industry. ENR’s Top Firms report is about more than rankings; the market analysis is invaluable as an additional resource to help us plan our future strategy, especially this year as we finalize our next 5-year strategy.
It’s great to see that our work is paying off and our ranking means the firm is growing well ahead of the industry median – ultimately creating opportunities for building the best team in the industry with our culture and projects leading the way.
We’re proud to be ranked by a notable publication like ENR – stay tuned for more news on our growth as we attract top talent to our multidisciplinary practice.
Through Otak’s work with numerous organizations fostering the next generation of talent in the AEC industry, we believe in uplifting and equipping young professionals looking to make an impact.
Over the last quarter, we’ve been excited to host Kyle (Jinwook) Jang and Jina Park, two interns from our parent company, HanmiGlobal (HG), who visited our Portland office to learn practical applications of their studies with our Architecture practice area.
We sat down with Kyle and Jina to talk about their time visiting Otak, what they’ve been learning with the architecture department, and some of the things they love about visiting the United States (and the Pacific Northwest in particular).
Meet Kyle
Kyle is a rising star with two degrees in Architecture to his name. He earned his Bachelors in architecture at Chinese University of Hong Kong, and quickly followed that by earning his Masters in architecture back in his home city of Seoul, South Korea.
Kyle says the most valuable things he’s learning while visiting Otak is effective management skills and a deeper understanding of global markets when it comes to building and design, something HG puts a high degree of importance on when they send interns overseas. He explains, “It’s great to get a fresh perspective on design and my work that I can bring home with me, and I’m only getting more experience with different types of building codes in working with Otak.”
When asked why he was interested in visiting Otak, he emphasized that our rich history in the PNW and “commitment to society” immediately drew him in:
“I was especially impressed with Otak’s work for social good in the community and I’m grateful to learn at a firm with such a strong dedication to sustainability.”
More than just learning to be a better designer with renderings and assembly drawings, Kyle made the point of telling us what he loves about Portland and the PNW at large. He quickly grew to appreciate Portland craft breweries, the famous 10 Barrel Brewing Co. being his favorite, and it didn’t take long for him to become a fan of the Portland Trailblazers after going to a game.
Kyle is grateful for the opportunity to learn with both HG and Otak, and is excited to take his new lived experiences with him home to Korea. We return that gratitude and know that he will immediately make an impact in the built environment.
Meet Jina
Jina visited Otak already with a Bachelors degree in architecture from Hanyang University in Seoul. With aspirations of earning her Masters when she returns home, she says Otak’s interdisciplinary practices were what she values most. She explains, “HG often wants people with experience in a variety of fields within the industry. Otak’s work seemed to fit with that, and I wanted to learn as much as I could about other practices in the industry.”
Her favorite aspect of architecture is seeing it all come together, relishing the chance to go to construction sites and see designs rise from the drawing to a real building. She also appreciates the opportunity to learn and gain a global understanding of the AEC industry:
“I really get to learn the details of the work here, and feel like I have a deeper understanding of the design process in general since coming to Otak.”
Jina also didn’t want to leave out her favorite aspects of Portland and the greater area. She quickly grew to love the famous Voodoo Donuts and AFURI Ramen & Dumpling, and says she’s spent hours wandering through Powell’s Books looking for a good read.
Building Careers with Otak and Beyond
Kyle and Jina shared a similar sentiment about Otak and the PNW, the access to nature was amazing, the people were nice from the beginning, and each of them felt deeply involved with our operations in Architecture from the very start.
Not only are we grateful to be able to host such talented young architects, but we are also emphatic in wishing each of them the best with the rest of their careers. Thank you for visiting us, Kyle and Jina!
Otak is excited to announce that our work on 180th Street SE Improvements for Snohomish County just won Project of the Year at the APWA Washington’s annual Spring conference in the $5 million – $25 million Transportation category!
Read on as we take a deep dive into what this award means, and why we’re so grateful to be recognized among many other deserving winners from across Washington state.
What’s the Project?
The impact of improvements to the 180th Street corridor makes the area safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and critical habitats in the surrounding natural environment.
