Supporting sustainable commuting solutions isn’t just a part of our project work – we’re proud to announce our Colorado team has won its size category for this year’s Go-tober Commute Challenge, held by the organization Way To Go and officiated by DRCOG!
During the month of October, Otakians in Louisvlle and Denver biked or rode public transport to reduce their CO2 emissions from commuting by a whopping 10.1 tons! The team avoided driving a distance of 24,869 miles total.
Check out more stats about Colorado’s total impact in the infographic, and thank you Way To Go, DRCOG and Commuting Solutions for another great Go-tober competition.
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.
Otak is thrilled to announce our success at the 2023 American Public Works Association (APWA) Colorado Awards Luncheon, where we were honored to be part of not one but two awards!
The awards ceremony brought together professionals and organizations from the public works sector to celebrate excellence and innovation in community development.
The Adam’s County Veteran’s Memorial Project team accepting the 2023 APWA Project of the Year Award. (Photo Credit: Colorado Public Works Journal)
What Projects Won?
The big winner for this year was one of the most interesting projects Otak’s has had the chance to team up on in recent years – Adam’s County Veteran’s Memorial. Partnering with DHM Design and ECI Site Management was an opportunity to not only serve the community but honor veterans with a historic battleship turned testament to their service for their country.
The ceremony was not only an occasion for Otak to celebrate its own achievements but also to applaud the remarkable efforts of other dedicated professionals and organizations in the field. Together, we continue to elevate the standards of excellence in public works and community development.
The Adams County Veteran’s Memorial project team at the APWA Colorado 2023 luncheon.
Otak would like to express its gratitude to the APWA Colorado Chapter for organizing this event and for providing a platform for industry leaders to share ideas, inspire innovation, and celebrate success. We are thrilled to be part of this thriving community of professionals who are working tirelessly to build a brighter future.
At Otak, we remain committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve. These awards are a testament to our collective efforts, and we look forward to many more opportunities to create meaningful change. It’s amazing to get recognition for the work we do to serve our communities, and the real payoff is not just with awards, but in the way we deliver projects successfully.
For more information about Otak and our ongoing community-focused projects, check out our website where you’ll find the latest on other projects in the Rocky Mountain Region!
Otak was proud to attend a ribbon cutting on October 3rd – celebrating the unveiling of the City of Boulder’s first-ever fully protected intersection and underpass project at 30th Street and Colorado Avenue!
The timing for the full delivery of this project could not be more relevant as the intersection is a top crash location for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. The need was great to redesign it as a protected intersection – meant to ensure safety by physically separating vehicles from other modes of transport through the intersection, and making it easier for users to see each other.
Project Details
The project design features the aforementioned protected intersection as well as two separate pedestrian and bicycle underpasses. Connecting infrastructure to nearby sidewalks, bike lanes, and multi-use paths along with the reconstructed transit stops improves access to these corridors. Features like lighting, landscaping elements, and public art were also included as part of the urban design. Otak and our team of subconsultant partners developed construction documents to make the City of Boulder’s improved transportation goals a reality. You can read more about it on our project page!
Otakian Representation
Those attending might have caught sight of Otak’s Kevin Dooley, representing his project management and design work that was essential to accomplishing the city’s goals. For him, transportation is about much more than getting from one place to the next – transportation design is an art form that involves creatively combining what is known with what could be, and that passion played an instrumental role in a successful project delivery.
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.
In the realm of preserving our natural treasures and offering exceptional recreational experiences, the practice of Visitor Use Management (VUM) has taken center stage. This practice, critical in balancing the conservation of our public lands with the enhancement of visitor’s experiences, has gained momentum as increasing visitation to these landscapes becomes the new norm.
To address this growing challenge,the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) recently hosted a workshop focused on Visitor Use Management. SORP has a forty-year history of fostering collaboration among outdoor recreation professionals through similar events that attract state, federal, and local land managers, as well as university researchers, and professional consultants. Among the topics this year, was the growing application of Visitor Use Management.
From left to right, Erin Hanczyk (NYSDEC), Abbie Larkin (Otak), Sara Hart (NYSDEC), and Steve Lawson (Otak) respond to questions following their presentation on the active NYSDEC VUM Project
What is the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals?
The Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals, or SORP, serves as a vital hub for individuals passionate about safeguarding parks and protected areas while promoting sustainable outdoor recreation. With a vision to create sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities for all, a mission to advance the outdoor recreation profession through leadership, and a commitment to values centered on integrity and inclusivity, SORP plays a crucial role in shaping the future of outdoor experiences.
This year, SORP hosted a workshop at Acadia National Park centered on Visitor Use Management, drawing over 140 virtual and in-person participants from across the United States and Canada. Attendees delved into case studies, engaged in discussions about challenges and opportunities in implementing VUM, and explored avenues for mutual support and knowledge-sharing among a community of practice. The event provided a unique platform for practitioners to exchange ideas and best practices, advancing the field of Visitor Use Management.
