Design+Build

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺.

Most organizations still manage them as three separate functions. Real estate decisions get made around lease events. Technology gets bought for infrastructure reasons. People strategy gets shaped by culture and talent pressure.

Each decision makes sense on its own. The problem shows up in how they interact.

A collaborative office undermined by tools that do not support hybrid work. A distributed workforce constrained by a portfolio concentrated in a handful of locations. Flexibility enabled by technology, then limited by a workplace that was never redesigned to match.

That reframes the questions leadership needs to ask:

1. How does work actually happen across the organization?
2. What environments, physical and digital, support it?
3. How does each location contribute to the whole?
4. What behavior is the current setup enabling, or quietly working against?

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿.

Set within a commuter-friendly community close to green space and local amenities, the design brings together function and lifestyle, an environment shaped as much for how people live as how they work.

Concept layouts for the client site reimagine the workday: a welcoming reception, a creative open office, and an on-site daycare, all crowned by high ceilings and skylights that fill the space with natural light.

Reflecting FCTG's commitment to sustainable stewardship, the new collaborative hub introduces natural, biophilic elements, flexible work zones, and an abundance of natural light to enhance wellbeing.

DBW helped the organization secure a prime location during the critical pre-lease phase and translate its vision to reality: providing test fits, tailored design, and a delivery approach engineered to reduce risk at every turn.

Set the right tone for every interaction. Reception and conference spaces are
opportunities to showcase brand identity, hospitality, and leave a lasting first
impression on visitors. When designed with intention, these client-facing zones
become powerful tools for building relationships and reinforcing culture.

The DBW team had a wonderful time participating in the annual J+J Helping Hands event in support of OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

Firms across the country came together to decorate trees for young patients and their families, bringing moments of joy during the holiday season. We’re proud to support initiatives that give back to the community and look forward to participating again next year.

How do teams balance individual focus work and collaboration throughout the day? A human-centered design approach redefines the user experience, supporting employee wellbeing, community connection, and organizational performance.

DESIGN+BUILD’s Ryan Synkelma shares how furniture materiality, zoning, and movement influence productivity, social dynamics, and a more intentional workspace experience.

Interview link in bio.

The Portland team joined ‘s Annual Charity Gala, celebrating community resilience, healing, and sustained recovery. In partnership with 4D Recovery, DESIGN+BUILD is bringing to life the first Family Recovery & Health Campus in Oregon, an innovative space where young people can access the full spectrum of care they deserve. The campus will include detox, mental health care, residential and outpatient treatment, peer support, and family engagement, all in one location.

The evening raised over $218,000 to advance this transformative project and support 4D Recovery’s mission to help adolescents, young adults, and families recover from substance use disorders.

Approaching this project with empathy and trauma-informed design principles, our team of strategists, designers, and builders envisions a space that fosters healing through empowerment.

We are inspired by 4D Recovery’s mission and the role the built environment has in creating opportunities for people to thrive. The new campus will serve as a welcoming, restorative space where young people are met with dignity and support on their personal pathways to recovery.

The Portland team joined ‘s Annual Charity Gala, celebrating community resilience, healing, and sustained recovery. In partnership with 4D Recovery, DESIGN+BUILD is bringing to life the first Family Recovery & Health Campus in Oregon, an innovative space where young people can access the full spectrum of care they deserve. The campus will include detox, mental health care, residential and outpatient treatment, peer support, and family engagement, all in one location.

The evening raised over $218,000 to advance this transformative project and support 4D Recovery’s mission to help adolescents, young adults, and families recover from substance use disorders.

Approaching this project with empathy and trauma-informed design principles, our team of strategists, designers, and builders envisions a space that fosters healing through empowerment.

We are inspired by 4D Recovery’s mission and the role the built environment has in creating opportunities for people to thrive. The new campus will serve as a welcoming, restorative space where young people are met with dignity and support on their personal pathways to recovery.

NWU’s new clinic redefines the standard for contemporary healthcare environments, embodying a shift toward design that fosters engagement, trust, and an elevated patient experience.

As NWU continues to expand its clinic network, DESIGN+BUILD is honored to collaborate in establishing new design standards for the next generation of healthcare spaces.

The reception area sets the tone for the experience with an open and intuitive flow that guides patients naturally from arrival to care. Luxury chevron vinyl tile, warm wood detailing, and suspended globe lighting lend the space a lofty, inviting presence. Natural light is drawn deep into the interior through relights and additional windows, creating an uplifting environment that nurtures both patient healing and staff renewal.

The program was designed for efficiency, positioning exam rooms, procedure areas, and the lab in close proximity to enhance circulation and support the flow of care. Behind the scenes, tranquil respite areas, offices, and support spaces offer providers a restorative retreat.

Special thanks to Stanford Scriven, SIOR, of Northwest Tenant Group, and Dr. Daniel Hirselj for their partnership and vision.

Last week, the DESIGN+BUILD Portland team partnered with Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) for their Annual Charity Golf Tournament, connecting with industry peers and partners on the course.

We’re proud to support Neighborhood House () and the important work they do for families in our community. Thank you to Paige Tisdale for organizing such an impactful event.