The unincorporated area between the cities of Mill Creek and Bothell is one of the fastest growing in all of Snohomish County. The east/west 180th St SE corridor runs through the heart of the community, and along with the north/south corridors of State Route 527, 35th Ave SE, and Seattle Hill Rd, is one of the main routes for navigating the southwest area of Snohomish County.
With the steadily increasing population and plans for additional transit options coming to the area, improvements to the arterial transportation system are a top priority for Snohomish County.
Otak partnered with Snohomish County Public Works to deliver transportation, structural, and environmental services for the project’s Phase I improvements, and we’re beyond proud of the final result.
What’s the APWA?
The American Public Works Association is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services. Originally chartered in 1937, APWA is the largest and oldest organization of its kind in the world, with headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, an office in Washington, D.C., and 67 chapters throughout North America. APWA provides a forum in which public works professionals can exchange ideas, improve professional competency, increase the performance of their agencies and companies, and bring important public works-related topics to public attention in local, state and federal arenas.
The Washington Chapter’s 1,400 (+/-) members come from the entire state of Washington. The Chapter as a whole meets twice a year at spring (Western Washington) and fall (Eastern Washington) conferences and there are several other formal and informal annual events throughout the year.
We’d like to formally thank APWA Washington for bestowing this award on such a deserving and community-driven project. Stay tuned for more conference and award news as this season gets into full swing. We can’t wait to connect with more of our partners and clients at future events, and maybe win some more awards along the way!
Otak is excited to share that we have once again offset our annual emissions. We continue to partner with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) to quantify and offset our carbon footprint from our offices, air, and vehicular travel for both work trips and commuting. Otak is committed to taking steps towards reducing our environmental impacts, and our offsets are just one piece of that strategy.
Balancing Emissions at the Office and in the Field
BEF provides third-party verified offsets and renewable energy credits. Renewable Energy Credits are purchased to offset our office energy consumption across all regions, or our total Scope 2 emissions. Our remaining emissions fall under Scope 3; we purchase traditional offsets for this category. Otak has the opportunity to contribute to projects of value through our Scope 3 offsets:
Otak’s firmwide emissions increased from 2021 to 2022, primarily due to an increase in our Scope 3 emissions for employee commute and business-related travel as we see business operations return to normal following the pandemic. However, despite a growing office footprint, our Scope 2 emissions decreased year-over-year, an outcome from applying updated emission factors specific to the regions in which our offices are located. As regional energy production systems become less carbon-intensive over time, Otak offices will similarly experience reduced emissions associated with our energy use.
2022 Emissions Distribution
A Closer Look at Commitments to Sustainability
You can learn more about BEF’s offset program here.
If you’re interested in learning more about actions you can take to lower your personal and household carbon footprint, check out these resources:
Otak’s commitment to sustainable placemaking is one of our cornerstones, as an immovable aspect of who we are and our approach to our work. Sustainability matters to us not because it’s popular, but because it’s a moral imperative to those we serve given the realities of accelerating climate change.
Take a look at our Sustainability Action Plan for a more in-depth view into how environmental stewardship is taking shape in various facets of the way our business works and operates.
Otak is proud to formally announce something big out of our Vancouver office — we’ve moved!
Located just two blocks up the road at 805 Broadway, this revitalized office space will continue to serve as Otak’s anchor in SW Washington and integrate us even further into the community of downtown Vancouver.
“We continue to grow with SW Washington, working with great clients on cool projects”, says Tim Leavitt, Otak’s Geography Manager. “This new office location is very exciting, elevating our presence and reaffirming our confidence in the positive trajectory of SW Washington.”
With Otak architecture spearheading the planning and programming of the office, the resulting environment is a creative, clean, and vibrant one that represents Otak through and through. One of the biggest design drivers for moving to this specific space was its tall, open, studio feel, with large windows that let in lots of natural light and showcase a street view. The architecture team also worked to create unique spaces with the office, including a unique floating main conference room that was cantilevered out over the existing space to create more square footage, and a bistro area that opens up to the street, creating an opportunity for Otak to have events that open directly out into the Vancouver community.
Why Did We Move?
More than just a change of scenery, this move to a new office serves strategic purposes for both our firm and our clients. It’s a refreshing of the Otak identity and an increase in space that ties directly into the trajectory of SW Washington.
This move is also an affirmation of our commitment toward the vitality of downtown Vancouver, something we’re deeply proud of as it helps us build meaningful relationships in the community and allows us to be active participants in the city’s renaissance.