A Case Study on Implementing Visitor Use Management in New York State
A process map developed for the NYSDEC VUM project, depicting project milestones along a timeline
Among the notable speakers at the event were Otak’s Steve Lawson and Abbie Larkin, key members of our Visitor Use Planning and Management (VUPM) team. Together, with representatives from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), they co-presented an Otak case study detailing their work in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.
The presentation outlined Otak’s approach to implement the Visitor Use Management Framework in key areas of the parks experiencing increasing visitor use pressure. The case study emphasized the need for a proactive and structured approach to address the challenges stemming from rising visitation numbers, changing visitor expectations, and the imperative to prioritize resource protection and promote sustainable recreation.
The shared information sheds light on the transition from a reactive and disjointed approach to a systematic, data-driven, and holistic process for sustainable visitor use management. Key components of the approach include internal planning workshops, public outreach, and stakeholder engagement opportunities that reflect the Visitor Use Management Framework.
By collecting data on visitor use levels along roadways, in parking areas, on trails, and at key destinations, and data on visitor use patterns, experiences, and perceptions, this project will assess current conditions related to visitors’ experiences and public safety. The project also provides the basis for evaluating the relationship between recreation use and impacts, and ultimately the development of adaptable, long-term visitor use management strategies.
The Takeaway: Building Familiarity with the Visitor Use Management Process
Visitor Use Management is a thriving field with immense potential to shape the future of outdoor recreation. We’re excited to partner with organizations like SORP that share a commitment to growing the field and promoting the use of the Visitor Use Management framework. These events provide unique opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with the growing community of practice while creating the space for new ideas and connections to form.
The event also proved to be valuable for organizations learning about the RFP process by the State of New York, offering a glimpse into the practicalities of initiating Visitor Use Management projects while also being introduced to our team as well as other professional consultants. As leaders in this field, Otak will continue to share ideas and address visitor use challenges at sites across the country and beyond, to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable outdoor experience for all.
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!
We are thrilled here at Otak, because the anchor of our Southwest Washington operations officially launched its new space to the public with an Office Open House this July!
About the Vancouver Space
Located at 805 Broadway Street in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Otak’s new Vancouver office reinforces our urban presence and commitment to the ongoing revitalization of Clark County’s core. The new space creates an enjoyable street-level connection between our team, visitors, clients, and businesses of downtown Vancouver. Formerly the Princeton Athletic Club, the long-vacant space provided a unique, ‘clean slate’ for our architecture team to creatively design and curate. A modern design, high and exposed ceiling, and an abundance of glass creates a bright open environment that fosters collaboration amongst team members.
Hosting the Community to Improve It
Over 50 local dignitaries, business leaders, clients, and guests joined celebration, including Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and local partners from the City of Vancouver, Vancouver Housing Authority, and the Vancouver Downtown Association. It was a delight and pleasure to open our doors and catch up in-person with our community
With direct connections to the city as former Vancouver mayor, Otak’s Principal Engineer, Tim Leavitt, shared his thoughts about Otak’s place in the growing region:
“Otak has long supported the successful planning and development of SW Washington, including both our work in the public infrastructure realm and our work with private investors and developers. We have tremendous pride looking over the landscape of important projects that are bringing Vancouver and SW Washington to the forefront of prosperity in the metro area. This new office space represents our ongoing investment and strong belief in the bright future of SW Washington!” – Tim Leavitt, Principal Engineer Otak
As Vancouver continues to grow and diversify its economy, this new office promises to be a catalyst for local economic development. By bringing together innovative minds, fostering collaboration, and providing a conducive environment for growth, the office aims to contribute to the city’s thriving business landscape.
It’s official! Our partners at Multnomah County Library have broken ground on a state-of-the-art library in East County, promising a dynamic landmark that will transform the community’s access to learning, play, and connection. The groundbreaking ceremony for the impressive project took place on July 12, 2023, showcasing the library’s commitment to innovation and community engagement.
The future East County Library will span an impressive 95,000 square feet, making it comparable in size to Central Library in downtown Portland. The library’s strategic location will provide convenient accessibility for all residents of East County.
Otak’s PM/CM & owner’s representative team, led by Project Manager Mike Day, is proud to have a role in making this project a reality by providing owner’s representative and bond program management services in partnership with Multnomah County library.
The Road to the Perfect Site
The journey to find the ideal site for this ambitious project culminated with the purchase of the former Gresham City Hall Park and Ride (1297 NW Eastman Pkwy, Gresham) from TriMet. The collaborative agreement between Multnomah County Library and TriMet marks the end of years of extensive search efforts, ensuring the library’s placement meets the needs of the community while allowing for future transit-oriented development by TriMet. The City of Gresham will also play a role in shaping the vision for the surrounding civic space.