With big, open-air spaces and street level views, our new office will also allow Otak to be right where the action is as Vancouver becomes a West Coast destination, and our roots in the city are already expansive.
Rich History
Hotel Indigo and Kirkland Tower
Our history in Vancouver goes back to Otak’s original identity, and just some of the projects we’ve worked on or are currently working on for the city include:
We’re not stopping there! This new office will allow us to continue to take on transformational projects for not just the city of Vancouver, but also for all of SW Washington.
Community Engagement
Did we mention we love downtown Vancouver? We have an ongoing and fruitful relationship with the Vancouver Downtown Association facilitating Vancouver’s renaissance, and our own Tim Leavitt, former mayor of Vancouver for 8 years, is Chair of the Board of Directors for the Parks Foundation of Clark County.
Otak is also involved in the community at the ground level. We regularly participate in neighborhood litter cleanups, work with the SW Washington Walk & Knock Food Drive, and spend time feeding unhoused populations in the city with the Clark County Food Bank.
An Integral Part of Otak’s Mission
Our legacy in the PNW knows no bounds, and our new Vancouver office is evidence that Otak remains ready to serve the communities of SW Washington and Oregon directly in the neighborhoods in which people live.
Stay tuned for more announcements and news coming from our refreshed location, and here’s to reigniting life into downtown Vancouver through expert, practical design.
Otak’s architectural practice extends well beyond the borders of the Pacific Northwest. We also have roots in the Rocky Mountains, and as we continue to build a robust team of architects in our studio, we’re happy to announce that our investment in the Denver Metro area has never been stronger.
Our Louisville office has been in Colorado for years, and with the opening of our Denver studio we remain excited about playing an active role in what make’s Denver’s built environment so interesting. From Coors Field to Larimer Square to Union Station, the history of Denver’s architecture is storied and worthy of praise across the country. Now, Otak lives where that story is most prominent — Downtown Denver.
Our ‘One Otak’ approach plays a critical role here, and the values of our whole company align with the impact we’re making in Denver. When you work with us, you work with multidisciplinary professionals who are able to look at a project and see not only the macro elements, but also the micro details of how it will affect communities and people that live in whatever space we occupy.
All of this is why Otak thinks it best to introduce the world to our Denver studio, and talk more about our appreciation for both them and our ability to serve the area.
In this piece, Otak invites you to meet our stellar Denver Architecture team, and learn more about where that team is involved, the type of work we do, and how we prioritize that work.
Otak’s History in Colorado
Though our architecture presence in Denver is new in comparison, Otak has been serving the Rocky Mountain West throughout nearly our whole history out of multiple locations in the state. Just some of our milestone projects in the region include: It’s a history that includes a variety of services and a number of milestone projects in the region that include a few recent highlights:
Designed to serve as an urban park as well as a major multi-modal transportation conduit, the US6 and 19th Street interchange improved connectivity between residential areas and the Colorado School of Mines campus, while also improving the vehicular level of service. The concept would also lead to work on the “Heritage Lid” Interchange design project.
The 29-acre cloverleaf intersection of Colfax Avenue and Federal Boulevard represented one of the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians and bicyclists in Denver. Otak led the design of transportation infrastructure modifications with numerous stakeholders and hosted public participation meetings in reimagining the area.
In partnership with Naranjo Civil Constructors, this complete design-build project replaces the Godfrey Ditch Diversion structure located on the Middle South Platte River in Weld County, Colorado. The multiple-benefit diversion project reduced sediment transport disruptions, improved maintenance requirements, limited damage potential from future floods, enhanced aquatic and riparian habitats, and enable fish and safe recreational boating passage—all while delivering the full decree of water.
Why Denver?
Our presence in Denver serves distinct strategic purposes. For one, it opens up our practice to projects in urbanized areas — places where Otak services are needed. From affordable housing and mission critical facilities to mixed use and multifamily high rises, Otak has experience with addressing and exceeding the needs of both our clients and the community.
Second, being in Denver expands our footprint in the region for growing involvement with the community. From this location, we continue to build on our core commitments of equity and sustainability with both the projects we take on in the area and as part of our broader business operations.
On the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is uniquely positioned to provide a perfect addition for our continued work with preserving our natural landscapes. From projects with the National Park Service to studies involving our visitor use management and water and natural resources teams, the deep connection between Denver and the value of outdoor spaces will enhance our own emphasis in that area.
Meet the Denver Architecture Team
Kurt Basford – Denver Studio Lead
“For me, architecture has always been a passion. As a young artist, I connected with the profession as a physical extension of my creativity. Designing spaces that inspire and shape our cultural dynamics bring me joy in every project. Being raised around construction sites and building a background in finance, I have been able to bring these experiences to the built environment to create meaningful spaces, balance the art + science of architecture, and deliver innovative solutions for our clients. Architecture has allowed me to travel the world working with incredible clients and afforded me the experience of every building type. It truly is a joy to be an architect and I enjoy my work with colleagues every day. I can honestly say I love my job as every day is a new adventure.”
Kelly Buchanan – Architect
“Architecture is about people and placemaking. I believe in the power of placemaking and crafting spaces to be inclusive, sustainable, and relevant. Having studied in Las Vegas, Portland, OR, and a brief time in Italy, I have seen how architecture adapts to the context and culture of a place. I grew up along the front range and moved to Denver to once again be closer to family. I’ve always appreciated the unique style of Mountain West architecture and the influence of both the mountains and prairies. The natural landscape is deeply embedded in the culture of Colorado communities and offers an exciting backdrop for practicing architecture and place-based problem solving.”
Zaq Dohallow – Designer
“I chose a career in architecture in order to better serve my passion for integrating nature into the built environment. Architecture is one of many options for addressing the challenges related to a rapidly changing climate, however, architecture and design also provide an outlet for creativity and inventive thought. Designing buildings and spaces in Colorado is a welcome challenge. Due to our extreme weather and drastically different seasonal considerations Colorado buildings are a great way to expand our understanding of flexible and adaptive design. Energy saving strategies and passive measures are tested in our hot and cold, wet and dry seasons and provide a template for strategies which can be applied to various parts of the world with more stable weather patterns.”
Levi Wall – Architect
“Like many architects, I found architecture first through Legos, but also from gleaning art and woodworking skills from my mom, which got me hooked on shaping the physical world. Colorado is a great place to practice architecture for many of the same reasons it’s an great place to live: the natural beauty, the vibrant growing cities, and a dynamic business environment all provide the context for beautiful architecture. Population growth and climate change also bring challenges to our way of life, which are exciting challenges to address in designing the built environment.”
Tom Hoover – Architect
“I became interested in Architecture at a very young age, 8 years old to be exact. My family moved to Colorado after time in Europe and my parents procured a piece of land on a hilltop with fabulous views to the west. My parents collected several Herman Miller & Eames furniture pieces long before I knew what good design translated to. My parents engaged the services of an architect whom designed a mid-century modern home nestled into that hillside. Growing up in that house, in a mountain setting, with choreographed interior elements that supplemented the feel of the space gave me an appreciation for how it came together through the architect. I grew up with desire to create fabulous spaces & experiences in Colorado doing just what that architect did.”
Karen Smith – Interior Designer
“I feel privileged to live in such a beautiful place and have witnessed a coming of age with local and national architectural groups. I had the opportunity to work for some local icons that were Colorado natives, and now of course everyone wants to be here! Throughout my career I have learned that working in tandem with architects yields the greatest results for the overall vision of the project. Blending the two disciplines seamlessly is one area where I have great expertise and an ongoing passion. Above all, design is a way of thinking, of looking at the world around us, and appreciating the fine details. There’s no better place to do this than here!”
Interested in joining the Denver architecture team, take a look at openings here!
What Does the Denver Architecture Team Do?
As a multidisciplinary firm, it follows that our people have multifaceted experience and a holistic view of all kinds of projects. Our team’s industry knowledge is extensive — our main areas of expertise are as follows:
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
Architecture
Interior Design
Specification Proficiency
Master Planning
Visitor Use Management Integration
Program Planning
Fixtures, Furnishings, and Equipment (FFE)
Historic Preservation Data Driven Design (Parametric/Algorithmic)3D/Meta Design
The values that bind the Denver studio are distinct while still falling under our ‘One Otak’ umbrella, and much of our work in the PNW translates directly into the work we do in Colorado. From affordable housing, higher education, civic, and institutional to specializations including corporate offices, data facilities, and mission critical infrastructure, Denver injects expertise and community involvement at every step of project delivery.