The groundbreaking ceremony featured Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, District 4 Commissioner Lori Stegmann, Multnomah County Library Director Vailey Oehlke, Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall, and other key members of the community. Programming also included a land blessing performed by the NARA (Native American Rehabilitation Assoc.) northwest chapter, a local non-profit group. The event celebrated the library’s role as a transformative space – bringing together the diverse population of East County.
Designed by the Community, for the Community
At the heart of the library’s design is community engagement, with insights and dreams from residents of East County driving the vision for the project. Through the Community Library Champions program, members of community organizations like El Programa Hispano Católico and Black Economic Collective worked directly with residents to gather their input and aspirations for the library.
Rendering courtesy of Holst Architecture
Among the exciting features inspired by community input are:
Large Auditorium: The library will house a spacious auditorium with flexible seating, catering to cultural celebrations, lectures, performances, and family programs. This multi-purpose space will be a true asset to East County, providing a venue for events that were previously unavailable in the area.
A Makerspace: A dedicated area will be provided for classes and exploration of various disciplines, from robotics to construction to 3D printing, encouraging hands-on learning and creativity.
Audio Visual Studio: The library will incorporate a top-of-the-line audio visual studio, offering users a professional-grade studio experience within the library’s premises.
Teen Space: With technology, connection, and creativity in mind, the library will feature a sizable teen space, providing an inviting environment for young people to engage with the latest technologies.
Diverse Collections: To reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of the neighborhood, the library will curate diverse collections that cater to the interests and backgrounds of its patrons.
Dedicated Family Space: The library will prioritize family-centric spaces, offering secure indoor and outdoor play and learning areas for children.
Outdoor Community Space: With an outdoor amphitheater and plaza, the library will become a central gathering place for community members, hosting music, speakers, and other events.
More than a Library
The East County Library project will go beyond providing a physical space for books and information, aiming to enrich lives and foster community connections. The building will be designed with sustainability in mind, pursuing LEED Gold certification, and incorporating eco-friendly elements such as native plants, energy-efficient systems, and the use of recycled and locally sourced materials.
Rendering courtesy of Holst Architecture
“This new library will be beautiful, accessible, and representative of the people of East County. A public library should reflect our highest ideals and aspirations, and we are making that a reality,” said Vailey Oehlke, Director of Libraries.
The library construction process, scheduled to begin in August 2023, is estimated to cost approximately $147 million, with completion anticipated in fall 2025. As the plans for the East County Library take shape, anticipation and excitement are building within the community, marking the beginning of a new era in public libraries for Multnomah County.
For more information on the East County Library project and Multnomah County Library’s initiatives, visit their website at www.multcolib.org.
He approaches every project with a holistic view of sustainability that encompasses social wellbeing, environmental preservation and restoration, economic development, and a project’s lifetime resilience to future long-term environmental and economic conditions.
What is Envision?
According to the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, Envision is a framework that helps communities cut greenhouse gas emissions, create good-paying green jobs, address environmental justice, and meet climate-change targets that works much like LEED when it comes to construction of buildings. The key difference between Envision and LEED is Envision applies the framework to a multitude of project types spanning the public infrastructure spectrum, and is becoming increasingly popular when it comes to sustainable and resilient project delivery.
The framework provides a flexible system of criteria and performance objectives to aid decision makers and help project teams identify sustainable, resilient, and equitable approaches. It works at all levels of a project’s lifecycle – during the planning, design, and construction phases.
What is an Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP)?
An ENV SP is essentially an expert in the Envision framework — a professional that has demonstrated their knowledge in making projects sustainable and just from the planning to final delivery stages. Through the credential, Envision recognizes and brings attention to individuals trained and dedicated to developing more sustainable infrastructure.
When asked about his achievement, Charles humbly expressed his happiness and pride. He sees these credentials as a reflection of his passion for creating a greener and more sustainable future. An enthusiasm for continuous learning and personal growth makes him a true asset to Otak and an inspiration to his colleagues.
Real World Applications: Monroe Ave Stormwater Infiltration Facility for the City of Renton
Charles’ passion for sustainable development and his accreditation complement each other, fostering innovation and environmentally responsible practices. This can be seen firsthand on the Monroe Ave Stormwater Infiltration Facility Project for the City of Renton – a remarkable $15-20 million endeavor set for construction in late 2023.
Through an improved stormwater conveyance system utilizing multiple stage stormwater treatment prior to full infiltration of stormwater runoff from the contributing 250-acre basin, the project showcases his dedication to creating sustainable solutions that positively impact the community, and it’s a testament to Charles’s ingenuity and his ability to implement environmentally friendly strategies without compromising on quality.
Take a closer look at the project here, courtesy of the City of Renton, to learn more!
As we look to the future, Charles Dewey’s expertise and dedication will undoubtedly continue to drive positive change within Otak and beyond. His work stands as a testament to the power of sustainability and innovation in shaping a better world for all. We’re proud to have Charles as part of our team and can’t wait to see what incredible projects he’ll contribute to next!
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