In line with our Green Otak (GO) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Denver also undertakes projects where environmental resilience meets serving underrepresented communitiesTo serve these projects, the team is involved with organizations like Housing Colorado and the Urban Land Institute.
In summary the Denver studio is strategically placed and positioned to serve clients in the Denver Metro area with a unique perspective, one that’s distinctly Otak.
A Piece of the Otak Architecture Puzzle
Otak’s Denver studio exists to impact a variety of new bottom lines when it comes to serving clients, which expands our reach and relationships even further into the state of Colorado. It’s a crucial new piece of Otak that aligns with our greater architecture practice and strategy.
With our new Denver office opening this past year, learn more about our whole architecture business unit. Otak is proud to take this step in our continuing commitment to resilient, practical, and beautiful design.
This holiday season, we’ve assembled an online gallery of our team’s artwork for you to enjoy. We hope these flashes of the Otak creative spirit inspire you during the holidays and into the new year!
From a design perspective, what makes a building, space, or structure “good?”
Architectural ethics, or knowledge of moral principles in the built environment, is an issue that deserves analysis at every stage of the design-build process. Architects across the industry should be asking themselves the right questions: what makes a building good for the public, even if it’s not publicly owned?
This crucial step in the designing of buildings is a question that Otak project architect, Levi Wall tackled head-on when he led an ethics workshop at the 2022 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference.
“Ethics give architects a way of framing and understanding what we want to see in the world… and helps you find the why behind answering the question of how.”
Levi Wall, Otak project architect
What is the AIA Practice + Design Conference?
The Colorado Chapter of the AIA hosts a signature event in the fall, where architects and designers can come together to network, educate, and be inspired by other visionaries in the field.
Held at the Keystone Resort in 2022, it’s an event that demands the best of the best in the region, and inspiration struck Levi to play a more active role in the educational aspect of the conference by hosting a workshop, titled Designing Ethics.
Who is Levi?
Levi Wall is an accomplished practitioner of design with experience in urban projects, commercial interiors, K-12 schools, large-scale masterplans, and small-scale design interventions. He also serves as a Lecturer and Adjunct instructor at the University of Colorado Denver’s College of Architecture and Planning.
Previously serving as an architectural designer and then a full-fledged architect at DLR Group in the greater Denver area, his practice is rooted in the aesthetics of Denver architecture and the legacy of the city he calls home.
What do Ethics Mean in Architecture?
Levi credits a TED Talk featuring Alejandro Arevena, a Pritzker prize-winning architect from Chile, with inspiration for his workshop, and let a quote from that talk guide his thoughts as he developed his slide deck—“There is nothing worse than answering well the wrong question.”
Levi sought to raise awareness about ethical frameworks and how they relate to the built environment—when equity, inclusivity, and equality are required more than ever before given the world’s current cultural landscape. To Levi, a deep dive into ethics and design would help other architects start thinking about and answering the right questions:
At the very least, Levi sought to start a conversation and wanted to call other architects to action, to merge what they were talking about at the conference with the practice of their everyday design work.
“Our everyday jobs include balancing different values with money that isn’t our own – it often belongs to the client or public – so we’re already doing the work of figuring out what’s valuable in a built environment.”
Levi Wall, Otak project architect
The Approach
Employing Q&A tactics and SWAT analyses, Levi posed an icebreaker to the audience, prompting them to think about if they had ever been unsure in their work about the “right” thing to do as designers.
He invited audience members to probe those dilemmas and ethical conundrums, and came back to his initial icebreaker question: that ethics in architecture has everything to do with the alignment of values from clients to the public.
The Takeaway
Levi, from the outset, sought to get audiences thinking about how to utilize ethical frameworks throughout the design process, and now to measure the ethical impact of the designs they create. Ethics already plays a role in his work as a part of our Denver architecture studio, where work ranges from affordable housing to higher education buildings.
Take a look at more of our architectural work here, and join us in congratulating Levi on a successful workshop as he continues to prove himself to be a visionary in the Denver architecture space.
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